ANOTHER MILESTONE!

First came those who influenced and inspired them.  Then came the blue gowns. Faces, all colors, smiling, some looking grime almost bored under black mortars, worn seriously some flippantly with tassels bouncing.  Many searched the audience for a familiar face while staying in processional order.

They took their prearranged seats on bleachers in the auditorium festooned with balloons  hand held, others hung from cross beams on the ceiling. On each side of the stage, large screens showed their portraits and the new places they soon would call home.

They attentively listened to remarks by people who had come to know them over the years,  sometimes well, sometimes superficially. Offered were words of  advice and  personal experiences.

Then four of their peers rose to speak.  Each message expressed  appreciation, anticipation and a humorous reflection. While all on stage and in the audience acknowledged and celebrated  the heroic efforts made by some to be a part of the Class of 2013.

Diplomas were given, tassells turned to the other side of  Mortars and the Recessional began
with my granddaughter in it as I marked another milestone in her life and mine..