The Schrauger family was all together last week for the first since Christmas, and it was a bittersweet reunion of smiles, laughter and tears.
They were together to celebrate Lake Orion High School Class of 2008 graduation, and while son Josh was not there to walk with his classmates and friends, his oldest brother, and Iraq Veteran, David, 24, proudly accepted his diploma on his behalf.
‘We expected two more graduations, and two more open houses, and two more celebrations, and so its different, but I’m really glad that we can all be together for this day because it would be really hard to be apart,? said oldest child Kristina, 26. ‘I think its very honorable and I think its appropriate because (David’s) been a part of all of the tragedy and also the family. Josh would have enjoyed his brother being up there and receiving the honors.?
David and his wife, Katie, flew in from Texas, Kristina from North Carolina, and Stephen came home from Saginaw Valley, where he is a student, to be with their parents, Cliff and Vicki.
‘I’m proud of Josh, and Timmy, and, well, all of our kids, but Josh is the one that would have graduated tonight,? Vicki said on Friday before graduation.
‘He was a great scholar, a great guy generally, but also a good scholar,? she added. ‘He obviously did not know what was in his future, but he made plans ahead of time to do what he could throughout his life to prepare for college.?
In fact, in a school award ceremony the previous week, Josh was posthumously given a departmental award from the Lake Orion High School Chemistry Department, which his parents accepted on his behalf (pictured). They decided that David would do the honors on Friday.
‘My brothers both looked at me as kind of a hero I guess,? David said.
‘The school, Mom and Dad, and everybody thought it would be best if I received Josh’s diploma,? he added. ? I’m sure it’s going to be very hard but God has given me strength through so much and through all of this.?
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Come back next week to hear an update on the Schraugers and about the progress of their new home.
For back story on the family, visit lakeorionreview.com, search keyword ‘Schraugers.?