I have known for a while that Camille’s high school graduation would be amazing! Each year it became clearer that she was going to accomplish great things. From the time she started kindergarten every teacher told us what a great student and all around person she was. It’s been so exciting to watch her grow into the beautiful, intelligent, young lady that she is! We knew there would be honors, we just had no idea how many there would be. We couldn’t wait for this year!
Experiencing her senior year without Patrick was so bittersweet! I tried to always remember that he was with us in spirit but that gets hard when really you just want him physically present.
This was a tough year in many ways. I really would have given both my girls a pass if they just phoned it in for the last year. That’s really all I expected. Instead, just like her big sister, Camille discovered her strength and resilience. Although she loves her Dad deeply, she carried on exactly as he would have wanted. She radiated love, faith, and strength and I believe it had a big impact on those around her.
She has kept the memory of her Dad alive by recalling funny stories and always having a quick, hilarious response. Like her father, she is loving but not overly emotional. She doesn’t cry a lot but wraps her arms around me if I need to cry. And she never says goodbye without telling me she loves me.
I knew that Camille was capable of being a leader but she has always been a little shy. I knew that would be her biggest challenge. This year she became a leader!
I don’t know if you’ve seen the story that talks about how we never know when we are experiencing the “lasts” with our kids. Last bottle, last diaper, last time holding them, etc. Every time I read that story I am amazed at how true it is! Last week I was asked to be a chaperone on a field trip to the Asian museum in San Francisco. It was fun to know that I was experiencing the last field trip!
During the museum tour the students were put into groups and they each had to find a particular exhibit, study it, and share with the group. I was surprised that Camille was the spokesperson for her group! A few years ago she would have sooner missed the field trip rather than speak in front of a group. This year she has done it multiple times and even managed to be poised and articulate when she was interviewed by a TV station!
I am overflowing with pride and joy! I am happy that Camille is not only coping, she is excelling! And, just for the record, she graduated second in her class, as A Valedictorian and Academic Scholar of Distinction. She was also recognized for being a life member of California Scholastic Federation, received the principals medallion and was inducted into the Nationsl Honor Society! I can’t wait to see her soar in college!