Katie has graduated, and with the end of high school comes the end of many other things. She will not pursue sports in college, having decided to concentrate on her singing. Community college tuition is far less than private high school. Gone are the endless parent-child arguments over grades and homework. We agree to let Katie manage her education from here on out. Parent-teacher conversations are a thing of the past, replaced by student-teacher exchanges.

Turning over responsibilities to our now young adult daughter is a part of the learning process, and one that should start before graduation. Some kids get it at an early age, while others never seem to catch on. But we all need to learn to live our own lives, to find our own way, and to define our own values. I pray that Katie has the foundation to build a life of her own that is fruitful, prosperous, and joyful.