I can't help myself

cli·ché  

noun

1.

a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse.

I know, I know.  I am a broken record of I-can't-believe-how-fast-time-flies.  Here's the thing though.  I have three graduation announcements on my fridge that take my breath away.

I met one of those kids hours after she was born and I was there a few years later to see her prancing around with a mop of blonde curls on her head.  I watched her grow up from a cherubic little girl with an infectious smile and more sweetness than should be allowable by law to a beautiful young woman with an infectious smile and more sweetness than should be allowable by law.  Also, that girl can sing.

How is she old enough to be graduating from high school?

I met the other two graduates when they were toddlers in New Haven, Connecticut.  I was friends with their moms and we took our babies to parks and on stroller walks and to each others' houses.   We were part of a date night group where one of us would watch all the kids so the other couples could go somewhere inexpensive because we were all living the high life, married to graduate students.  Those two toddlers were some of Braeden's first friends.  They made up games together and took turns going down slides at the park and ate cupcakes at their birthday parties.

How are they old enough to be graduating from high school?

Adam surveyed the fridge recently and said, "They all look exactly the same as they used to."

And it's true, they do.  But they're also different.  They have this light and promise shining in their eyes.  They were all pretty great toddlers and they're going to be pretty great adults.

I can't help being such a cliché.  Where did the time go?