Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Congratulations Graduates!

My family celebrated my niece Heather's high school graduation this weekend.

Heather graduated from the same high school I graduated from 28 years ago.

28 years ago!!

I adored high school. It was a fantastic time for me and set the stage for a rich academic/social experience which I am still enjoying today as the perennial student.  

It was strange and wonderful to go back. As I perused the names of the faculty I was surprised to find that none of the teachers I had were listed.  That is when it hit me that it was indeed quite a long time since I ran that track, performed on that stage or bopped down those halls with my twin brother ( I bopped, he sauntered - he was always 'cooler' than I was).

The graduation was a grand excuse to gather everyone together. My Mom and Dad drove up from Florida (see mom at right posing at the graduation as per my request) and childhood friends stopped by the house. 

We played volleyball, had sword fights and cooked. 

I made sure that the heavy metal music was interrupted by some Different Drum era Linda Ronstadt.  And I bopped along to that.

Heather's little sister, my magical niece Samantha, also brought to my attention that she graduated from kindergarten just a few days before. So, I made sure to make the appropriate fuss about that and give her the fair share of attention. We relaxed on the grass while she told me more about angels and healing.

The parties have ended and things are getting back to normal. Except for the fact that for Heather, her boyfriend Vinny and many other graduates their lives will never quite be the same again. Good luck on your journey!

9 comments:

Barbara said...

Sounds like a fun family gathering! Your mom does not look enamored with holding the sign.

Sebastien Millon said...

Congrats to both your nieces! Graduating kindergarten, how cute :)

Dumdad said...

The passing of time - it's a bit scarey but, hey, that's the deal! Sounds like you had a great day.

Gary said...

Barbara - You are right. She does not like to have her picture taken anymore because she is not thrilled with her looks these days, at least how she looks in photographs. She cannot see the beauty that everyone else sees. I'm working on that.

Sebastien - Nowadays there is a big deal made of graduating pre-k and kindergarten. It is adorable. The kids usually sing a song while the parents cry and gush. I say whatever makes the kids feel proud is a great thing.

Dumdad - Time does pass so quickly but folks have been saying that forever. I guess we just need to slow it down by taking a moment here and there to relax and take it all in instead of always thinking about what's next. That is my problem. I am always rushing, even when I don't need to rush. Hopefully this summer I can slow down a bit.

Sebastien Millon said...

Awww, I can't wait to see a pre-k kindergarten graduation, especially as a proud parent!

Just to let you know, I'm working on your drawing, hopefully should have it this coming week :)

Salty Miss Jill said...

What a grand time. :) And I can;t beleive you graduated from high school at the age of three!

RG said...

28 years huh? You know what that means don't you? You are now officially a "Sir". You know, "Can I help you with that SIR?" And you know what "Sir" means in retail don't you? "Old guy". LOL

Glad you had fun though - Mom looks SO happy holding that sign. LOL

Gary said...

RG - Great to see you here! I must say that I don't mind being called 'sir' and I can think of a few circumstances where I actually quite enjoy it.

Jill - Yet another reason I adore you! Keep it up.

Sebastien - I'd love to be a proud parent at one of these things rather than a proud teacher, uncle or friend (not that there's anything wrong with that). Looking forward to seeing the drawing! Yippee!!

WAT said...

I used to be in our junior high school band and we had to play POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE for a good twenty minutes during graduation one time over and over and over and over again! LOL! It was fun though, and I remember those days fondly I guess, before I had the worries I deal with today.

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