Aunt Arri is a Graduate!

Dear Mom and Dad,

Tonight was Aunt Arri’s commencement!

We saw her graduate high school with honors.  She looked so awesome.

They were announcing names as the graduates walked across the stage, and the lady who said Aunt Arri’s name mispronounced it.   At first it was a little odd, since Aunt Arri knew her well, but she said, ADRIANNA  followed by her correct middle and last name.   Nana says she thinks it is serendipitous, ‘since ADRIANNA is her given name by her ‘momma’ in Romania… and Aunt Arrianna is the last of six kids who have now graduated, all five girls have made it so far, and how pleased Arrianna’s’momma’ in heaven was to hear her daughters name being read!  I know Nana cried, and is so proud of Aunt Arri.    Nana, too was sick for a while, and there were days she did not think she would see all of her children graduate.  Tonight she did.  Nana has made endless school projects and helped with countless reports, seen many a school music show, and sent in snacks and Valentine’s for thousands of kids, she and Poppy have worked very hard going to conferences, and open houses, with six kids,  and splitting themselves among all the different teachers and classes.  They have fought battles for all of her kids sake, and has even home schooled them for a year or so,  with the intention that they could get a step up, instead of feeling behind from the language barriers… They hoped to use the education to open doors of opportunity that their parents in Romania had always wanted for them…. and when they read Aunt Arri’s name, it made Nana get goosebumps, BECAUSE NANA knows all about  ‘MOM LOVE’ – AND KNOWS THAT LOVE MAKES MIRACLES HAPPEN.   We are proud of  our sweet  Arrianna/Adrianna… she made ALL of her parents, and everyone else who knows and loves her, very happy to be a part of her life and her accomplishments.   During her academic career so far she has faced teacher after teacher who have had several of her siblings before her in class!  She has never been first to go to school, first to graduate, first to drive or first to do anything, but has never complained about it, and has always been proud to follow each of her siblings.  Yet when she wanted to she has been confident to make her own way.  She has been an awesome sister to my mommy and is also an awesome daughter to Nana….  

This is a shot audience and the Class of 2009 in the center!

I was so good, and looked adorable as usual… here we all are!

I was so happy Uncle Brian and Aunt Pam, with cousin Brittany came too.

Papa and GG-ma were there too.

We all sat together, and watched the last of Nana’s kids do the walk..

and she was so very PROUD!

I was a little spirit stick there too, representing you and daddy…. the Nelson Family was well represented by my the little Princess!

What is crazy is Uncle Nick had been to your graduation mom, and all of your sisters, and this one last one was going to be missed because he had been in the South Pacific, but you know what, he pulled every string, and SURPRISED AUNT ARRI by getting home this weekend, SPECIFICALLY so he would not miss any of his sisters commencement excercises.

So awesome!

Maybe all my Aunts and Uncle will be at my GRADUATION ONE DAY?   I hope so… right now I have to keep working on rolling and sitting though… not quite ready for High School, thank goodness I have time before I have to worry about that….

It was a great day with great weather, except, our Red Wings lost, which means I am going to be a spirit stick again on Friday June 12th when they play for the last time this season…. I hope they win.  Until tomorrow, I want yo to know I love you, and as always, I am your LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, your daughter,

Guillianna!

P.S.  Nana says… she remembers your graduation too, and your graduation from basic training… she remembers all of your accomplishments, and hopes you know how proud she is of you and daddy!