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Graduation 2009

So...the biggest news - Kenny graduated!
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It's too amazing!
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He hugs just like his Dad.
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He's been so lucky to have such great friends.
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And family...
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We had a great barbeque and party the next day to celebrate!
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Thanks, Matt...for everything.
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It's unbelievable to me that Dave is not here.
The summer that Dave was getting sicker, Kenny went to WaHi football camp in Moscow for the first time. We took a trip over there. Dave got to see Kenny on the field, in a WaHi jersey. By the time the season started in the fall, Dave was gone.

And I had the same feeling then that I did at graduation. How is it possible that these things are happening without him?

I wanted to feel proud. Proud of Kenny for all he's accomplished. Homecoming King, Most Inspirational Player (twice), the Lou Jacky Award, all his medals, his letters. And proud of our little family, for making it through. And I did. I really did.

But mostly I felt that reeling sense of unreality. Like it wasn't really happening. Like I should just shout, "Wait, wait, Dave's not here yet! Stop."

I remember after Kyle died...after Kenny was born. Every first was glorious, first smile, first tooth, first step. But it was also tinged with sadness...one more reminder of what was missing.

The very definition of bittersweet.
Bittersweet tears.

More to come:

Special Olympics (3 gold medals at Oregon Regionals!)
Walla Walla Bears Baseball
Kate dancing

But right now, Zach needs the computer to work on his online class.
Love you all....

Comments

  1. Anonymous7/12/2009 6:51 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS KENNY on your graduation and all of your accomplishments!!! You are amazing.

    I hope you all are enjoying your summer.

    Hugs and prayers from Iowa,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beverly8/04/2009 8:18 AM

    What a wonderful day! Congratulations to Kenny on his graduation...and hugs to you for being such a strong and wonderful mother!

    ReplyDelete
  3. CB8/12/2009 9:12 PM

    Ah yes, how well we know the feeling.....only too well. I'm sorry, Chelle. You have so much to be proud of, you are such a hero and of course, you know Dave has been there, though all of it, with you, but still. But still. Congratulations to Kenny, and to all of you ! Another milestone, how wonderful and special. Enjoy these moments if you can. Inspite of it all, you are fortunate to have each other, family and community, many people who love you.

    Big hugs to all of you !
    Cathyb
    www.lessonsfromlou.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Patti in NJ8/18/2009 6:32 AM

    Because I keep up on Facebook, I haven't checked this in a while. What a nice post. Kenny is such a cool kid. I'm sure you do feel Dave's not being there all the time. It sucks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous8/20/2009 11:14 AM

    Hey,
    Where is the new updated stuff of life that is occuring with your family. This is a very old posting.
    Steve J.

    ReplyDelete

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