Graduation Day, a Loose Tooth, and Gratitude

Mike just took the kids this Saturday morning to take Jack to get a haircut. Molly is going too. This is the first time in 5 years that he has left with them and I have no papers do write, research or grade! I cannot believe that after 5 years of sometimes very hard work, I am going to GRADUATE! I imagined what it would be like to have an MA in English: the doors that might open in my career, the feeling of accomplishment, the gratitude to God for providing me such an awesome support system. I am surprised and happy that this day is finally here. Dr. R, my committee chair, is going to put thegraduate hood that denotes my degree on me. My whole family will be there to celebrate, either at graduation, or on Sunday at Pappadeaux.

Coincidentally, we are moving at the beginning of May, too. We are moving to Grapevine. I am excited for the schools and the town. Sometimes here in Fort Worth/Keller, I have felt liminal, like we didn't really have a "city" of our own. I am glad to have that identity again.

Also an interesting convergence is that Jack's second tooth is loose. It seems like just yesterday when that tooth, on the bottom, left of center, came in to accompany it's comrad, who has long since given way to a grown up tooth, too. Now, I have an almost 6 year old kindergartener, and a precious and precocious four year old who demands attention and admiration. I realize once again how quickly time slides past us, while we navigate the days that seem slow, almost like slogging through. I feel like I put my head down to feel the tip of Jack's juicy, slobbery tooth, and looked up to see him losing it. It feels like slow motion and fast forward all at the same time. This makes me so thankful that the one who propels time, the one who invented teeth and babies, families and love, literature and words, and who possesses eternity is holding my hand, navigating me through the seemingly mundane days and the momentous occasions, too. I am truly in awe of His abiding love, which never leaves us. For me, his love manifests in family, in words, in a presence and a daily knowing that directs my steps and seeming missteps. I realize that this knowing is a gift from him, and it is called faith. As I walk across the stage today, and see my family, Jack and his wiggily tooth, Molly and her wiggily body, Mike and his smile, and my parents and their constant, undeserved adoration and acceptance, that God is guiding these momentous steps across the stage, even as he guides the daily steps down the hallway to fetch water, a snack, or to switch the laundry over or steps to Jack's room as he complains that "another tooth feels funny". I will realize that God is in the stands, with Jack's tooth, with Molly's squirmy soft body, with my parents love and with husband's devotion. He propels this love, these gifts that are always changing and yet staying the same. I am so grateful for every breath he has given me over these 5 years, and over my life. I am so glad that Jesus enables this relationship and fosters my faith and commitment. I am in awe of my heavenly family, who has provided such blessings to me.