It Takes a Church To Raise a Boy

It's been quite a busy few weeks around here as summer approaches.  The month of June takes on a whole new identity when one of your kids is about to graduate from high school.  I mean look at that time warp!

From Little Lamb Preschool to High School

Of course, we've already launched one son out of the nest and that was excruciating to say the least, but getting the second one ready has also been emotional.  A little easier because we know what to expect.  But not so easy (tender) because we know what to expect.  Independence.  Ouch.

I'm hoping you'll indulge me today as I deal with my own processing/celebrating/grieving of this rite of passage for my son Ben.  Ben-Ben.  Benny Ben.  B Ben.  Ben-JAM-in.  Benny B.  A little hint for you at this point, you should know that we refer to our kids by many names.  One is boring.  Gotta keep 'em guessing.

As if graduation on Friday, June 21st wasn't enough - the whole weekend was filled with opportunities to let go.  The day after he left for the summer.  His birthday was the day after that.  We had lots to squeeze in.

You've heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child".  Our village is The Church. Not one church, mind you, but The Church, as in the compliation of many believers in Jesus Christ no matter where they choose to worship.  That's what is so cool about The Church.  When it comes to our village - I can't even count how many 'churches' are represented.  Surely this is what God intended.  Our village is very important to us and they deserve to be congratulated as well.

I'm overwhelmingly aware and grateful for the countless hours and memories each one has expended helping us raise our boy Ben.  For teaching him in school, church and youth group, for coaching him, for coming to his sporting events, for giving him opportunities to grow and serve, for praying for him, for believing in him.  We are so blessed by who he is and who he is becoming.   
 It takes A Church to turn out a kid like this.

Here's a little pictorial journey of these last weeks.

First, we needed to buy the boy a suit so he could 

go to the JR/SR at Faith Heritage

He doubledated with his best buddy, Josh.  Looks like they matched each other.  They didn't.  Well they did, but both of their dates wore pink.

This is Emily.  These two have been friends since they were little.  They looked great!

Next we had 2 parties in 6 days.  Phew.  I'm grateful to family and friends who have celebrated with us, helped me host and plan the parties (by baking, bringing goodies, setting up and cleaning up), and checked up on and praying for me as the big day approached.  The Church.

the first party was here in our backyard

nacho bar

Our backyard was filled with new friends who dig our boy

another great use for the hammock stand

Then we had a party up in Syracuse in hopes that more would come if they didn't have to travel far

It worked.  They came!  It was perfect.

This party had a theme "Ben is a Smart Cookie" (Thanks to pinterest for the idea!)

My sister Renee made this amazing cake.  Great artwork!  And it was delicious too

 

Not pictured would be final exams, a 2nd prom, Senior Trip to Hershey Park and an awards ceremony where Ben received the Gold Academic Award (given to students who have higher than a 95 average).  I told you he's a smart cookie!

Then we couldn't stop it.  Graduation night came.  Nothing can really prepare you for seeing your kid in this getup while listening to Pomp and Circumstance.  Happened with Drew.  Happened with Ben.  Waterworks.

The Maine Endwell Class of 2013

Ben seemed to be in the million dollar seat (front row) and got his picture in the paper several times. 

she's happy because soon she gets the house to herself!

We were so thankful to our family for making the trip down and watching him cross the stage.  It really is a big deal!  Drew was on hand as well, but had to go to work before the ceremony was over.  Otherwise he would be pictured here too.

Grandma Burtis

Grandma DeFrancis (That's one tall drink of water!)

Grandpa Burtis and Mrs. Nancy

Uncle Tim, Aunt Chris, Theo and Alex

and what better way to top off the evening but at Sweet Frog!

After a short sleep and no time to process the emotions piling up, we got in the van and drove up to Schroon Lake, NY where Ben will spend his summer here....on Word of Life Island...a Very Special Island...my happy place....

Ben will be driving these boats back and forth across the lake all summer

cabin life.  It was kind of icky.  Don't tell him I said that.

 

 Of course, we are sad to see him go, but what better place to be at?  I mean you've got to think of your options.  Would we rather he stay home to just hang out with friends, watch tv and play video games?  Or serve the Lord, meet interesting people and witness lives being changed for Christ?  Hopefully his too! Yes, there's no question this is God's will for all of us and we are grateful Ben can spend 8 weeks soaking it up.

We left him Saturday night.  Sunday he turned 18 which means now he can drive after 9pm.  We didn't get to have cake.  I hope he'll be alright.  Maybe we'll have some for him.  And then again in August when he comes home.  Yes, that will make all of us feel better. 

Thanks for coming with me on this little memory trip.  If you made it all the way to the end, you're probably part of our village....and we love you!