Graduation Day

It is hard to believe that six years ago our daughter, Leah, graduated high school. It’s crazy how fast time flies by. Leah and Will are now married and living in LA, young adults on the go.

Leah and Sarah, Webberville High Commencement May 2019

Leah+Will with their friends Marlena+Noah, California 2025

Yesterday Leah’s older brother Josh graduated from his school. Here in Michigan, young adults with special needs are eligible for public education until age 26.

Some of the emotions we feel as parents now are similar to what we felt in 2019 when Leah and Will graduated.

Of course, we are very proud of Josh. He has worked so hard to arrive at this moment. There was a time when he was younger that we withdrew him from school and worked with him at home because he really struggled with the overwhelming social environment of the classroom and the sensory overload that caused him to either withdraw or flee.

When he was ready to try a classroom again, it was decided that Heartwood School in Mason was the best option. The services and staff available to ASD students were far superior to the other schools he had attended.

For fifteen years, Heartwood was Josh’s home away from home. There are so many stories to tell from his time at Heartwood, and we were blessed with so many wonderful teachers and support staff— some we’re still great friends with.

Josh’s life was enriched from his time at Heartwood, as was ours.

Yesterday, he graduated. In attendance at the ceremony were some of the truly amazing people who helped our little boy become a man.

https://youtu.be/GhN6pePefBY?si=2-xKfkJbiBrLkJOe

Congrats to the two grads, Josh and Eric. Our deepest sympathies to the family of Jordan Malusek, a Heartwood Tiger who would have graduated yesterday as well, but passed away unexpectedly this winter. The ceremony included a very touching tribute to Jordan from Eric Lynch, one of Josh’s former teachers.

https://youtu.be/gu9p3Ftu_DA?si=PfOQJLiC6lD7h7Un-Grad Ceremony Part 1

https://youtu.be/kqG9-2DC5MY?si=AgvbbvxKbvakvRNV-Grad Ceremony Part 2

https://youtu.be/O1rxcAjpCII?si=0Dh1sMPYuKN9IGEq-Grad Ceremony Part 3 (Great job, Ashley! We appreciate you so much)

https://youtu.be/Zn7FAM1dJas?si=1gMXbjwqnJVAUoM9-Grad Ceremony Part 4

As far as Josh’s future, that’s unclear. Our goal is to keep him active and happy as best that we can. One thing we can promise is that he will be loved!

Have a great weekend and keep a smile in your heart! 🍀