A Life Full of Gratitude ~ A Heart Full of Gratitude: Kirra's Pre-School Graduation

When I was young, many (many) years ago, there was so such thing as graduations for pre-school, kindergarten, Grade 8 or 9. There was just a Grade 12 grad. But as a mom, I have to admit that I kind of like these little celebrations. Why not celebrate our kids with special events? We went out for lunch after her grad and the waitress asked what she was graduating from and Kirra responded that she was graduating from her last day of school. I laughed and said, thankfully it is not really her very last day of school, just pre-school, and that she will have another graduation one day. Kirra was beaming when even on the receipt, the waitress wrote Happy Graduation with fireworks and a grad cap. Guess we should have made her pay, hey?

The pre-school class was so proud to march up onto stage and sing all the songs they had learned this year at preschool. They sang the welcome song, months of the year, days of the week, and a special ABC song complete with the sounds each letter makes. They sang a colour song where they waved streamers in the air, songs about Jesus' love, funny songs about frogs and fish, and my favourite was the song about being a little graduate. All the parents and guests were beaming with pride at these little ones. It was amazing to see them up on stage and see the growth they have experienced in the last year. I can only imagine thinking back to this day when she graduates Grade 12.

Kirra's teacher, Ms. B, was such an amazing teacher. She is a dedicated teacher who devotes a lot of time to preparing her classroom to be organized and welcoming for the students that come through her door each day. She pours her heart into what she does and pours her love into her students and their families. She is a Godly woman who instills the love of Jesus into each of her students, having taught them each about being created in God's image, teaching them to be respectful of others, and teaching them how to pray. We appreciate her, her passion, and how she uses her giftings to impact so many children. She has definitely left a mark on Kirra's life that she will carry with her for years to come. Kirra is always talking about what she learned and did at pre-school. And when she is playing, I can hear her singing the many songs Ms. B taught her. Thanks so much, Lynette! We love you and will miss you. Thank you for teaching Kirra this year and for allowing us as parents to volunteer in the classroom and be a part of our child's learning. You are a gifted teacher and a wonderful woman!

At the close of the graduation ceremony, a video montage that Ms. B put together of the year was played. It brought tears to my eyes. It was a beautiful reminder of the many memories made this year. Kirra made some close friends and I loved seeing the pictures of them in the video. However, it was a little too much for her friend, Linnea, who cried during most of the video as she is already having a difficult time with Kirra moving in a few short weeks. I love Linnea's soft heart and her empathetic nature. Linnea and Kirra are kindred spirits. So sweet.

I am so grateful for such a good start to Kirra's education and that she loves school as much as she does. She is definitely ready for "big kid school."