MY BOY…. Colin Pakulis – High School Senior Portraits – Desert Vista High School
May 17, 2013
Almost 4 years ago, just 3 weeks into his freshman year at Desert Vista HS, my son Colin lost his dad to cancer…
He had just started playing in the marching band and was excited to start high school. We didn’t know that we were going to loose Peter. He had been battling cancer for 2 years, although working through it the entire time, running his chiropractic office and supporting his family. There were so many moments Colin and I both believed that Peter was going to make it – and continue life here with us, but on August 28th at 9am, that changed. My husband, Peter Pakulis left this earth… and went to be with the Lord.
This morning, As I watched my son go to school on his last day of high school, I was taken back to the morning his dad passed. I remembered how Colin was still such a boy… so young.
The level of maturity he had even then, still blows me away. I remember how he spoke at his father’s funeral, with both sister on each side of him, and I could see then, that though this devastating and painful loss would be a huge void in his life, that he was still going to make it. He would be ok. Not completely whole.. But also, not completely lost to grief, or disillusionment or bitterness or depression or the hundreds of other things that can occur in the heart of a young freshman boy.
That day he spoke at the funeral, I could see his father in him… as so many people do, every time they look at Colin.
On a daily basis, I see Colin most of the time, who he is, and who he is becoming, but I’ve got to say, there is a moment every year, it usually happens on prom, not too sure why, but as I look through my camera to take his photo, I completely SEE PETER – it literally takes my breath away and I have to stop and just gather myself for a moment. I see the spirit of my husband shining through his son… and I’m undone.
He has been an amazing son, brother and friend. These 4 years of watching him grow up, go to high school, play in marching band, date, learn to drive, be there for his sisters, do chores, work, get his first car, get his first ticket lol, go to Europe, grow a beard, play drums for me at church, hold on to his faith… well, it has been a complete treasure to me. He has been nothing short of WONDERFUL… and I am so proud that I could burst!!
So today, I get to post photos of MY KID.., my amazing boy who’s turning 18 on Sunday. My son who is funny, loves movies and TV shows, collects vinyls, plays music non-stop, is a talented drummer and the BEST big brother in the world – (and that is truly what my girls think) they know how lucky they are…. I would simply say to him…WELL DONE Colin! Your dad and I are SO PROUD of you…and we are cheering you on as you go into the world and find that “wonderful plan that God has for your life” that your dad spoke of every night!
I LOVE YOU and I AM ALWAYS here for you bud! It’s been such an honor!
XOXO!
So here are a few things about this kid of mine:
Meet Colin Pakulis. Desert Vista High School Senior ~ Class of 2013
Colin loves music and drumming, playing video games, watching TV and movies, “reading sometimes and OCCASIONALLY even some physical exercise.”
Something he can’t live without is “definitely my music. Listening to music has become a huge part of my life, especially in the last couple years and I don’t know what I’d do without it.”
Colin says his friends would describe him as easy-going, laid-back, happy, trustworthy, funny and talkative.
Someone who inspires Colin? “I actually really admire Stephen Spielberg for his accomplishments and extremely wide span o movies he’s made in the past 30 years.”
Colin’s favorite music: “I like pretty much all music except for country, but mostly indie, alternative, hardcore and rap music. Bon Iver is one of the faves, for sure.”
His favorite memory from high school was his trip to Europe after sophomore year. And he will NOT miss getting up at 5:30 am for marching band practice.
One of Colin’s biggest life goals is to have a career “where I can reach masses of people and affect them in a positive way.”
Colin describes himself as FUNNY – EASY-GOING – FOCUSED – ENTHUSIASTIC and UPBEAT
After high school, Colin can’t wait to move out and stay up as late as I want!
He plans to go to ASU and major in something….not sure what yet!
