Our daughter, Lauren, participated in college commencement exercises earlier this month. It always seems strange to me that when we think of commencement, the antonym is really what we picture in our minds: an ending, a closure, a finishing, usually involving a diploma. Like an old dog and a new trick, I need to retrain my thinking; to commence really means a new beginning, a fresh start. I love that! My favorite time of day is first thing in the morning, when the day is still tightly rolled in a bundle, the early light is just dawning, and you wonder, "what will this day bring?" We are never too old for a commencement, to keep life fresh and exciting. 

Lauren has actually been commencing all of her young life, and I have the pictures to prove it. It began with graduation from Ms. Janet's Preschool class.

In a few short years, there was fifth grade graduation from Chattanooga Christian School.

We turned around three times, and there she was, commencing from 8th grade at Girls Preparatory School.

And then in May of 2011, we watched with pride as she filed up the aisle to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance, a graduating senior from Girls Preparatory School.

And here we are again, commencing with Lauren. A college degree. The world awaits. We are so happy for her!

New beginnings. We are so excited to see where the road leads! Just before Wheaton's Commencement, we hosted a luncheon for the families of the four roommates, MELA (Marlee, Emilee, Lauren, and Andrea). In honor of Mother's Day, these dear girls presented verbal bouquets to their biggest cheerleaders. There was not a dry eye in the house when they finished. Here is what my graduate presented to me:

I love my girl!