Watching My Youngest Son Graduate: A Mother’s Heart

By Janice Lozano

Today, I watched my youngest son walk across the stage at his Grade 12 commencement. As he stepped down the aisle, dressed in his cap and gown, a thousand memories came rushing back all at once—his first day of kindergarten, his scraped knees, his late-night study sessions, the laughter, the tears, the quiet talks we shared when the world felt heavy on his young shoulders.

Time has a strange way of moving. Some days, it feels like the years dragged on—school lunches, parent-teacher interviews, school projects, basketball practices. But in this moment, watching him confidently take those steps toward the stage, it feels like I blinked and he grew up. The little boy who once clung to my hand in a crowded hallway is now a young man ready to carve out his own path in the world.

I’m so proud of Nicky—not just for the good grades he worked hard to earn, but for the kind, thoughtful, and determined person he has become. He’s faced challenges with quiet strength, and through every high and low, I’ve seen him grow into someone with a deep sense of purpose. And now, as he stands on the edge of this new chapter, he already knows where his heart is leading him.

Nicky wants to become a nurse—a calling that comes from his desire to care, to comfort, and to serve. He talks about helping others with such sincerity that it humbles me. He’s always had that empathy in him: the way he’d look after his friends, the way he worried about his grandparents, the way he would check in on me when I looked tired even as a little boy. That compassion, that instinct to help, has only grown stronger.

As a mother, all I ever hoped for was to guide my children with love, to be there when they needed me, and to see them find their place in the world. With Nicky, I’ve done a lot of guiding, but I’ve also learned so much from him—about resilience, kindness, and how to lead with your heart.

I’ve always been his biggest cheerleader, and I always will be. From the sidelines of school events to late-night pep talks, I’ve been there—and I’ll be there still, as he steps into adulthood and chases his dreams. He may be taller now, stronger and more independent, but no matter how old he gets, he’ll always be my baby. He’ll always be a mama’s boy.

Today, I shed quiet tears. Some are for the years that have passed too quickly, and others are for the bright future that lies ahead. I know there will be more challenges, new experiences, and unfamiliar roads—but I also know that Nicky is ready. And I will always be here, cheering him on, just as I did when he took his first steps… only now, those steps are leading him into a life of meaning, service, and endless possibility.

Congratulations, my son. You’ve made me so proud. Go chase your dreams—and know that you carry my love with you, always.

My Dearest Nicky,

There are no words that can fully express just how proud I am of you. Watching you grow into the young man you are today has been one of the greatest joys of my life. You’ve made me laugh, you’ve made me cry, and you’ve filled my heart with more love than I ever knew possible.

As you begin this new journey, always stay true to yourself. Lead with kindness, listen to your heart, and never be afraid to dream big. I’ll always be here—your biggest supporter, your loudest cheerleader, your soft place to land.

You may be walking your own path now, but my love walks beside you, always. Never forget: no matter how old you get, no matter where life takes you, you’ll always be my baby. You’ll always be my little boy.

I love you more than words,

Mama