I had a monumental event happen to me today. It won’t be on the six o’clock news, and I won’t have any reporters coming to my house. Certainly it would not be considered as newsworthy as a “runaway bride” or the rising cost of gasoline. Yet, in my small corner of the world, it was indeed monumental.

I sat waiting with all the other proud moms and dads. They were getting their cameras out, ready to zoom in on their special child. I laughed as I observed the younger siblings jumping around wondering, “When will this be over?”

I gazed up at the stage. There she was -- my little miracle. She was beautiful. Her auburn hair lay gently against her face. Her green eyes seemed to sparkle as she smiled. My daughter was on stage! The same daughter who three years ago didn’t even understand that she was a person.

 She sang like an angel, even winning an award for “best in music.’’ This was the same child who not long ago couldn’t even speak, much less sing. She was part of a group. She was loved. I reflect back on the times that she sat by herself.  She didn’t know how to make friends, or how to think for herself. Living a life of echolalia didn’t even allow her to voice her own opinion. Now, Oh boy! She can voice her opinion! She is very determined, and you’d better not get in her way, either.

I suppose the earth will not stop spinning today, because my daughter graduated from kindergarten, but I feel enough gratitude to God and the many people who helped her to get to this point to fill an ocean.  I really do! And to me, well, that is monumental.

                                                                           By Carolyn Wall