Off to see Valerie's graduation

VALERIE'S SENIOR PICTURE

It's really hard for me to believe that my Valerie is graduating. But sure enough.... tomorrow night she will walk across that stage and receive her high school diploma. I'm so proud of her... she worked really hard the last couple of years to get herself ready for college and a few weeks ago she enrolled in Lewis & Clark Community College.

I can't wait to witness what she does with her life the next couple of years. The possibilities are endless and I believe that she can do anything she sets her mind to.

You know, I'm not just proud of Valerie for the academic achievements she has made. Val is a sweet and kind person - she cares about other people's feelings. She tries to make the people around her smile and she usually succeeds.

Now, don't get me wrong - she can be a turd...... like any teenager. And has always had that ability. Here are a few memories of Val being a bit sassy!

When she was about 8 years old, we were sitting in my living room and I was watching something on TV. Valerie wanted to turn the channel and I told her no. She tucked her head down, looked at me through the top of her eyes and promptly threw the remote control at the curio cabinet.

When she was a toddler, she was at The Store where her mom was working - it was common for Valerie to stand on the table and sing "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus.

I can remember when I was working at East Alton and Valerie was playing softball at the Park where I worked. I had to fill in for an umpire who didn't show up at her game. She was running to second base for a very close play and I called her out. She squinted her eyes and stared at me and ran off the field. When she came back out, she walked by me, stopped in front of me and put her hand on her hip and said, "Real Nice Call!"

A couple of years ago, Valerie and her best friend Kayla came to visit me in Wentzville and we drove down to the Lake to do some shopping. During the entire two hour drive, Valerie and Kayla decided that they should pull my gray hairs out.

I could probably go on and on but these were just a few of the memories that popped into my head.

Valerie, if you are reading this. I love you. I am so proud of you. I am looking forward to seeing what amazing things you do with the rest of your life.