Graduation Day

Well after lots of fooling around I figured out how to post at least this one picture. Leah "graduated" from high school yesterday. Here she is in her graduation dress. I'll try to post the picture of her in her cap and gown once I'm home. After a little mocking on my part (I thought it was sort of silly to have a graduation ceremony for Leah) I have to admit the ceremony was very sweet. I even cried. They had these 40 year old down syndrome adults signing (not singing but actually using sign language) a couple of songs which was really touching. With all the intensity of a young child they performed their part in the ceremony. It was really refreshing to see the tolerance and patience of the staff and other families in attendance. The graduation was quite noisy but no irritated stares or comments from anyone. Even Nik commented on that. Leah was so proud. She was the lowest functioner in the group but that didn't matter. One girl in the audience kept calling Leah's name and finally someone brought her up so she could sit behind Leah. It was really sweet to see Leah turn around and pat the other girl on the arm and smile at her. It was nice to see our little Leah who can be so irritating at times, in her own element. Like I said, it made me cry more than once and Nik was sweet enough to not make fun of me and put his arm around me instead. At one point all I could think was I didn't have on my waterproof mascara. What a goof. Well anyway that's my post for the day. We really are blessed to have Leah in our family. It has made me a better person. Not on everyday but on more and more days with each passing year.