It's deja vu! Last year right about this time I was anticipating the impending graduation of my first child from our little homeschool. I found myself wondering where the years had gone, sorting through old photographs, preparing a speech and party. It was overwhelming, but I knew at least I would have two years to recover as my second child was due to graduate in 2010. Then my sweet, 17 year old daughter came home from her 3 month long mission trip this December and announced she needed to be done with high school. Really? Are you sure?

There was no question as to credits earned or her ability to handle college work....she was already enrolled to start college in January as a post-secondary student. We both prayed about the decision and in early February, she became a Senior in high school.

Her Senior year came to completion May 28th at the conclusion of a wonderful little homeschool recognition night. I am re-printing my speech to her that evening in honor of her and in an effort to share with all of you that are wondering how a homeschooler can graduate early. Congratulations dear Samantha!

Sammi, ma chouette, you did it! We are standing here tonight celebrating a long journey for you my little reluctant homeschooler. I know there were many days when you thought this day would never come, but I always knew it would. I always knew you could.

I remember the day I told you that Dad and I had decided you were going to homeschool and not join your sister at Lincoln. You cried. Why? Why? Why? You kept asking me. You were graduating pre-school, had just gotten a new baby sister to hold and couldn’t understand what your parents were thinking. There were a lot of different reasons Dad and I made that decision, but seeing you so sad broke my heart. It was then I resolved that I would do my best to fill your homeschool experience with song, dance and joy filled memories.

Although there have been some bumpy moments I think it is safe to say we managed to keep you singing and dancing throughout the years. Dad and I have always enjoyed being a part of your audience. Our laughter, applause and appreciation of you will never end.

As I looked through the volumes of photos I have taken the past 17 years searching for photos for your slideshow I couldn’t help but notice a constant theme jumping out at me. One was your infectious smile that never seemed to be missing. The other was the love you have for your brothers and sisters and friends. What a testimony to your life these photos are because they show the world you are a girl with endless love in her heart, joy to share, and boundless energy and spirit.

I have loved being your teacher for the past 11 years. I know I haven’t always been your favorite person, but you have always been one of mine. I guess I was supposed to teach you many things, but many times I feel I have been the student. I have constantly admired your courage, boldness and endurance. Your fierce determination continually inspires me and your ability to wisely dissect situations has brought me peace on many occasions. Sometimes I look at the beautiful woman you have become and wonder how on earth I could have been a part of it all. To say I am proud of you is such an understatement.

Last fall when you toured with the Continental Singers our family learned what it would be like if you weren’t home. It was horrible. We were all walking around with holes in our heart struggling to keep our smiles as we faced the world. We all realized that we are crazy in love with you and that our lives are better because you are here.

I have been putting off this speech for weeks now. As you know I am terrible at goodbyes. Graduation is in some ways a giant goodbye. When Micah, Jonah and I were planning your little tribute they just shared with you Micah said, “Wait. I don’t understand. Samantha is graduating from school she isn’t graduating from this family”. She was right, but as a Mom I know that tonight is the end of many, many wonderful years of us all together everyday. You have a gentle, natural quality about you that brings out the best in your siblings and bonds us all together. I will miss that very much. We will all miss you very much.

 Tonight may mark the end of high school for you, but I am so excited about what God has planned for you my dear soccer loving, tap dancing, singing ballerina. Your father and I gave you the middle name of Hope so that you would always have something to cling to even when times are hard. I want you to always remember that and this Bible verse as you start on your new journey away from Guilford Academy into your very bright future.  Because you love the French language as much as I do I will leave you  this beautiful reminder of God’s love, en francaise.

Jeremie 29:11

“Car je connais les projets que j’ai forme sur vous, dit l’Eternal, projets de paix et non de malheur, a fin de vous donner un avenir et de l’ esperance. 

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Jun. 18, 2009 - Very very nice

Posted by Anonymous

Regenia,
This was a beautiful tribute of love to your daughter and testifies to the warm and nourishing family you and John have created for your offspring. bob hochwalt

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