My "first" grandchild graduated from high school yesterday. Kyler became my surrogate grandchild in 1998. His mom, Marti and I worked together. I'll never forget the first time I met him. He was just a few days old and when she handed him to me he cuddled in as if he'd known me forever. I was in love.
Over the years Kyler spent lots of time at our house. He accompanied us to band concerts, dance concerts, high school plays and sports events. We accompanied him to soccer games, Kindergarten graduation, church programs and football games.
As he grew older we spent less one on one time with him, but we kept up with his accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities.
He has made us proud.
I wasn't prepared for how deeply emotional I was at his graduation. My "first" grandbaby. All grown up. Ready to take on the world. Kyler has grown into a caring, confident young man. He has a smile that will light up a room.
Kyler, as you head off to college remember we are here for you. You can hit us up for a loan. Call when you need to vent. Text any time you wish. For sure keep us updated with your successes. Being the "first", you made me into the Grammy I am today. I give you all the credit. I was able to look ahead through your childhood and form a picture of what I wanted to be when the rest of the grandkids came along. I am looking forward to our relationship transforming from adult to child into adult to adult, to hearing your folks brag to me about your college experiences, to seeing what you do in your future.
Thank you, Kyler, for being my "first".
And thank you Marti and Adam, for letting us share this incredible child with you!
Here is my official Eight Month Photo with my granddaughter.
We sat close enough this time that we could
I wanted a back-to-back shot with Kyler
A very proud Grammy with the kids.
We took Kyler to a concert at this very school when
We have been blessed the past (almost) 11 years with a surrogate grandson, Kyler. When he was born, his mom, Marti, and I were co-workers as well as friends. He started coming to our house for babysitting when he was an infant. All of our kids have babysat him at one time or another. But, the relationship goes far beyond babysitting.
Kyler quickly became adopted into our family due to the generosity of his parents. They would let him spend the night at our house, go with us on errands, to look at Christmas lights, to watch the kids' activities, to bake and decorate cookies, and of course, to eat Animal Pancakes at our house for breakfast.
As he grows, we get to attend his events: Kindergarten graduation, school programs, sports, church programs, and now, band concerts. It has been such a joy to watch him mature. He is a nice kid, smart, and athletic. I may be biased, but in my humble opinion, Kyler has it all! One of my proudest moments was to watch his baptism this past summer.
Now that we've added our granddaughter to the mix, I enjoy watching him interact with her. As he's nearing the end of his elementary years, I'm looking forward to Jr. High and High School. I can't wait to see what activities he joins, and how he chooses to use his talents and abilities.
Thank you, Marti and Adam, for sharing your terrific son with us! 
