June = Celebrate the Milestones

Maybe you're a parent and you have toddlers learning to explore, kids moving from one grade to another, or young adults graduating. Or perhaps you’re about to become a grandparent for the first time or a multiple time. It seems that no matter what stage in life we are at there are always milestones to celebrate.

Growing up, my family always made a big deal out of birthdays. It was one milestone we definitely celebrated. Our own special cake, dinner at a restaurant (which was a treat!), gifts and cards - we always felt special on that day.

Some families have last day of school traditions to mark the milestone. I know one family would always have a water balloon fight. The mom would get creative on how to launch a sneak attack as they got off the bus one last time before summer. For a lot of years, our family and friends had the tradition of going to see a movie on the last afternoon with a lunch of popcorn, pop and candy.

My son just graduated from high school and we have celebrated this milestone with a party. At first he didn’t want a party and all the attention, but later changed his mind and I am so glad he did. It was so good for him to see that not only does his family care about him and what he has accomplished, but that so many others care too and want to support where he is headed in life.

Isn’t that what milestones are for? To reflect on where we have been, pause and celebrate the moment, and look forward to what lies ahead? I think so often we don’t pause enough in this busy life, let alone celebrate the moments, big or small. Let’s try to pause more, enjoy the moments more, celebrate even the little things!