Joshua takes on Senior year

Today, Joshua started his first day to his senior year of high school. What a surreal feeling. His 13th year of school will be complete after this year.
I have a terrible memory, but I can remember pulling up to St. Rose of Lima for Joshua's first day of Kindergarten like it was yesterday. Not only was I nervous for him, but for myself also. We had been through some tough times before that, but always together. Enrolling your 5 year old into a Catholic school when you are a 22 year old single mother is not for the faint of heart. You have a lot to prove and those are big shoes to fill.  But, I was very grateful to my Uncle Henry, his godfather, that he gave us that opportunity.
Joshua was such a fun, goofy, active little boy, so I knew he would make friends quickly. Those traits didn't always fair too well when it came to academics in his later years. But, I loved those things about him. I am very proud how he has handled several moves with school changes and even though he struggled a bit, he seems to have come out on top. School has definitely been a long journey for us. To be honest, you may say I'm almost relieved! haha! Then those heart strings pull and I can't help but be emotional that he will be graduating. Emotional, but more proud than anyone will ever know.

Dear Joshua,
As you end your high school journey this year, take special care that you enjoy every minute. We don't always see eye to eye, and you like to let schoolwork slide way more than I'd like to see. But, your determination and perseverance have me very confident that you will succeed tremendously during your senior year, as years before.
I hope that you can see this sense of pride that is radiating off of me as we come to the end of this journey. Not just for your effort towards academics, but your commitment to baseball. When I see you in your high school uniform, memories flood in of all the previous uniforms you have worn. From tee ball and rec leagues in Md, travel leagues and PJPII in Caln, Oxford high school, and now Dover high school, you have contributed to many teams.
I am filled with excitement over what this year will bring for you. Senior pictures, Senior Prom, Senior Week, graduation, I can't wait to watch you experience these things.
This is not the end....it is only the beginning, as you venture out and find yourself. Do what you love. Do what makes you happy. Never settle and always reach for the stars.
Love,
Mom

Now. Pictures!!
& can we just talk about how cute his girlfriend, Amanda, is??

Madeline picked a flower for Josh to give to Amanda....

 They're off.....

And for fun.....