Graduations

 It's the end of May, and the end of the school year for many parts of our state.  My granddaughter is graduating from Tucson High tonight, and with the pandemic, I can't be there.  But they're streaming live on-line so I'm tuned in and ready to watch.   But it got me to thinking about my own graduation in 1977.  (Wow!  MANY years ago!!)  

Growing up in California, most of our events were held outdoors.  My own graduation was held on the football field, with just over 400 students.  The girls wore gold gowns, the boys wore dark green - school colors, of course.  We all filed onto the field and took our seats.  I don't even remember who spoke, or what they had to say to us.  For me personally, I was very nervous, hated being in front of the crowd of people - family and friends.  What a relief when it was over!  But so there weren't any mistakes, we were handed a blank folder when our name was called and after the ceremony, we had to collect our real diploma in the gym.  By the time I came out, I looked all around and couldn't see my family, or my boyfriend.  I waited and walked to the front of the school and waited some more.  After a time, I decided wth and started walking home.  I'd gotten about halfway when one of my neighbors spotted me and offered a ride.  When I got home, my family was there, and so was my boyfriend.  Turns out they each thought the other was giving me a ride home!!  lol   

And to this day, I never miss a chance to remind my family how they all "forgot about me" hahaha

I remember when my own two kids graduated, the ceremony was held at Miami U in Oxford.  Again, remembering the speeches doesn't even register, although the message in all of them is directed at young people about to embark on the adult portion of their lives.  But I still remember the feeling of pride, the joy in the accomplishments of my children.  

And that's how I"m feeling today -- so proud of my granddaughter and all she's accomplished! Both my daughter and granddaughter are testaments to how much can be achieved and overcome.  They are hearing impaired and yet they continue to function in a hearing world.  I couldn't be more thrilled with who they are, and all they do!