Eighth grade graduation was yesterday afternoon. The kids were dressed up so nicely. It was a nice service too. The valedictorian mentioned me in his speech! (He mentioned all the teachers, so maybe it’s not as big of a deal as I’m making it, but it’s still fun to hear your own name.)
The reception afterward was very nice. I played a little game with myself and tried to rescue dropped food from the floor before it got stepped on. I was unable to save one cracker and one piece of cheese.
The reception had just started, so everyone was on the far end of the room.
The other graduation was someone going to heaven. He was from the church where I used to direct handbells. He was quite young… only 46. He was killed in an accident. His funeral was yesterday. He was so involved in so many different kinds of ministries and touched so many peoples’ lives. The church was completely full, so they sent the rest of us to the basement. The basement was full as well. They turned on the speakers so we could hear the service. I loved how many people could sing hymns from memory. I also loved how many people were smiling and even laughing as they talked with each other. We were sad because of the death, but we were happy for him because he is most certainly heaven. God is good.
I saw so many people I haven’t seen in a while.
Wow. That second one got me. He was so young! What a blessing that so many people came to say ‘see you later’ and that you got to reconnect with them.
Off-topic: The basements in your churches have such high ceilings! Somebody planned those well.
Even though I knew there’d be a lot of people at the 2nd graduation….I was still amazed at the crowd. God bless the family. Did you get a chance to hug the parents before the service?
And it was great seeing you! I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to chat more.
(Btw: I wouldn’t have saved the cheese.)