Chapter 12—Celebration of Mother's Day and Our Graduating Seniors
May 14th, 2000
10:15 am
Bella's POV
This morning was the morning that we were to be honored for graduating high school. It was Charlie, Connie, Guy, Gunnar, Adam and I from Eden Hall. There were 7 other graduates from Southwest High School, 5 Graduates from Washburn High School. My parents, both birth and adoptive, came along with all of my Aunts and Uncles, with the exception of Thaddeus, both Grandma Lebrie and Grandma Banks, Jan and Coach Orion and his family, Gunnar's parents, Guy's mom, Charlie's parents and Connie's family.
Connie and I were asked to be a part of the children's choir at the beginning of the service, we had to sing "A Song for My Mama," By Boyz II Men.
You taught me everything
Everything you've given me
I'll always keep it inside
You're the driving force in my life, yeah
There isn't anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn't feel right
If I didn't have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be
What you have been to me you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times
Mama, Mama you know I love you
(You know I love you)
Mama, Mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars, yes it is
Mama I just want you to know lovin' you is like food to my soul
Yes it is, yes it is, oh, yes it is, yes it is, yes it is oh
You're always there for me
Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes you did
And you took up for me
When everyone was downin' me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on
There were so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you'd come to me and say to me
I can face anything
And no one else can do
What you have done for me
You'll always be, you will always be
The girl in my life, ooh oh
Mama, Mama you know I love you
(You know I love you, you know I love you)
Mama, Mama you're the queen of my heart, (You are)
Your love is like tears from the stars
(Your love is like tears from the stars)
Mama I just want you to know (Mama I just want you to know)
Lovin' you is like food to my soul
Never gonna go a day without you
Fills me up just thinkin' about you
I'll never go a day without my mama
Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
(Your love is like tears from the stars)
Mama I just want you to know lovin' you is like food to my soul
Lovin' you is like food to my soul, oh yeah
You are the food to my soul, yes you are
Once the song was over we all said, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom." Then I went to sit by Adam and Latisha Andrews in the graduate row. I had met Latisha when I first started going to youth group, earlier this fall, she was a lot like me, kind of athletic, but she played soccer and Lacrosse for Washburn High School. I think that we got along so well that the sports that we play were similar.
"Well Good Morning Good Shepherd Lutheran Church," Pastor Doug Richards said.
"Good Morning," said the congregation.
"Thank you Children, Director Yoast and Mrs. Thorell on piano, for that wonderful song and mother's day wishes. We wish all of the mothers and grandmothers a blessed and Happy Mother Day. I want to Welcome all of our visitors today, as I see that we have quite a few new faces. As we get ready to pass the baskets for the morning offering if you are a visitor please feel no obligation to give today, just sit back and enjoy the service.
After the collection plates have been passed and our next song, we are going to honor our graduates here at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church who are members of our church and have been such a blessing to us and we hope that you will keep them in your prayers as they go off into their future where we know that they will be in God's hands. We have 6 graduates from Eden Hall Academy that will be graduating today, 7 graduates from Southwest High School and 5 graduates from Washburn High School that will graduate in a few weeks. But they are going to share their plans for their future today, and also share with us the quilt that they have chosen for themselves and why they chose that specific quilt. Good Shepard Lutheran delights in giving quilts to these seniors and we want to thank our quilting ladies for their timeless effort and energy that they put in for making and providing these quilts.
But at this time I would like to read the names for those that are graduating from each school here at Good Sheppard Lutheran Church, Graduates if you would please stand when your name is called and keep standing. Congregation, please hold your applause until each name has been called.
We congratulate, from Eden Hall Academy: Isabella Lillian Banks-Bombay, Adam Jonathan Bombay, Charles Alexander Conway, Guy Wyatt Germaine, Constance Marie Moreau, And Gunnar Aslak Peter Stahl.
From Southwest High School our graduates are Jacob Daniel Bowman, Kevin Michael DeWitt, LaShawn Sarah Friesen, Lexis Olivia Friesen, Michael Shawn Hunter, Joel David Penrod and Gracey Marie Witt.
From Washburn High School our graduates are Latisha Marie Andrews, Bethany Ann Campbell, Jessica Karen Davis, Brian John Edwards and Caleb Daniel Williamson" Pastor Doug Richards said and then he applauded, which the congregation followed.
"We again hope that you will keep all of these seniors in your prayers in the coming weeks and months as we know they are getting ready for a huge transition into college and life. We know that God has wonderful plans for each and every one of these senior's lives. Now as we bring forth the collection plates let us pray, Father we thank you so much for what you have done in each of our lives. We thank you for the 18 young lives that we have been blessed with, we ask you to keep them in your hands father. We ask for all of the blessings upon this church that you have for us father, we ask that we do everything in your name Amen, " Pastor Doug Richards said.
