Graduation Day, June 10, 2006

Saturday was the big day. Grammy was up and about, albeit a bit weak. She was able to pull it together and look fabulous. Julia stayed with the children during the graduation ceremony. Susan and I joined mom and dad in the stands. It was a cool overcast day. I can not explain how proud and happy was I was to be there. Anna gave the welcome speech. She was poised and professional. Chris's valedictorian speech was perfect for the mix of WHS graduates, 26% of whom will go to college. He urged the students to get involved, volunteer and make a difference. He stressed that you do not need a college degree, know the works of Shakespeare to get involved. The highlight was going down on to the field and hugging my girl and taking photos of the family. I picked up the children and joined everyone at Mark and Pam's for the party. It was such a nice gathering of family and close friends. Will we ever forget the jello! 14 layers of jello in ultra thin layers. It took the woman 28 hours to make. Anna was so excited and relieved that the entire event was over. She was just looking forward to her beach trip the next morning. My thoughts were flooded with memories of my own high school graduation 21 years ago. My favorite part of the day was after everyone left, Mark, Anna, the children and I went to Clemor's Garden. Mark and the children fed the huge goldfish Cheerios. After Anna joined us, the main event was presented -- the SWING. It was amazing. A double porch swing suspended from a rope hung from a branch 20 yards up. One had to back the swing way up an incline just to get on. Mark gave the best push that sent the swing way up and over the azaleas bushes and gave a good view of the pond. It was such an exhilarating experience. There was more family visiting.