The most joyful moment in my life was when my wife, Giovanna, gave birth to our son, Matthew Thomas. When we came home from Flushing Hospital with him back in 2006, I remember thinking how fortunate I was. As time went on, I had my days when I thought: “I can’t believe he’s really ours. I’m not babysitting someone else’s beautiful child. I don’t have to give him back to the hospital.” Like so many other parents, I have been so proud watching my child grow into the intelligent, caring, sensitive, funny, inquisitive and enthusiastic individual that he is today.
On June 25, Matthew and his fellow classmates from Kid Krazy Preschool in Astoria graduated. The ceremony was beautiful and touching. All the students were dressed in blue caps (with tassels, of course) and gowns, and they sang songs such as, “We’re Moving Up to Kindergarten.”
Giovanna had her pack of tissues to wipe the joyful tears, while I stood with heavy emotions, recording the graduation with our camcorder. (Since that day, we must have watched the graduation about 40 times, and we have sung the tunes that our “American Idol” belted out that day.) At one point in the graduation, the school secretary/teacher’s aide, Ms. Rodriguez, presented a heartfelt video that captured candid moments from the entire school year — scenes of laughter, affection, creativity, collaboration, goofiness, seriousness and, of course, learning. Ms. Rodriguez blessed us all with our own copy of the CD. Following the ceremony, Giovanna, Matthew and I, along with all four of Matthew’s grandparents, went to an Italian restaurant to celebrate.
The day after the graduation, we, the parents, had a celebration together. About 23 students from the class, along with their parents, came together and had a wonderful time. Hot dogs and hamburgers, pasta, rice, fruit, face-painting and a guest visit from children’s book author Rick Arruzza were all on the menu. Arruzza read one of his published stories, “Sparky Goes to School,” and autographed a copy of the book for each graduate. He even brought Sparky, his pit bull/pointer mix, to the party to meet and greet the children.
We’ve since gotten together with some of Matthew’s classmates and their parents for play dates. Giovanna keeps in touch with many of them through Facebook and e-mail. At a recent firework show at Astoria Park, a group of us watched the spectacular event together. As amazing as the fireworks were in the night sky, the fact that the parents and children were all together was even more special.
As we walked home from the park, one of Matthew’s favorite classmates, Haany, turned to me and said: “ ‘Matthew’s Daddy, can we have a play date every Thursday?’ ” Those words made me melt.
Completing preschool is momentous for everyone involved. Some, or many, of the kids have been together for a couple of years, and parents have formed bonds with other parents as well. Keeping in touch, holding a play date here or there, sending a quick e-mail or a message on Facebook, sharing photographs or video footage with your child, and singing songs that were sung during the year are all effective ways — and important ways — of tackling the necessary adjustment period between the end of preschool and the arrival of kindergarten, come September.
And just because the children may no longer be classmates, or may no longer be students in the same school, doesn’t mean they, and their parents, can’t remain friends and spend time together. Parents can help their kids make sure that these special first friendships continue to grow.
