Awards Ceremonies

I went to my granddaughter's Honors Award ceremony today. I've attended all of hers during the past two school years, and wouldn't miss them. When my granddaughter enters the gym with her class, I see her eyes moving all through the audience, looking for anyone she knows. She sees her Mom; then she spies her father and me, and her face glows! We were a little late getting there today and her class was already seated. I knew she would be looking, looking for us in the audience and wouldn't see us. We quickly walked in and took our seats. I found my granddaughter where she was seated, and she was watching - when she saw us, her little face just glowed. It was then I realized how important it is for these children to have us there for their awards presentation.

I know that to us these ceremonies may be boring, and they certainly can be! But I also realized today how important they are to the children involved. To them, getting an award, no matter how small, in front of their parents and friends is right up there with winning an Oscar. They need the recognization and our presence, to make them feel proud of their accomplishments and to encourage them to continue to do their best. It takes so little from us, yet it means so much to them. It only lasted about 45 minutes, but it will mean something to them for a lifetime.

They will carry the memory of seeing their parents and grandparents in the audience, cheering them on and knowing they were important enough for them to take time out of their busy lives to make time for them.
That's what it's all about - making time for family.

mA