I've spent the last few weeks doing what many mothers do before graduation...sorting through pictures and memorabilia of their child. Having pictures to display at a graduation party adds a nice personal touch to the celebration. I always enjoy looking at the photographs and memories that families have set out to display.
It's fun to see friends laughing at old pictures of themselves and re-living memories from middle school, the elementary years, and even preschool. Having photos displayed on boards gives the guests a chance to see an overview of the graduate's growing-up years. It's neat to see the chubby toddler and baby grins, which are later replaced by the first self conscious school picture smiles. Later the pictures feature more toothless grins and the lopsided, permanent-teeth-are-too-big-for-their-face-years. By middle school, the pictures show a sweet kind of awkwardness as their budding fashion sense is revealed. The high school pictures give visitors a chance to see photos from many high school activities as well as a glimpse of the future adult that is evolving.
As I poured over baby pictures of Ben, I remembered what an easy going infant he was. He grew into a shy toddler who never wanted to be away from my side. I remember him chasing me down the hall after I'd dropped him off at preschool asking for "one mo hug and kiss! " As I held some pictures in my hand, I could almost hear his little voice as he often whispered in my ear, "Yo my best friend, mommy."
While I continued sorting, it became clear to me that I needed to do a whole picture board of baseball photos. It was a central part of his childhood and his primary passion for many years. I truly believe we watched that child grow up from behind chain link fence. It was so much fun to locate pictures from the t-shirt league and contrast them with the high school action shots. I remembered all the miles we traveled to tournaments and the time we spent on bleachers and dugouts. Ben's biggest joys and defining moments of maturity happened on the ball field and we were so privileged to be a part of it.
Now that the boards are done and it's nearly time for his graduation celebration, I realize that it doesn't matter a bit if anyone looks at these pictures tomorrow. The reason for putting them together has nothing to do with party guests and everything to do with me. My child is about to make a huge life transition and will leave for college. It's also a life transition for me and part of it requires me to relive the memories of where he's been, so we can celebrate with him as he moves on in his life. I am preparing to let go.
