Graduation #2!

I noticed it first when her hand reached for mine. It was no longer tiny and the grip was remarkably firm. Yes, she was only two, but I knew then that I would not have to worry. This daughter of mine would soar through life, confident and ready to conquer. What I couldn't foresee was her startling intellect.

These signs came later:

• When she was four, she debated with a fellow pre-schooler where babies come from. (The teachers had to distract her from yelling out the correct anatomical terms.)
• When she was seven, she asked me how light bulbs worked. She wasn't satisfied with my clever answer about flicking on the switch.
• At nine, she recited her times-tables all the way across the province of Quebec (and back again).
• At 11 she became far too interested in worms. Oh yes, I discovered them in her pockets.
  
• At 13 she memorized a surprisingly long Shakespeare soliloquy and recited AND recited it.
  
• At 15 she was kicked out of math class for correcting the teacher (now that's discipline!)
  

This is just a partial list of her cleverness and to cap-it off, today Elyse will graduate from high school with honours. She will stride across that stage, shake hands without hesitation and smile down at us momentarily. Then her eyes will once again gaze on some unknown horizon.

Today, isn't the benchmark of Elyse's progress or her independence, she hit these long ago. Rather, today may be one of the last where I get the privilege of sharing her glory. That tiny hand has long outgrown mine and is itching to greet the world.

Good luck my beautiful girl and congratulations. My hand will be always waiting to hold yours again.