Last night was a special one here at Winterpast. At 7:30 PM, my computer came to life with red, white, and blue gowns and a sea of smiling faces as my grandson graduated from high school. Life has a way of shocking us sometimes. The years go by, lulling Grandparents into a rhythm of normalcy. Game times and activities. Academic awards and summer fun. It does seem life an endless stream of childhood accomplishments, until your little grandson is 6′-to-the-sky with facial hair and a girlfriend.
I did miss the feel of graduation breezes on my face. My mom always talked about graduation weather. Raised in the country, typical graduations were outside on the football field. Spring evenings in the San Joaquin Valley of California were often unpredictably windy, wreaking havoc on long curls and mortarboards. Last night, the weather seemed perfect as I watched from the comfort of my home.
This high school graduation wasn’t what you’d expect in the worldly craziness we live in today. The young men, (for the most part), wore shirts and ties. Slacks and dress shoes. The young ladies looked like young ladies. No purple hair or studded faces. Heels and dresses. Fresh faces and lots of smiles. This class is going places.
There was no nonsense of childish interruptions. No offensive speech by the top Graduate. No throwing of hidden beach balls or messages written on the tops of mortal boards. Nope. This was a celebration of accomplishments. I must say, I was quite proud to be a part of the evening, even though six hours away.
The students in my grandson’s class have goals. The top students are off to top schools like UCLA, Pepperdine, or Brandeis University. They’ll go on to be doctors, lawyers, and scientists. There’s just something in the eyes of students like that. Serious. Appreciative of the gifts they’ve been given over the past 13 years of education. In this school district, they run a tight ship. Even after two years of distance learning through the lock down, these kids stayed the course. Perhaps there’s something to be said for staying home with mom and dad for two years of high school. It’s a thought, anyway.
The graduating class of 2022 was referred to as “2 Good 2 Be Forgotten”. From afar, I must admit, the staff must have been sorry to let them go. Classes have distinct personalities and traits branding them with a reputation. Some years, the staff celebrates for different reasons. Last night, parents should’ve been very proud as their children reached an important milestone in life.
My grandson will begin his college journey this summer. He’s been working full time his entire Senior year and plans to pursue his career in acting. He sings. He dances. He’s devastatingly charming, just like his Grandpa VST. Hard to believe that 50 years ago, his Grandpa was graduating from a country high school just a few miles west, looking forward to his own journey in life. We were friends then. I know. With a smile and a sigh, life goes on.
If you are a grandparent that can’t travel to a graduation, don’t forget to check out “You Tube”. It’s the next best thing to being there. You may find you have the best seat in the house, like I did. Remember to have your tissues at the ready.
Congratulations to The Class of 2022. Go forth and do great things.
More tomorrow.