Another school year has come and gone, and it brings with it some pretty significant milestones. Holden, you’re now entering your last year of elementary school (and your TENTH and final year at Hewitt’s Creek). Mercedes, you are now officially halfway through high school (how on earth did that happen so quickly). And Lexi, you are now a shiny new graduate (with honours), and ready for high school in the Fall.
I couldn’t be prouder of all three of you. There’s been great report cards, lots of learning, exciting field trips, awards given, friends and parties and social lives… I love the good grades of course, but mostly I’m so thrilled at how well-rounded you all are. Kind, considerate, inquisitive, dedicated, but still able to have fun and enjoy all of the great things that your schools and this awesome neighbourhood and community have to offer.
Mercedes, I am so excited to watch you figuring out what you potentially want to do with the rest of your life (as of now, leaning towards Pediatric Occupational Therapy) and then doing the research and working backwards to ensure you can make it happen with the right prerequisites over the next two years. You’ve gotten your first real job (yay McDonald’s), joined a gym, and made some new friends, all while navigating your first serious relationship and keeping your grades up. It’s a joy to watch you move through some of the hardest years of your life with grace and humour (and of course, there’s the truly wonderful fact that you still love spending time with me, which I will cherish for as long as it lasts!).
Holden, every day you seem to grow an inch and look more grown-up. But beyond physical changes, I love seeing you change - although your friendships haven’t changed much! But I absolutely love that you and your gang of buds have endured through many years of friendship and nothing makes me happier than hearing you laugh hysterically while you’re playing games online with them. Except maybe watching you speed off (safely!) on your scooter to roam the neighbourhood with those exact same kids. You’re independent and adventurous with them (going as far as the beach to watch the airshow, swimming at friends’ houses, buying food wherever you go, etc.) and it makes me so happy that you still have this completely normal aspect of childhood/pre-teen life. Your report card was great, sure, but even more thrilling is reading the comments from your teacher on what a great kid and peer you are (and the fact that you are being recognized with a character award at the last assembly of the year this week!).
And last but certainly not least, my honour-roll graduate. Lexi we could not be prouder of how you conquered this year, with all of its importance and significant transitions. Grade 7 was so hard for you, and it broke our hearts as we tried to figure out how best to help you cope with your anxiety. But you persevered and worked so damn hard - and Grade 8 was a roaring success. You made it to ALL of the field trips (including a two night overnight trip in the frozen north, and a very crowded downtown Toronto field trip). You chose your courses for next year, you had sleepovers with friends, you had the best time at grad (in an actual dress and heels!) with your friends. Your report card was great, and the honour roll is an impressive achievement - but watching you embrace friendships and your social life and make these memories in this pivotal final year of elementary school… nothing compares to that feeling of pride. We are overwhelmed with love and admiration for the person you’re growing up to be, and I can’t wait to see the adventures that await you in high school next year and beyond.
Congratulations to all of you - and I hope this summer is one of even more magical memories.
Love,
Mama