"Amen," The congregation said.
After the collection plates started to be passed the Organist Ms. Winters started to play "Joyful Joyful we adore thee."
After the song, the collection plates came up to the front of the altar and Pastor Richards said, "At this time our graduating seniors will introduce themselves. Graduating seniors if you would please come up here."
We each had our quilts in our hands that were about the size of a single bed. I knew it would go great with my bed at Wisconsin. We were sitting in alphabetical order on the right hand side of the pews. I followed Latisha out of the pew, I was standing next to the right end of the stage where Mr. Yoast handed Latisha a microphone.
"If you please tell us your names, your parents' names, where you are going to school this year, where are you going to go next year, your major you want to go into, why you chose the quilt you chose and any thank yours or anything else you might have. Latisha you may start," Pastor Doug Richards said.
"I'm Latisha Andrews, my parents are William and Laurie Andrews, I go to Washburn High School, I am going to go to the U next year to play soccer and Major in Accounting. I chose the blanket because it has soccer players on it and I love soccer," Latisha said then I was handed the microphone.
"I'm Isabella Banks, My parents are Phillip and Seraphina Banks. I go to Eden Hall Academy. Next year I am going to University of Wisconsin to major in pre law with an English minor and to play hockey. I want to thank the quilting ladies including my grandmother Josephine Lebrie, who made this beautiful quilt for me. I chose this quilt because it has some badger print since I am going to go play for the badger's next year. I want to also thank my parents for being there for me to push and guide me," I said and then I handed the microphone to Adam.
"I am Adam Bombay; My parents are Gordon and Michele Bombay. I go to Eden Hall Academy. Next year I am going to the U to play hockey and major in pre medicine. I chose this blanket because it has some Minnesota Wild print on it, I can't wait to see some games in person next year," Adam said and then he handed the microphone to Jacob Bowman.
"Hi, I am Jacob Bowman, My parents are Michael and Sarah Bowman. I go to Southwest. Next year I am going into the Navy. I chose this blanket because it has Navy Blue and that is my favorite color," Jacob said and then he passed the microphone to Bethany
"Hi, I am Bethany Campbell. My parents are Randall and Teressa Campbell. I go to Washburn High School, next year I am going to go to Minneapolis community college for criminal justice with the hopes of enrolling at the U in 2 years. Uh I chose this blanket because it has pink in it and pink is my favorite color," Bethany said and then she passed the microphone to Charlie.
"Uh I am Charlie Conway and my parents are Casey Conway-Jackson and Michael Conway. My stepfather is Fred Jackson. I go to Eden Hall Academy and next year I am planning to go to the University of Wisconsin at Madison to play hockey and right now my major is undecided. Uh I chose this blanket because it has red in it and I like red," Charlie said and passed the microphone to Jessica.
"Hi, I am Jessica Davis, my parents are Rob and Kathy Davis. I go to Washburn High School. I have decided to go into the workforce next year. I chose this blanket because it has flowers in it and I love flowers," Jessica said and then she passed the microphone to Kevin.
"I am Kevin DeWitt; my parents are Kermit and Stacy DeWitt. I go to Southwest High school. Next Year I am going to UMD to play football and Major in Physical Education. I chose this blanket because of the football players and the Vikings logo, so thank you ladies for the blanket," Kevin said and then he passed the microphone to Brian.
"Hi, I am Brian Edwards, my parents are Brian and Paula Edwards. I go to Washburn High School and Next Year I am going to South Dakota State University to major in Business Economics and I choose this blanket because its black and it's the manliest of colors," Brian said and then he passed the microphone to LaShawn.
"Hi, I am LaShawn Friesen my parents are Carry and Monica Friesen I go to Southwest High school and next year I am going to Minneapolis City College to study Early Childhood Education. I choose this blanket because of the music notes on it and I love music," LaShawn said and then she passed the microphone to her twin sister Lexis.
"Hi, I am Lexis Friesen, twin sister to this one,' Lexis said and pointed to LaShawn. The Congregation laughed. 'My parents are Carry and Monica Friesen and I go to Southwest High School and Next year I am going to go to Aveda Institute to study cosmetology. I chose this blanket because of the comb and scissors on it so thanks ladies." Lexis handed the microphone to Guy.
"My name is Guy Germaine; my parents are Jewel and the late Quentin Germaine. I go to Eden Hall Academy and next year I am going to go to Minnesota State University at Mankato, go Mavericks to play hockey and to study exercise science with the possibility of a pre physical therapy major. I chose this blanket because of hockey players on it," Guy said and then he passed the microphone to Michael.
