The last week and a half has been a whirlwind of activity, celebrations and milestones. Sometimes one is just too busy living life to post about it! In the last nine days:
- We celebrated Sophia’s birthday.
- Ben finished his school year.
- All four grandparents arrived.
- Sophia finished school.
- Ben graduated from high school.
- Ben went to prom.
- My parents celebrated their 59th anniversary.
- Phil’s parents celebrated their 62nd anniversary.
- We went out for one big celebration dinner.
- Yoder grandparents travelled home.
- Ben started his summer skills program.
- Sprunger grandparents travelled home.
- I finally finished my school year.
- Ben celebrated his 21st birthday!
The most momentous of these occasions was, of course, Ben’s graduation, but somehow it was the one I was least prepared for. He was pleased as punch that all his grandparents were here to witness his two seconds in the limelight.
Ben has had a great educational experience in the Williamsport Area School District. We’re proud of Ben (despite a somewhat spotty work ethic!) and we recognize the endurance it took him (and his teachers) to reach this point. He feels connected and loved as an important cog in the wheel of daily life at school.
The truth is that I am the one who is disconnected. He’s been at the high school seven years, so many of the kids he entered with are closing in on a college degree by now. Ben doesn’t talk much about his peers, and I don’t know anyone in his life skills class. In fact, I only know one other graduate in the WAHS class of 2021 – Cate. Ben has always been active in programs designed for kids like Ben, but none of these have been through the school. Add to this the fact that I spend my school days with other people’s children in a whole other town, and there isn’t much room for me to know Ben’s peers and their families.
So, here we are. Ben is a high school graduate, and I don’t have an answer for your next question. We don’t know exactly what is next for him. This summer, he is enrolled in a skills program to maintain competencies and explore job opportunities. After that, we’ll see. When we figure it out, you’ll be the first to know.
Last night we celebrated Ben’s 21st birthday with the Millers at Don Patron. Around the fire pit later, Sophia, the world’s best sister, presented him with a tub of “21 Reasons Why We Love You!” Each item was carefully selected to highlight something wonderful about Ben, with stories stretching back to the early days. Ben was overcome with emotion, and he wasn’t the only one to tear up.
If you have a recent graduate, you know the emotion and excitement that comes from launching a child towards an independent future. If Ben is your recent graduate, you want the degree of independence that brings fulfillment. The rest is all about being connected.
I tear up as I write this. The Millikens’ baby brother is no longer a baby. Truth is, Ben has not been a baby for a long time. He will always be an honorary Milliken, though, and how utterly proud we all are of him. Hard to believe that Ben is 21 now. Where has the time gone?? It has flown by in a blink of an eye. Just. Like. That.
Congratulations on your graduation, Ben “Little Brother Milliken” Sprunger, and a very happy birthday to you. May you have a happy and healthy year ahead, and for all the years that follow. We love you always.
We have the fondest memories of the Milliken clan caring for and interacting with Ben throughout his most formative years. He always made himself right at home at your place. We all did. Thank you for being an important part of Ben’s life, and for making him an honorary Milliken! We send you all our love!
Ben,
Congratulations!
I still remember your first years in the Williamsport Schools. I can’t believe it was 16? years ago. You still have that same mischievous smile?.
Love you Ben.
“Mrs. Harpster”
Thank you for starting him off right! I still remember him reporting he spent his day “workin’ for Harpster”!