A Tale of Two Graduations

Upon arriving, we formed a line at the door, waiting for them to be open. Our goal was to find the perfect seat. This moment had been anticipated for the past 4 years. The stage was set. Family and friends of the graduates poured into the gymnasium. I looked around but felt no ties to anyone there except my immediate family. I felt no ties to the school, no pride or school spirit. I did, however, have direct eye contact with my girl. This girl who was about to become a college graduate. My heart swelled with pride; tears fell down my face. She glanced my way a few times but refused to make direct eye contact. Her goal was to not cry. I saw plenty of tears over the years as she cried over assignments and pressures of adjusting to college demands. I was there on the days she fought against crippling anxiety that literally kept her from attending classes. I heard how she stood up for what she believes in, knowing it would not be the popular opinion. There were classes she hated and there were classes she loved. There was a point in time where she wondered if it was all worth it, but here she was. She did it!! My girl persevered and was about to walk that stage to get her hard-earned, self-paid for bachelor's degree.  

Upon arriving, we formed a line at the door, waiting for them to be open. Our goal was to find the perfect seat. This moment had been anticipated for the past 4 years. The stage was set. Family and friends of the graduates poured into the auditorium. I looked around and felt ties to many people. Teachers I had helped when I volunteered in classrooms and students I had gotten to know. Parents that I had shared wins and losses with over various sporting events and, after this evening, would maybe never see again.  I would never walk the halls of this school, attending open houses or meeting new teachers. The graduates entered the auditorium, in procession. There was my boy. He didn't see me, so I called out his name. He looked over. My heart swelled with pride; tears fell down my face. There were no tears in his eyes, just that smile that melted this mom's heart. He was indifferent to the whole high school experience, not loving it but not hating it. His beliefs had been challenged and some friendships had changed because of this. Here he was, "all grown up." He did it!! My boy was about to walk the stage to get his well-earned High School diploma.

It's official. My babies are both adults, moving on to new, exciting chapters. I wish I could turn back a few pages every now and then to reread every word a little more slowly.