We just returned from Naomi's graduation from Windham Christian Academy.  Besides recieving several awards and two scholarships, she was the valedictorian, and delivered a sentimental, humorous speech. 

Naomi is the daughter who has always been able to tug on my heartstrings.  I've often told Sue, Jo makes me laugh and Naomi makes me cry.  Perhaps it was the week we spent together on the pediatric ward of Maine Medical Center when she was two and badly injured in a car accident.  Maybe it was the years she struggled with migraines or anxiety attacks.  I don't know, but I've gotten teary eyed several times this school year as her graduation was approaching.  Today, though, we got a severe case of the giggles as she tried to pin a rose to my lapel.  It was hysterical! 

Actually, we probably laughed more during this senior year than we ever have before.  Working at the same school that she attends, and assisting coaching her basketball team gave us many common experiences in which we could find a lot of humor. 

Now she is preparing to go to Nyack College, where her sister just finished her Freshman year.  Naomi will be studying youth ministry with an emphasis on counseling.  She'll be excellent; She is the one at school that all the younger teens go to for a listening ear or a word of encouragement.  It seems like just yesterday (how cliche!) that she was playing in the sandbox with her firetrucks planning to be an elephant when she grew up!  Now she's on the verge of pursuing her call from God in a much more specific and intentional way. 

Why did God entrust me, the youngest of five brothers, with the task of being the father to three girls!  Sometimes I think He forgot to check my resume.  But I'm glad He did, and I'm thankful for a godly wife who walks beside me as we enter each new phase of parenting.