The Future Is Before Him

A couple of weeks ago, Isaac graduated from high school. 

As parents of our first high school graduate, it has been a little strange walking through the emotions.  To be honest, I have done much better than I ever expected.   He has helped to prepare us for this transition as much as we have helped him.  

Isaac's senior year was not typical of most seniors.  He attended a very small private school and this year he ended up being the only senior.  A graduation ceremony of one is a little awkward.  The school also experienced a tragedy when their administrator passed away unexpectedly a few months ago and they finished the year without their leader.  We knew we were going to throw an epic celebration for Isaac, so we asked the school if we could just combine the graduation ceremony and the party all into one at our house since this was such an unusual year.  They graciously agreed and it was a perfect celebration of Isaac...and he didn't have to give a valedictorian speech!

I did have a few moments where I couldn't hold back the tears.  I prepared a slide show for the party with snapshots of Isaac's life.  I couldn't help but get emotional not only looking back at our sweet little boy, but also at all he has accomplished so far in his life.  ​

The garage was decorated with his buckles, banners and awards.  We have lived all these moments with him, but when you put it all in one place, it's pretty surreal.

A cowboy even back then...but he wouldn't be caught dead with a microphone now.

His first winner.

If you have ever wondered why he is so partial to green...it's because he got his first one when he was just two years old.

Always a showman...

Always grubby...and still loves his Crocs.

He has never liked math...or school...but always loved his cows.

There is always a hunting story.

It may be a rust bucket, but it's a family heirloom...

And how they all learned to drive.

No words...

He built that box one summer so Daisy could ride along with him.  

It never stops...

When your field help can't reach the pedals...but won't let anyone else pick up the bales.  

Day one of our adventure.

​Isaac, you have an amazing and kind heart, a genuine concern for others, an unstoppable work ethic, you are grumpy in the mornings, but once you wake up you have a wicked sense of humor and are the life of the party.  You are a champion of what is right and a hater of wrong.  You have a way of including others and making everyone feel welcome, and are always rooting for the underdog.  There is no other way to say it than you are one special young man.  

​It is hard for us to let you go, but the only thing that makes it easier is knowing that you will be home every Thursday night…and we are holding you to that because we will have a big long list of chores for you to do each weekend. 

​As you go off to UNOH, we are excited for this next step in your life. Take what you have learned here at home, on the farm, and in your education and let yourself soar. 

This is your time to shine.  

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