A new Steemer's story (Part 2)

Steemers, I raised a human from kindergarten through high school, officially, today.

A wonderful young lady that everybody is drawn to. Her smile lights up the room. Her teachers and the staff at her school can't say enough kind things about her when we attend her conferences or in passing.

I was proud to claim her as my own the first day we met and I learned that her paternal father was not a part of her life. I remember how easy that decision was to make. I already loved her mother intensely only knowing my future wife a few days so loving her daughter came so naturally.

I thought to myself, how could someone abandon these amazing girls?

Our young graduates name is Emily Rose and many years of tough lessons learned through parenting taught me that being a parent was gonna be a humbling smack in the face. Even attending the ceremony made me feel so helpless.

Someone could do such a thing because they realize parenting is difficult and they don't want to do it- they may even realize on some level that they aren't fit to parent.

I can relate, because I remember the dread that washed over me when, later after I had already accepted the mantle of step-father for my daughter, that my wife was suddenly and unexpectedly pregnant. And I say unexpected but of course I should've expected my little bundle of joy. It sure didn't feel joyous as the color drained from my face and I questioned my decisions, maybe for the first time ever. And it's probably because I had learned from parenting Emily.

Am I ready for this?

I think you ask that question because you never truly can be prepared. Of course, I fumbled every step of the way.

Is this going to be worth it?

Tell you all what, I had questioned if I she even cared about her mom and I, at times, but it was worth everything when she thanked her mom and I for helping her to graduate today. Those and a few choice others are the moments I hope to take with me moving forward.

Worth it.

Some of the best moments today were captured while she was sitting in the risers while her classmates were giving their final speeches before getting their diplomas because you can always read her emotion plainly on her face and, lucky for us in her closest family, we got to see her expressions change up close and personal; the camera pointed at the classmate giving his or her speech was angled so Emily could be seen the entire time. I don't know if she knew or not, but either way Emily loves to be in front of the camera and she kept stealing the show. Her mom, her grandma, her brother and I even laughed a few times when we caught her glaring at one girl or another- what was that all about?

Congratulations Emily Rose