Yesterday I Participated in a Different Kind of Graduation

Yesterday, my son's older brother received his diploma from his principle at Kenowa Hills High School for a different kind of graduation.

One of the worst things that has happened due to the pandemic is that kids all across West Michigan were cheated out of their traditional graduation ceremonies.

Yesterday at Walker Community Park, we had a small graduation gathering for who I call my oldest son with a few friends and family, with the rest on Zoom to see him get his diploma.

It was really nice of the Kenowa principle to stop out and do this for Isaak.

Many schools have been doing personal drive-bys or virtual graduations, and I get it because it is truly out of safety for students, their families and school faculty.

It's just a shame the kids have not gotten to have their official moment to make that walk to get that diploma, and then that moment at the end where all of the students throw those caps in the air.

We tried to recreate as much of a traditional graduation as we could possibly do for our tiny event, and Isaak really appreciated it.

I hope moving forward things get better so that maybe the schools can do a proper graduation ceremony for all these kids that did their homework, competed in sports and the school band, and all the other things students do throughout their school careers.

I get that it's a different world now with this pandemic, and it is sometimes hard looking at the kids of our future generations whom may not get to do some of the things that we were able to do in our lifetime.

On a side note - congrats to the young man whom I call my son - Isaak. I'm so proud of you for hanging in there and making it to the finish line and graduating. Your hard work has now paid off. Stay focused and don't let this world stop you from fulfilling all your dreams. You can do anything you put your mind to.