It’s something upredictable, but in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your life.-Billy Joe Armstrong, Green Day (They are the “shit”.)
I’m sitting in the bleachers of the high school gym. I’m a bit anxious. I’m overpowered by memories, emotions, and scents. Why does every gym you step into smell the same? Today is my “other” daughter’s graduation. She is so smart! She’s beautiful, but doesn’t think she is. I love her! She has been through so much the last couple of years. I’ve done my very best to be her support, but not take over. You see she was Linda’s daughter. So that sort of makes her mine, too.
David and Charlene are sitting next to me. Adam Boy, Ally, and Alex are sitting on the bleachers in front of us. They are talking about their futures. The lawyer, the writer, the nurse. Seems they all just graduated from high school. A baby sits to my left and she’s flirting with me. I flirt back. Give her a sweet smile. Tell her hi. I try to wink, but my winker doesn’t work. I’ve never been able to wink. Ever. It just makes me look dorky.
I give love and hugs to my two girls from the 313. We’re from the D, so don’t fuck with us. Okay, so we’re from the T. But we’re still pretty bad ass. Don’t mess with Swim Mommas. We will mess ya up.
Claire finds us. Runs to Adam Boy. Gives him the tightest hug ever. Then she heads off to get in the processional. As we’re waiting for the ceremony to begin, I think of Linda. I feel her all around me. She takes my hand, tells me thank you for taking care of her baby girl. I’ve done what I can. What I thought was right.
So today I root for Claire. For her future. For her past. For the profound love I feel for her. Good luck my lovely and smart Claire. Daughter of my heart. I love you and I’m so proud of you. We all are.
I know exactly how you feel – my own daughter graduated last year from her 4 year Uni course. I was proud. The way you write about it actually makes me well up. You have a wonderful way of describing things. Lovely.
Oh Stu. It’s such a milestone, isn’t it? Proud of your girl. 🙂 Thanks for saying my descriptions are lovely. I love that word, lovely.
That’s awesome! Good job for her, and please tell her that life is only going to better from here on out. Tougher, in some respects, but better too! And you’re right, Green Day IS the shit! Is that song used for like every graduation nowadays? My wife got her diploma to that song, unfortunately I graduated a year early to hear it.
Actually their class song was “We are Young” by the band FUN. Love that song too. I sing it all the time. Even though I’m no longer young, I can still relate to the lyrics. As for Green Day, I may just have a post brewing in my mind about them. I have a great memory of my son and I one of their concerts. YES I WAS in the pit. 🙂
Aww, how sweet. Congratulations young lady. It’s a wonderful day when one graduates.
It’s just the beginning, really.
Congrats to the grad! And blessings to the mom who loves her!
Oh honey I’m not her mom. Her mom was one of my very best friends that died over a year ago. I’ve always kept Claire close to me. Loved her like she’s one of my own. She’s my son’s gf. Has been for over 3 years. She’s an important part of my life.
How lucky you are to have each other!
I’m very, very lucky. Thanks for following my sweet.
Congratulations to her!
Thanks my dear.
Congratulations to Claire and best wishes for success and happiness in life. Thanks to you and your love for her we are all out here waiting to cheer her on and hold the ladder for her upward climb steady, Congratulations to you as well and best wishes. I’m sure that Linda is very proud of you and happy with your efforts.
Thanks for the kind comments Rick. I do believe, if she is anything like her mother, she will be a force to be reckoned with. Love your comments my dear.
So sweet! Here in France there’s no such thing. We basically get our results on the internet and that’s it. 😦 I wish there was a ceremony. But there’s absolutely NOTHING.
Congrats on Claire’s graduation anyway! She looks like a very sweet girl. And it’s so beautiful to read how much you love her.
Honey I’m sorry that you don’t have that in your country. It’s such a milestone. It’s really the beginning. Maybe you should celebrate anyway. Get a group of your friends together and party. That’s what I’d do. For sure. 🙂