05/23/2026
Yesterday, my oldest graduated from high school.
Pretty surreal.
I cried last week during graduation Sunday at church, and I know there’s more to come.
All tears of joy.
I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet that I have a grown child now.
After his graduation rehearsal earlier this week, Nolan and I were laughing about how different things are now compared to when I graduated. Back then, most of us just showed up in a gown and called it a day. Now everybody has ribbons, cords, scholarships, and awards for something. Times have definitely changed.
But somewhere in the middle of all the celebration, I caught myself thinking about who I was at 18.
Honestly? Very different than Nolan.
At his age, I couldn’t wait to move out, push limits, and figure life out the hard way. Nolan has a steadiness to him I definitely didn’t have back then. He’s thoughtful, grounded in his faith, hardworking, and somehow already feels more mature than I was at that age.
As a parent, there’s something strange about looking at your kid in a cap and gown while simultaneously picturing yourself at that same age in your own life.
Part of you still sees them as your little kid.
And part of you realizes they’re becoming an adult right in front of you.
God is at work in his life.
and I see Nolan starting to take ownership of his faith story.
Really proud of you, Nolan. Excited to watch this next chapter unfold.