"I am Michael Hunter; my parents are Charles and Mindy Hunter. I go to Southwest High School; I am going to go into the workforce next year. I choose this blanket because of the cool firework print and I love fireworks," Shawn said and then he passed the microphone to Connie.
"I am Connie Moreau, my parents are Thomas, Sr and Genny Moreau. I go to Eden Hall Academy and next year I am going to go to Minnesota State University at Mankato to play hockey and to study Elementary Education. I chose this blanket because of the color purple since it's my favorite, so thank you to the ladies for your tireless efforts in making the blankets," Connie said and she passed the microphone to Joel.
"Hi, I am Joel Penrod my mother is Shelby Penrod I go to Southwest High School and in a few months I will be going into the Army. I choose this blanket because of the army colors in it. Thank you ladies for making this for me," Joel said and then passed the microphone to Gunnar.
"Uh I am Gunnar Stahl and my parents are Stahl Friederisson and Jóhanna Stahl Arnarsdóttir. My host parents are Gordon and Michele Bombay. I go to Eden Hall Academy as an exchange student from Iceland and I hope to return in the fall to University of Minnesota Twin Cities to play hockey and I am not sure what I am going to major in yet. I choose this blanket because of the flags and the red, white and blue patches. It reminds me of America and that America is a warm and loving place, Thank you ladies for making this blanket and thank you to everyone else who made me feel welcomed here," Gunnar said as he looked to all of us for a few minutes holding his gaze with Adam the longest.
"Psst, Gunnar the mic," Caleb said.
"Huh, oh Sorry Caleb," Gunnar said as he passed the microphone to Caleb.
The Congregation chuckled.
"Hi, I am Caleb Williamson, My Parents Daniel and Kelly Williamson, I go to Washburn High School. In the fall I am going to Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato to study Religion with the hope of becoming a pastor of a church someday. I chose the blanket because of the cross and bible phases on it. Thank you ladies for all of your hard work and I want to thank Pastor Johnson for taking me under your wing these last four years as I was looking into the possibility of becoming a pastor when I grow up," Caleb said and then passed the microphone to Gracey.
"So I guess I am last, I am Gracey Marie Witt and I go to Southwest High School. My parents Ben and Laura Witt. In the fall I am going to go to the Aveda Institute to study cosmetology. I chose this blanket because it was the prettiest of all of them," Gracey said and then handed the microphone to Pastor Doug Richards .
"Aren't these kids great, let's give them a round of applause for them," Pastor Doug Richards said.
Once the applause died down Pastor Richards said, "We have one more gift for each of the graduates from the Sunday School Teachers and Staff at Good Shepherd Lutheran church." After the gifts were handed out we heard "Let us pray, God we thank you so much for these seniors you have gifted to us, to let us watch as they grow into the complete and competent young men and ladies that they are. We ask that you watch over them Lord and that you will guide and protect them and lead them further into leaning into you. In your name, Amen."Pastor Doug Richards said.
"Amen," the congregation said.
I left with the seniors off the stage and we separated into our individual families. The Families from Eden Hall decided to all sit together. At the beginning of the service the seniors had 2 rows of nine chairs and then in the 1st row, behind the seniors was Charlie, Casey, Fred, Fred's Mother Thelma Jackson, Fred's Sister Vivian Jackson-Blake, Vivian's Husband Theodore Blake and there child Andrew who was 3 years old, sitting on his dad's lap, Matt and Jennie. In the 2nd row was Casey's younger brother Bruce Albertson, his wife Rose and their four kids Daniel, Martha, Caitlyn, and Nathan. They drove up from St. Louis. Ollie and Annie were the last people in the row. In the 3rd row was myself, my parents, my Grandma Karen Banks, My uncle Nick and Aunt Gertude and My uncle Dan and Aunt Hadassa. In the 4th row was Adam, Gordon, Michele, Stahl, Jóhanna, Gunnar, Eleanor Bombay and Grandma Josephine Lebrie. In the 5th row was the rest of my aunts and Uncles Samantha, Steve, Les and Billy, My cousins Carl and Jerome, Coach Orion, Stephanie and Rachel in her wheelchair. In the 6 row was Thomas and Patricia MacKay, Jan and 5 members of Connie's extended family. In the 7th row was all of Connie's immediate family and more of her extended family in the 8th row. In the 9th row was Guy, Jewel, Jacob and Martha Germaine and Albert and Helen Rust, Guy's grandparents along with Jewel's older sister Feather and her husband Jeff. I sat there through the rest of the service as we were learning about the prophet Jeremiah and that Jesus throws us a lifeline and that we can have hope in the future. If we seek in the Lord in every part of our lives.
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