I'm Living a Dream This Weekend

I'm writing this from a cottage my wife and I rented for the weekend. We are in northern Michigan--Glen Arbor to be specific--for our younger son's graduation from the Leelanau School (the subject of an earlier blog post of mine, "The Greatest High School on Earth").

I'm living a dream this weekend.

A few years ago, I didn't know what the future held for my younger son's education because his ADHD made him incompatible with public high school. He was struggling in his studies and feeling lost; and, quite frankly, the school didn't seem to care all that much. But we found the Leelanau School, where everyone cares about students with learning difficulties. It has changed our lives.

A few years ago, things were also very different for our older son. But now, going on two years of sobriety, he is a changed man who is with us this weekend to watch his little brother graduate. I can't even begin to tell you how incredibly grateful I am that he is here. It's been such a joy to see my younger son "showing off" his big brother and introducing him to everyone at the school. He loves him so much.

Today there's a picnic at the school, followed by an awards ceremony, dinner, a play (my son has a lead role), and a "Coffee House" music performance (my son is taking part in that as well). Tomorrow is the "big day," and I'm sure my wife and I will both cry like babies through the entire commencement ceremony.

Everything about this weekend is amazing: the scenery, the weather (which is perfect), the people, the activities, the food. But what's especially beautiful to me is the togetherness and love I feel within my family. I couldn't have scripted anything better.

I'm living a dream this weekend. Only it's not a dream.

"I sustain myself with the love of family." --Maya Angelou

Our home for the next few days.

The view from the Leelanau School's beach yesterday afternoon.