Saturday, June 21, 2008

Graduation Day

Whew!
Two days, two graduations.

My daughter Tara graduated from Torrance High School on Wednesday evening and then my son Zachary graduated from middle school on Thursday evening. Back-to-back graduations. Back-to-back events. Back-to-back celebration’s which featured a lot of preparation, not to mention great Greek food from our friends at Daphne’s Cafe.

It only seemed like yesterday that they climbed up into my lap to hear a bedtime story. It only seemed like yesterday that we laughed and played together at the park. It only seemed like yesterday that we were sending them off to Kindergarten and that they were so very young. It only seemed like yesterday… Yesterday. Realization has set in that yesterday is gone.

So as we miss and reminisce about yesterday -- we celebrate a new day, a new page or a new chapter in the book of our lives. As family and a few friends joined with Karlene and I, we celebrated the individual accomplishments of our children. We laughed, took pictures, told stories and even shed a few tears. Gifts were given, presents opened and joy was evident. Basically, we did life -- together – as life was intended.

Tara’s graduation ceremony was beautiful. The processional was over 500 strong. Tara sang with the Torrance High Troubadours for one last time. The speeches were given. The diplomas were handed out. The acceptance of the graduates was officially pronounced, balloons were released, caps flew, and the overflow -- and overheated -- crowd at Zamperini Stadium joined the graduates in a loud and lengthy celebration.

The celebration is still continuing.

It’s the celebration of life.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, if I didn't cry before, I'm crying NOW. Trying not to think about my children growing and becoming adults!! Wow how time flies by! -Karlene

Anonymous said...

Aw, you do love us sooooo huge! :D I'll miss you out in Fullerton... it's just so far :P Visit me when you go to D-Land and such! :DD