a special graduation

cuties' mom

Sun, Jun 12 2011, 8:27 pm

I walk into the auditorium 15 minutes early hoping to get a good seat. I look around and see that many good seats are taken. While waiting for the graduates to come in, I join other parents in discussing the future- where our kids will go for elementary school. I explained that I made peace with the fact that my bright child will be going to kindergarten instead of Pre-1A. One mother said that even though she has another child with special needs, she isn't sending him to a special school because she had a difficult time finding a school that will take her daughter. Another mother commented that she will have two kids in kindergarten next year because the school doesn't feel her son is ready for pre-1a. One mother tearfully relates how she met with the principal of the school where her older daughters go. The principal said that the only reason they will take in her daughter is because she has sisters in the school. Her daughter will go to kindergarten for at least a year. The principal calmly told the mother that she doesn't know if the child will ever be able to handle pre-1a. The mother confessed that she cried in the principal's office.
All of a sudden, a door opened and the graduates walked in. At once, mothers reached for their cameras, ready to take pictures of the end of a happy school year for their child. As soon as the graduates were seated, Uncle Moishy walked in and began singing. The atmosphere at once became festive. Mothers quickly put aside their worries for the future to help their special children enjoy their special day. No effort was spared in letting the children know that today was special. Uncle Moishy concert, slideshows, and a huge cake conveyed the message to children with all learning styles that today is their day. For two years, they were part of a framework in which they belonged and weren't judged for their differences. Now they have the skills to make it in the real world and that was a reason to celebrate.
An hour later, parents were walking around the room with their children, eating cake and taking pictures with teachers and friends. The same words were said many times by different parents. "Thank you Machzik Bracha for giving my child the two best years in his life." Tomorrow we can worry about the future, but we will not forget to enjoy the special gift we have today.