He did it! High school graduation level\u2026unlocked and achieved! After a year filled with uncertainty and medical challenges, Ethan made it to June 16th, the day of his high school graduation. This day felt especially significant, considering Ethan has been on the transplant list since August 2024. It was a long road, but he did it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We worked on being as mentally and emotionally prepared for this as possible. Working with the school was a large part of the year to minimize any impact all of this might have heading into his senior year. We realized a new heart could come at any time, but really hoped he\u2019d be able to make it through the year and be able to enjoy some senior activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the year went by, no call came. We were told he had been considered for various hearts throughout the year, but none of them were \u201cjust right\u201d. Senior year continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although he only needed English and Civics to graduate, Ethan elected to take Anatomy & Physiology and Walking and Wellness (Ethan LOVES his walking). He also wound up randomly in the Yearbook class, which develops and compiles the yearbook. He was very tentative about taking the class, but wound up really enjoying it, and the teacher was wonderful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were challenges all along the way, including expected and unexpected hospital stays, each one taking its toll, but Ethan\u2019s strength and tenacity was inspiring. Catching up on homework and the standard head colds were also in the mix. We learned to cherish the moments when he felt good enough to participate in school, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the simple things like D&D games with his buddies. Success was imminent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homecoming came along in the fall\u2026and Ethan and Grace both got dressed up and went to that dance! It was Ethan\u2019s first dance he\u2019d attended in high school. He said he had a good time, but it was SUPER loud!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soon, spring was here and prom was just around the corner. He elected to attend (YAY!!). Again, he got all dressed up and went to the prom, which was held at the Pacific Science Center. He thought that was pretty great and spent, as it sounds like many of the students there did, a lot of time in the butterfly exhibit. He stayed the entire dance, and said he really had a great time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In June we had the Senior Celebration (formerly known as Baccalaureate), the Senior Sunset, Senior Grad walk at his elementary (Thoreau), the Senior Party at Flat Stick in Redmond, Senior Breakfast, Moving up assembly, and graduation rehearsal. It was a busy last couple weeks of senior year! He attended all the things! The Senior Celebration was really lovely. The seniors all filed in wearing their caps and gowns. They had a nice speaker come in and share his perspective on life in a fun and humorous way. A couple students gave wonderful speeches, and then there were snacks and visiting. The party at Flat Stick sounded like it was fun. Lots of food, putt-putt golf and other activities. The grad walk at Thoreau was fabulous! Mr. Valley (Sean) is the only teacher of Ethan\u2019s remaining at the school now, and he was there with camera in hand to capture the event. It was fun seeing all the \u201ckids\u201d that came. I didn’t even recognize some\u2026and some of them now TOWER over me in height. I realize now that Ethan\u2019s younger years went by in a blink \u2026not to sound cliche, but the days really are long, but the years, oh so short! Take in what you can, when you can, and just absorb it all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then all final assignments were turned in. Yearbooks were handed out and signed. And alas, the last day of class for seniors was here. All that remained was the formality of the graduation ceremony!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LWSD high schools hold their graduations at the Alaska Airlines Arena (aka the Hec Ed Pavilion). Juanita\u2019s was scheduled at 7:30pm on June 16th. I was glad they got a later start time. Even though we allowed for an hour and a half of travel time, we got there only 15 min ahead of the ceremony! No stress\u2026 ![\"\ud83d\ude00\"](\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/16.0\/1f600\/32.png\")
Get there we did. Dad and Jerri rode with us, while Mike and Ray met us there. We got seated and the energy was palpable. The band was on the floor practicing. There was a flurry of activity while everyone came in, visited, and got seated. The band started playing a beautiful song as the staff came in,I almost lost it then. After the staff were seated, Pomp and Circumstance began playing, and the 450ish (not sure the exact count) seniors began filing in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the ceremony, several school staff and district personnel spoke, sharing their thoughts and wisdom. Two wonderful student speeches were made. I was so impressed with all these young folks. Finally, each student was called up on stage in precise fashion to receive their diplomas! The moment they called Ethan\u2019s name, it hit me\u2014he is truly ready to face the world, heart transplant or not. It was such a beautiful sight to see him walk across that stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afterwards, we all filtered outside into a lovely, warm evening; taking pictures of family and friends as they all came by. We loaded up the van and headed home\u2026but not before swinging by Dick\u2019s drive-in\u2026I mean\u2026it just HAPPENED to be on the way home!! It was packed with families and seniors and anyone wearing their cap and gown got a free burger! It was lovely running into the Berkompas family there too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This journey has been a rollercoaster for our family. We\u2019ve had our highs and lows, but one thing has remained constant: our unwavering love and support for Ethan. Graduation was not just his achievement\u2014it was ours, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we\u2019re also looking forward to what the next chapter holds for Ethan. He may be starting this next phase of life with uncertainty about his heart, but we know one thing for sure: Ethan\u2019s resilience and joy will carry him through whatever comes next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks for being a part of our journey\u2014we\u2019re so grateful for your support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Up next: Preparing for Ethan to be admitted to the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforteamethan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6549\/2025\/07\/IMG_9720-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforteamethan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6549\/2025\/07\/IMG_9678-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforteamethan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6549\/2025\/07\/IMG_9643b-1-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforteamethan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6549\/2025\/07\/2025-Ethan-Senior-graduation-061625-804x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n