Our High School Graduate
It is hard to believe our son, Taraz, has now graduated from high school and soon will be embarking on the next adventure in his life. The graduation was a unique and moving event that was held at the Confucius Temple in Beijing. The graduates were seated on the steps leading to, and their families and friends in the courtyard of, this majestic example of Chinese architecture, a temple dedicated to learning and scholarship. What a perfect setting for a graduation!
Afterwards we had a family celebration for our son and his friends. We asked all the parents to write words of advice on cards called ‘Keys to success’. The graduates then read aloud all the wisdom and guidance written on the cards. One of my favourites was from my father: “In a world where ‘self’ has become the centre of all attention, practice selflessness. Where looking after #1 has become the conventional motto, practice service to mankind.”
We had great fun creating treats for the party. One decoration involved attaching photos of each of the graduates to helium balloons which hung from the ceiling. My daughter made a special graduation cake for the graduates and marshmallow graduation cap treats! I think the most time-consuming treat was the Hershey chocolate kiss messages as each one had to be cut out and glued on the chocolate! It was well worth it… (see photos below).
As we embark on this new change in our family, we feel blessed that our son will be spreading his wings and starting his life as an independent young adult. We pray that God will guide him and protect him on his path of learning and that he will flourish intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.
At the Confucius Temple for WAB 2015 graduation
Taraz, our graduate!
The dining table covered in treats for the graduates and their photos hanging from helium balloons
The graduation cake made by my daughter
Marshmallow graduate caps
Graduation cupcakes made by a family friend
Hershey chocolate kisses for the graduates
‘Keys to Success’ – words of guidance from family and friends
Words of guidance from my father to my son
6 Comments
Oh,,,it brings tears to my eyes. We wish Dear Teraz all the blessing for his new way.
When I was at your age a smile helped me pass and overcome the challenges .
Love Guy fam.
What a wise and tenderly loving way to observe this major transition in your son’s life! Impressive and edifying–for everybody there, I bet. And I love, and second, what your father said.
Congrats Taraz and Elika, Hope Taraz has a good time transitioning to living alone at Uni/College.
Happy days, congrats,
Thank you sweet Sigi! I can’t believe how fast our boys have grown!
Thank you so much Bret. It was truly an uplifting afternoon.
Much appreciated Kenny and Lynne.
That’s such a wonderful feeling, to celebrate milestones with your family. Congratulations to all of you, especially to Taraz to embark on his new adventures and your daughter for sheer creativity & obvious affection for him!
Best wishes to all of you
Rasheen