Friday night was a milestone for the Cremeans family. My oldest daughter Alli graduated from high school! It was a very proud night for Michelle and I. Many of you who follow my blog know Alli. She is amazing. For those of you who don’t know her let me tell you about her. Proverbs 10:1 says, “A wise child brings joy to a father.” I can not even begin to express the joy Alli has brought to me. Girls like Alli are rare. She is beautiful inside and out. We have this little unspoken thing between us - up until now it has been mostly private. When I see Alli in public and our eyes meet, I place my hand on my heart and tap my heart. Alli then blushes and gets embarrassed. No words are exchanged, but she knows what I am saying. I have told her since she was a little girl that she makes my heart beat!

Friday night as I watched her graduate I was reminded of the incredible young lady she has grown to be. I give two people credit for where Alli is today. First, God in his amazing grace has done an incredible work in her life. Alli loves Jesus. He has changed her life. To see where he has brought her in just 18 years humbles me. Her joy and beautiful smile light up a room. The second person is Michelle. She has been Alli’s example and mentor. She has poured into her life like only a Godly mother can. I love watching them interact and see their friendship grow.

Following her ceremony we all went out to one of our favorite restaurants. All of our family took turns affirming Alli and telling her the things we love about her. Her Grandparents, cousins (I really love my nieces) and best friends Liz and Ashli all took turns. I wish you could have heard it. I love family time together. We usually do this on birthdays and special occasions. To hear her brothers and sisters share how she has impacted their lives was really cool.

Today we had over 100 family and close friends over for her graduation party. She got spoiled. I loved every minute of it. Now I am just trying to take it all in and process it all.

So tonight I’m a proud Daddy. Proud of my girl…proud of her Mom… and most of all, proud of my God..