Congraduations!!

[caption id="attachment_3915" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Ellie with some of her classmates. Smiling at the zoo! Amazing!!"][/caption]

Today is the day Ellie would have graduated from Elementary school into Middle school.  I decided to attend Ellie's graduation as an opportunity to honor and appreciate the classmates and community who have given so much to us.

I did not start Ellie in school as a kindergartner.  At the time I was excited about homeschooling.  And honestly, I was afraid.  For so many reasons.  Ellie was such a pure, loving soul.  She had no understanding of cruelty.  I never explained war or murder to her, because I knew she would have no comprehension of such things.  I was afraid if I sent her to school she would be the one picked on.  And, from home, I would be unable to protect her pure innocence.

After her brain surgery in 2008, things changed drastically for Ellie and I realized I could no longer care for her all on my own.  I needed to send my sweet angel out into the world and let her try her wings.  That first day of 3rd grade, little Ben and I sat outside of the Principal's office, hearing Ellie's screams of fear, begging to go home.  I wondered heartily if we had made a mistake.

Boy were we in for a surprise.  Her classmates not only rose to the occasion but excelled at being Ellie's classmates.  Leaders were born from Ellie's presence.  Compassion and kindness blossomed.  I was informed that the classroom was actually a BETTER place with Ellie in it.  I was shocked and delighted and amazed.  Her classmates were so exceptional that they took her in, making her feel a part of that community.  A super star.  A mascot.  They may not realize how exceptional this was, as this was not always the reaction Ellie engendered from others.  Out in the world at large, she was at times treated with confusion, sometimes ignored.  Being a part of group where she was truly appreciated and loved and accepted for all she had to offer was magnificent.  The thing that was so important to Ellie was not learning to write (which as many know she despised) or learning to read, but the LOVE she felt and gave out.

So as her classmates go forth into middle school, without their beloved Ellie, I know that they will take with them her memory, her words, her smile.   I absolutely know that the kindness, love, appreciation and acceptance they showed Ellie will karmically boomerang right back to them.

In gratitude and appreciation for Ellie's classmates.  Thank you!