Graduation 2011

Graduation Day was awesome. Granted the day started early. A tad bit too early. But there was plenty that needed to be done.

Mr. A and I hit Publix early to pick up all that we needed to go with dinner for that evening. One thing I like about our local grocery store is that we always run into someone we know. Mr. A saw his history teacher from last year and fellow parent of a graduating senior. Another thing I like is that the store supports the high school. They had balloons in the school colors and all sorts of cakes and cupcakes in the school colors. We came home with a LRHS balloon and some cupcakes.

After all the errands were run and the chores were finished, my Sweetie and I went outside and decorated A’s truck. I was afraid he might think we were dorks but he really liked it. He texted a friend about it and she thought it was a great idea so we dropped the window markers at her house so she could decorate her own car.

All that was left to do was iron the silver lamé gown and get ready. Let me tell you, that gown was a bitch to iron. I was so afraid of melting the weird polyester fabric. I started with the iron heat really low and slowly turned it up until I could get the creases out. It took forever. But somewhere between synthetic and silk/wool, I managed it.

When it was finally time to leave, A and I rode in his truck and S and G-Man came later with the grandparents. Mr. A talked non-stop. I was glad for the alone time that we had and it actually calmed my nerves.

This is the one photo that makes me cry.

I can't get over the family resemblance between G-Man and my Dad.

Inside the civic center, we decided to sit opposite the stage rather than on the sides. We wanted tobe able to face A when he gave his speech. It was a good decision. But the poor lighting in the civic center wasn’t conducive to good photography. Oh well, I did the best I could.

Mr. A is the lone graduate in silver on the stage.

I packed Kleenex and gave a purse pack each to my Mom and MIL. I only cried twice and was able to wipe the tears away with just my finger. But to be on the safe side, I didn’t wear make-up.

I first got choked up when we took our seats and I sent my eldest son a text:

Have I told you lately how much I love you and how proud I am of you???

My eyes were so watery that I couldn’t see to type.

He quickly texted back:

I love you too.

Once the program began and all the students were seated, the principal asked those seniors who are entering military service to please stand and be recognized. There were a good 20 students who rose. They got the loudest and longest round or applause of the evening. Tears streamed down my face as I saw my son standing proudly (in his silver gown) on the stage.

Mr. A was one of three student speakers at graduation. He rocked! He was funny, charming, and insightful. My kid impressed me. After 17+ years of living with genius boy, it takes a lot to impress me. I was so very proud of him and I wondered to myself, Where the hell did he come from?

Photo courtesy Bradenton Herald.

This was our son’s big day. But my Sweetie and I rode the wave behind him and enjoyed the rest of the evening. We had a lovely and easy dinner back at home. Miss K joined us for dessert and embarrassing family stories.

After the grandparents left, the three kids sucked the helium out of the balloons. We laughed until our sides hurt. My heart was warmed by the thought that on graduation night the most mischief the kids got into was talking in silly voices.

At 11 o’clock I announced that I would drive Miss K home. Mr. A was perfectly capable but I was still feeling superstitious about them driving on graduation night. Only after everyone was home safe and sound did I fully relax and reflect on the day. It was awesome.

Yep, the future's so bright...

The local paper covered the graduation and reported on Mr. A’s speech. You can find the article here.