Kindergarten Graduation/Bear Blessing

DA has a tradition called "Bear Blessing."  It is time when Kindergarten parents and Senior parents come together in the prayer garden and pray for each other.  It is sweet time for Kindergarten parents. I'm sure it is a gut-wrenching time for Senior parents.  Particularly senior parents that participated in this same event when their Senior was a Kindergartener.  I don't mind saying that I already dread these Bear Blessings when I will be there as a Senior parent. Back on point, Michael and I both attended this year.  Michael was asked by the administration to represent the Kindergarten parents and pray for the Seniors.  

After the prayer, the Seniors and Kindergarteners parade through the halls.  Each Senior is assigned a Kindergartener to lead around. Then they parade outside for pictures and the cap toss.  It was a bittersweet moment.  I'm glad DA schedules these events.  They give you minute to slow down and reflect, but they really are a little heartbreaking.  A reason to celebrate - for sure; but heartbreaking. 

One week later, we went back to DA for Will's Kindergarten graduation ceremony.  Will had a small speaking part ("I love singing praises to God").  He said his part well and with confidence.  They sang songs that they learned this year, they played a video of the kids, and they gave each of the children their first Bibles.  It was another tearjerker night.