Reece is graduating high school.
Graduation invites have been sent out.
Graduation cards are coming in the mail.
Cap and gown has been brought home.
Senior ads in the yearbook are published.
Today was Senior Assembly and Senior Picnic.
Reece made it in Braden's speech numerous times... mentions of his horrible year in Mrs. Genung's class at Indian Lake, Reece and Clayton's infamous fight at Clay's house in elementary school, leaving Clay with a bloody mouth and a missing tooth and Reece continuing to play video games (some things never change!), Reece's first kiss... lots of good, good stuff.
The chorus sang, the principal spoke, the new student council was inducted, the Teacher of the Year award was given out, the alma mater was sang... just like always... just like it was 3 years ago.
Three years ago, when I was sitting on the bottom of the gym floor, in one of those four chairs designated for student council officers, facing the rest of the student body. It's hard to believe it was just three years ago. It seems so long ago, yet I feel like it's crazy that Reece is already at that point in his life.
So so so much has changed between then and now. It's crazy how much a student changes from graduating high school to being a senior in college. Three years ago, I had no idea of my future. I had no idea how much of an adjustment freshman year at UT would be. I had no idea about the wonderful friends I'd make in Chi Omega. I had no idea how hard it'd be to leave the college I've dreamed about graduating from. I had no idea I'd transfer my junior year and end up graduating from MTSU. I had no idea I'd pursue a degree in education. I had no idea I'd end up finishing college in 3.5 years. I had no idea that Troy and I would stay together. I had no idea that he'd actually fullfill his initial plan of going to Pharmacy school. I had no idea that he'd end up moving to Memphis. I just really had no idea.
Now that my college years are basically over, I can't say I have regrets, but I can't say I'd do everything the same either. It's just a very, very interesting path I took... interesting, unexpected, but intentional. I know that everything that brought me to where I am now was necessary and part of God's plan for my life. And for that I am and have to be thankful.
So basically, growing up is a popular theme at the Hayes household. I'm done with Murfreesboro, moved back home, got my final 3.67 GPA, and will begin student teaching in the Fall. Reece is growing up, too. He's moving to Nashville in the Fall and starting his college path at Lipscomb University. I'm SO very excited for him... I hope he embraces the school, the people, and the opportunities that are given only in this stage of life.
Here's to growing up and entering new stages in our lives!
