Mixed Emotions

I've been doing calligraphy on the Diplomas for Central High School for years.  Today I did a bunch for them again but today I had some "mixed emotions", today I did the Diploma for Brodie.  He will be finished with high school Tuesday, April 19.  The actual graduation ceremony won't be until May 25 but as of next Tuesday Brodie will be finished with high school.  So....like I said I have some mixed emotions.  I can't believe that he is that old.  The last year has been difficult as Brodie has turned 18 and I've realized that I can no longer hold his hand as he "crosses the street of life".  I can love him and always be here for him but my "little" boy has grown up.  I'll always remember how upset he was that he couldn't go to kindergarten until he turned 5, his birthday was a late one in November.  He was going to a babysitter during the day where some of the other kids had been able to start school but he hadn't because he wasn't 5 yet.  The day he turned 5 I knew he was awake because the first thing he yelled was "Mom, do I get to go to school today?"  I had to break it to him that he had to wait until the following school year.   Needless to say he NEVER wakes up excited to go to school anymore, not unless I'm telling them that it is a snow day.