05/11/2026
After a lot of thought, prayer, conversation, and honesty, Mason has decided that he will not be attending the traditional graduation ceremony.
Truthfully, when we sat down and explained to him exactly what graduation would look like for him specifically, it no longer felt like a celebration to him. It felt isolating. It felt uncomfortable. And most importantly, it did not feel like something that honored everything he has fought through to reach this moment.
As his parents, we refuse to allow something that should be meaningful and joyful to become another painful reminder of all that has been lost. Feeling seen matters. Feeling included matters. And Mason deserves a graduation experience that leaves him feeling celebrated, not singled out.❤️🩹
So instead of forcing him into an experience, that was not going to be enjoyable for him AT ALL! We have decided to do what we have always tried to do throughout this journey…make something beautiful out of something hard.🥰
In Mason’s own words:
“God is in the business of making something good out of the bad, Mom.”🤍
And honestly, he’s right.🙏🏽
So on Friday, May 15th at 6:00 PM, we will be celebrating Mason our own way with a very short ceremonial graduation walk across the bridge at Skiatook Central Park.
Justin and I will present Mason with his diploma from “The School of Hard Knocks”😂, and then our not-so-little boy will get to throw his graduation cap as high as he wants to.🎓🎓🎓
It may only last 10 to 15 minutes, but it will be filled with love, dignity, joy, and people who truly see him.
If you would like to come support Mason, please do. I think it would mean a lot for him to physically see how many people still have his back after everything he has endured these past almost four years.
For those who cannot make it, we will either livestream it or share pictures and videos afterward.🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
And then the following day, May 16th, our graduate turns 20 years old AND his Make-a-Wish reveal! So between graduation and his birthday, and his CHAPEL we have plenty to celebrate.
Glory to God for all things.🙏🏽☦️🎓🤍