Holden: High School Graduation

I'm both a sentimental sap and a super proud mom, so here is where you're going to get a heavy dose of both.

I never thought it would be possible to feel such a wide range of emotions at any given moment. I know what I'm feeling is not unique: parents have always discussed the bittersweetness that comes with children reaching milestones, especially big ones like high school graduation. But here we are.

For the last few months and weeks I've watched as Holden plowed quickly ahead, checking off each high school senior moment. Prom, grad night and award ceremony after award ceremony. Turns out, you never get tired of watching your kid (and his friends) on stage accepting accolades for their achievements. For example:

Receiving his Academic Pin (meaning he received an Academic Letter his junior year and maintained above a 3.5 weighted grade point average for six cumulative semesters):

With Mr. Brown, Assistant Principal

Tyler Fujikawa, Tora Matsuda, Jacob Owens and Holden

Receiving two PTA Scholarships from his elementary and middle schools:

Principal Anthony Bridi, the PTA President and RBUSD Superintendent Steven Keller

Holden, Brecken, Tyler, Tora and James

Receiving recognition for Project Lead the Way for completing the Digital Electronics Path:

Receiving a scholarship from Leadership Hermosa Beach for his essay on leadership, in which he talked about lessons he learned about how to be a good leader from his job at Starbucks:

With Miguel Mier

With Maya Williams

These were in addition to the gold tassel and cords he received for being a member of the California Scholarship Federation for his grades and citizenship. When all was said and done, Holden's Redondo Union High School diploma, which carries the Golden State Seal for Merit, was based on a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.28.

That just about covers the Proud Mama part. 

While I'm in constant awe of his dedication and achievements, the emotions of the finality of these moments keep passing over me in strong waves. I fought back tears as Holden and Riley left for school together for the last time after heading out together almost every day for many, many years.

It feels so real. He will never have to go to school again, it's all his choice from here on out. He will never go to school with his brother again. He will be moving in just a few months for UC Santa Cruz, leaving behind an empty bedroom and a void in my heart.

Of all the emotions I'm feeling around Holden's graduation, the one that keeps rising to the top is gratitude. I am so thankful for his hard work, dedication and self-driven achievements, and for his being a kind, sensitive and thoughtful man. I am so lucky to be his mama.

Senior portrait photo shoot: