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The Heart of Mary and Graduation

The Heart of Mary Homeschool Graduation was this past week.  I was fortunate to be able to take charge of this five years ago.  It is great fun for me.  To be part of these young adults taking their first step into the future is magnificent.  We have a Graduation Mass followed by a wonderful reception.  The hall looks so so beautiful and everything in place for the graduates, family and friends to celebrate a new chapter in their lives.

Every year I learn something more about the process.  Some people are always hesitant as to what this entails.  By the time the reception is in progress, they are saying how wonderful it is.  It is a service I love.  Homeschool Graduates are a fantastic group.  They are spiritual, grateful, helpful, mature beyond words, intelligent and directed!  The first Graduation our son was graduating and I was unsure how everything would go.  I was blown away by the spirituality of the Mass and then the reception!  What better sendoff for our young adults.  All for His glory.  I wanted to be part of this.

This has developed into a major celebration for our homeschooled children.  We had so much help this year.  Yes, lots and lots of work!  As a community it is a great success.  Bringing so many families together under Mary's Mantle for her Son.  I couldn't do any of this without our Blessed Mothers guidance.

This year in the kitchen I had a friend that feeds my soul.  She has a son with Autism and he is in a great school.  She shared with me the struggles and what is helping.  I am always amazed at God's grace.  Not only were we serving the Graduation families, but we were sharing in the love and the pain of having disabled children.  Sometimes we feel scared, lonely and frustrated.  It was nice to know that this is okay, God has this.  We shared how the whole family dynamics changed.  Our children love their special needs sibling with a bond of love that cannot be broken.  They see their parents in a different positive light.

I know why Kate is here, to help us all reach Heaven.  A priest told me that families that live and nurture special needs children will go to Heaven.  Another priest friend told me that when we get to Heaven our souls are like Down Syndrome children.  Of course we won't know until we (hopefully!) get there, but these are the kindnesses in our lives.  If you follow my blog, you know that kindness is my motto.  Until you walk in the shoes of a family with special needs, don't harshly judge.  We have no time for nonsense.  We have a big job to do and we need prayers and kindness.

My future daughter-in-love is letting me assist in the decorating of the reception hall for their wedding.  Another great blessing.  Another chapter and new beginning.  Angel has some wonderful ideas!  I am learning a lot from her.  We both love Pinterest and this will be a very beautiful wedding. It will be because of God's Graces on our family that is growing in love.

All the girls are in the wedding and Kate will be the Flower Girl.  Angel has two nephews as ring bearers, one with Autism.  She laughs and says that this is the special needs section of the wedding.  Angel is so open and loving to these children.  We understand why Beau loves her so much.  She is about inclusion, not division.  So many great memories to be made.  Such joy and hope!  We love this new chapter...can't wait to see what chapter two brings!


















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