For the grandmas/pas that read Nitty.Gritty.

Last Friday night both Wyndham and Isabella participated in their graduation ceremony. It was a big night and a big deal for them and all of the kids in their class. They did well in their special parts- singing and reciting poems and the pledges and standing/sitting at all the appropriate times.
Of course, I was feeling choked up as the whole night just was such a gift to us. We've never been given a prognosis for Wyndham since her head injury at age 7 months, other than "she'll likely never walk or talk". To have this night happen then, was a gift that I don't take lightly. It's just a reminder and picture to me that God is in control of all the things she will and won't be able to do...as her Mom, I feel privileged to see these moments happen. These are big accomplishments in her life that are evidence to me of how much she has been able to overcome. Her grin before the ceremony took place was one of the best I've ever seen on her. It melted me.
Bella too, worked hard all year and her big moment that night happened just as I took off her cap so we could head to the reception for cake. She burst into tears and couldn't even talk because of her sobs for a couple of minutes. When I finally got her to voice what was wrong, she said {still crying} "I'm not ready for it to be over!... My class is done forever!" She kept crying well into the reception time- even when we let her choose the flavor of her piece of cake and got her some berries too.
Chip and I couldn't help but smile {and roll our eyes too} as we had a vision of her graduation day sometime in the year 2020. I have an idea it's going to be even more dramatic and emotional!
So, for my parents and Chip's parents and some of the other granparents/family that read this blog, I thought you'd like to see some pictures of our very special night.

At that same time, the Chapman family were surrounded by family and friends at Maria's viewing. My heart ached for their sorrow while I was experiencing joy. I remember in the early days of my own grief just how hard it was to accept the fact that life goes on and sometimes my hardest days were other people's most glorious. I hope that many of you will continue to pray for them and the journey of their hearts to accept, to realize, to surrender and to ulitmately find much peace and Joy even in death. Here is a link with detailed stories and updates into some of these intimate and difficult moments. I am thanking God that He is showing Himself to be real to their family- that He is giving them comfort in many ways and through many people. I will forever be touched by Maria's beauty and I hope that her legacy will touch many lives for years to come.