It's the time of year when we transition . There are graduations, weddings , move ups and just the shift into summer. Emotions run high. Life moves quickly . Things are busy. So busy.

I'm usually not such a big fan of celebrating the transition from grade to grade. It is an expectation that you complete preschool , not an accomplishment . 

 Hayden is completing 5th grade and will be leaving elementary school. He will also turn twelve on the 22nd.

As these milestones approach , I am finding that I'm really excited , amazed and grateful . Mostly , I'm in awe. He's still here . That's really what it comes down to for me . He's defied odds that were stacked against him. He's here to reach this milestone .

As my friends are feeling emotional that their kids are old enough to head to middle school, I am feeling thrilled.  They want to hold onto each moment and keep them as little people . I want Hayden to grow and soar , even if that means we are closer to him growing up.( oh, to see him grow up!)The fact that Hayd is here and able to move on to middle school is the way this milestone plays out in my head . I realize this seems off, odd, maybe morbid? But it's how it goes for me. I've seen him struggle for each breath, I know the reality .

When he was a baby I was asked to respond to things I wanted to see.  I could have listed exotic locales ,but I didn't .I listed them out as Hayden milestones . Hayden turn two, Hayden go to kindergarten , Hayden finish elementary school, etc. As we reach each of these , I feel so grateful and blessed for the gift that each of these milestones is.

It's hard to believe that he will turn 12 in the next week or so. But I'm so thankful we get to see it. While I love his snuggles and dislike his sass, I wouldn't rewind for anything . Each new phase, each year, month, week, day is him living.  So, I don't want time to stand still , I want it to move forward and take us all with it .

As we head into two weeks of recitals, move up, his birthday and the golf tournament , I am feeling unbelievably appreciative that I get to see Hayd reach these milestones . I know I'll be emotional over the next two weeks . Feel free to shed a tear of joy with me or raise your glass and toast to living each day, fully , completely and unabashedly. That's what Hayden does