Milestones

I love a get-a-away weekend. As much as I enjoy my home and where I live, given an opportunity to drive to someplace close or fly away is something I look forward to.

This weekend I am going to my brother's oldest son's high school graduation. Seems impossible to be doing so. Although not his first child, sadly Shawn and Kim's first child, Darby did not survive birth. I am sure it is moments such as these that brings thoughts of Darby to the forefront of what ifs and that has to be difficult. But even though a horrible loss was suffered by losing Darby, they were still blessed with Patrick Colin.

I can remember when he was born and going to see the little curmudgeon. It was so odd - here my big brother, who was in his late 20's was now not only married, but married with a baby boy!! It was Thanksgiving and poor Kim, we all (meaning my parents and my sister) came to celebrate Colin and Thanksgiving at their current post, Augusta, GA. I can remember holding him for the first time. He was a chunky guy and the hair - he had so much hair. He'd been around for a few weeks so he was somewhat on a schedule and Kim was determined that the baby was not going to run her life. I can remember her vacuuming in his room while he slept . . ."If I want to vacuum, I am going to vacuum - he has to get use to noise". I actually thought that was pretty brilliant but was nervous he would wake - but he didn't. I can remember helping Shawn clean the house so Kim could rest and it made me realize that once a baby came little things like having someone doing the most menial task was a huge help. I took the weekend in and held it very close to my heart . . . you see I was less than 2 months pregnant at the time so I was in awe of the new family that was in front of me.

And now, here we are at Colin's high school graduation. He has grown - not a chunky mass any longer, but a lean, tall, handsome young man. He not only made it through his high school years without incident, he accomplished 2 task few are able to to complete: he is an Eagle Scout and he received a full academic scholarship to El Cid, his father's Alma Mater. Needless to say his parents (and his aunt) are very proud.

So, here we all come again for a weekend, but not for a birth - a different milestone - another first for the family. And in keeping with tradition, bombard Kim and Shawn and their lovely home. I imagine I will take all this in, just as I did 18 years ago, for next year it will be my first born's turn to graduate.

Where has the time gone . . . . .