Daniel Joseph Pizappi Jr.
Pine Bush High School Class of 2008
Pine Bush High School Class of 2008
I
have spent 18 1/2 years giving you wings and now it's your time to fly!
I am having trouble letting go but I hope I am not being too clingy. It all started back in 1989 when I spent the summer and early fall waiting for you to arrive. I always said you were three weeks late because you were comfortable where you were but maybe it was me trying to keep you to myself. But they finally had to help you out on November 1st and it wasn't a moment too soon . At 10.5 pounds there was not much more room for you where you were.
You grew up so fast. I remember our trips in the red wagon to the library when you were only two. You were still mostly your Dad's and mine then. Along with your Grandparents and our friends your world was complete. No need to go out into the world without those who loved you most close by.
Then suddenly it was the first day of preschool when you were three and a half. I cried so hard after I left you in Mrs Thampe's hands at Rainbow Corner's Nursery School. You were only there 2 hours twice a week but it was a long time without you for me. It was then that your world started to expand. You found friends and met other adults who helped you to learn.
In a blur you were going off to Kindergarten. It was only a half day back then but I missed you soooo much. Then it was on through grade school at two different schools where you learned to adjust to new surroundings and make new friends. Every year your world grew to include more and more time away from me.
Oh there was that first day on the bus to middle school when we first moved to Pine Bush. You came back through the door after school and said that there were at least 180 kids on that bus and you were never getting back on it. It was over crowded but it definitely had a few less than 180 on board.
Through middle school you traveled and suddenly it was high school orientation in August of 2004. The principal said welcome class of 2008 and I caught my breath. How could it be so soon? You grew from an intelligent, caring young teen into a wonderful talented young man. I remember seeing you play your music on stage for the first time. Hearing the beautiful songs that you write is a wonder to me and your art work blows me away.
This year you registered to vote for the first time and proudly headed for the polls on primary day. You asked me to go with you but only if I could assure you that they wouldn't make me go into the booth with you. Of course they didn't and you voted your own conscience.
I still get anxious every time you go out of the driveway and say a prayer that you will come home to me safe and sound. I am trying so hard not to overreact and ask you not to go. All right I do tell you to be careful every single time you go but hey, I'm your Mom, we do that :-)
You graduate this Saturday from Pine Bush High School with a Regents Degree with Honors. I am so proud of you. College and the rest of your life awaits. No I can't keep you here forever but I hope you know that I will always be on your side even though I won't always be at your side
"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." Robert Munsch Author
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