What I’m Thankful For: Luca’s Graduation

Last week, I went to Luca’s boarding school for his graduation. Graduations don’t fall on a set date, as they do in regular schools. Instead, they are scheduled whenever a boy reaches the top level.

His dad and I both flew in for the graduation. School Staff put together a slide show of Luca doing various activities: equine therapy, sand surfing, white-water rafting, demonstrating how to hold a fork properly in etiquette class.

We sat in a circle and each boy took a turn telling their favorite memory of Luca. School Staff, his therapist, and the school director spoke of his progress. My favorite anecdote was the one about how Luca had to keep taking off his lacrosse helmet during a game to readjust his Bieber cut.

Luca’s dad brought a scrapbook of Luca through the years. I played a slideshow that also showed him growing up. We each gave speeches about how we had seem him change. Luca went last and told a parable of a boy who learned to see what was positive in his life not by changing other people, but by changing his perspective.

After Luca got his diploma, we all went downstairs for cookie cake…

…and to say thank you to the incredible staff at Luca’s school. Their work ethic and dedication to improving the futures for troubled boys is remarkable.

Luca will stay for another week to finish the school semester, then will fly home for Christmas.

And there — I hope — he will stay.

In light of the Sandy Hook tragedy, I am profoundly thankful that my son is alive, healthy, and coming home.