Go Skate Day.
If someone would have told me that a kid’s sixth grade graduation or Go Skateboarding Day would both be meaningful events in my life, I would have thought that someone was absolutely crazy. Then there was life with Sandler. Both of those occasions happened to fall on the same day. Not only was it one of the greatest days ever, but it was also one of the most memorable twenty-four hours we have ever experienced. In fact, it was so unforgettable that Sandler ended the day with, “Mommy… I’m going to put today in my ‘memowy’ forever!”
Honestly, I have never understood why or how graduating out of elementary school became such a big deal. I know when I was in grade school parents did not celebrate moving on to middle school; it was simply an expectation and something we did because there were no alternatives. Nowadays there are promotion celebrations that last several days accompanied with elaborate parties, fancy attire, and gift exchanges far more glamorous than anything I have ever received for an academic achievement. Then again, I did not receive many academic achievements in my life; maybe it is just not a world in which I have ever been privy.
Such events may seem over-the-top for passing another grade; it is apparently a “thing” nowadays and I realized I needed to embrace it. I hopped on board and started planning the festivities that would show Sandler how proud I am that he was not only going to receive a diploma for graduating, but also celebrate the fact that he was not expected to make it past his second birthday, let alone skateboard through the sixth grade. Of course, I may have purposely kept some of the extravagant ongoings from him, due to being a little much, but if there is one thing I know how to do: it is how to make Sandler’s day.
Making his day came pretty easy when graduation happened to fall on the official holiday of his favorite thing in the world—skateboarding. I knew Go Skateboarding Day existed, but it was not until this year—being immersed in the skateboarding world—I realized what a significant event it is. I collaborated with Sandler’s coach to spread the word Sandler would be having a pizza party at the skatepark on June 21st [his graduation and Go Skateboarding Day]. I knew the skatepark was a safe bet because those who showed up would have something to do or watch. And if our friends did not end up attending, it would still look as if there was a successful turnout because there would inevitably be hungry kids at a skatepark on a Friday afternoon.
Once again, I was pleasantly surprised by the shredding community when just about every single person Sandler skates with appeared at the park. Many came because of the invitation, and some were there for the holiday. To Sandler, it did not matter who was there for what. He was in his element amongst the community that, unbeknownst to him, got him through the sixth grade with his confidence still in tact. A community and activity to which I am eternally grateful. In Sandler’s words, “Graduating and skateboarding are lit.” I would have to agree.
- Nikki