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Chapter 28 Graduation Day

"Let's see...the cake is ordered and ready for pick up tomorrow afternoon. The house cleaned and bed sheets washed and beds made up." I was going through my list of things that had to be done and ready for Kate's big day tomorrow. Our daughter was going to graduate from eighth grade! I couldn't believe it. She would be in high school next year and...yes, Bret in college! Well I had to face the facts...they were growing up. We were going to have to let them fly away from the nest. They would take a piece of our hearts with them for sure, but life was like that. All full of changes.

"Hello," I said into the phone resting on my shoulder as I removed the corn bread from the oven.

"This is dad. We are in a bit of trouble."

"What happened anyway? We have been wondering where you were!"

"Well, we are about 25 miles west on Interstate and we hit a deer. We can't move any further so I guess you will have to come after us."

"Oh good grief! Are you okay?"

"Yes, no one is hurt, but the car is a mess. They've called a wrecker, but they will wait until you get here for us and our stuff."

"We'll be right there. We'll leave right now!"

By this time, Mark had come into the kitchen. "What was that all about?" he asked coming over to the stove.

"It was your dad. They're in trouble. They hit a deer and the car is a total mess. We have to go right now!"

"Hey, wait a minute. Are they ok? Is anyone hurt?"

"Oh I'm sorry....yes they're okay, just stopped in their tracks."

"You kids, we are going after Grandma and Grandpa and little cousin Jack. They hit a deer and messed up the car," I hollered down the stairs at them.

"Okay. Where are they?"

"Just about 25 miles west on the interstate. It will take a bit, but all the supper can wait. I guess if you're hungry you can go ahead."

"We'll wait," Bret called up at us.

It was dark as Mark and I made our way west. In about a half hour, Mark spotted them. There was flashing red lights filling the dark night. From our side of the interstate we could just make out Mom and Dad's car setting there at the side. With those eerie flashing lights, we could make out a battered car. In front of it sat the wrecker, its lights flashing also.

My heart seemed to stop. "Oh Mark those poor people. It looks terrible," I said looking back as Mark made his way to an overpass and back on the highway and pulled in behind the mess.

"Be careful getting out. Maybe you better just stay here while I go," Mark said looking back before opening the door and jumping out.

I watched as Mark approached them and said something to mom. She looked so tiny standing there holding her purse and a small bag. Mark stuck his head into the back seat of the car and came out with a cooler. I was sure it was full of Mom's famous cooking. Probably cookies, homemade candy, and those delicious energy bars the kids liked so well.

Things were loaded into the trunk and Mom, Dad and Jack got into the back seat. We were so happy no one was loaded into an ambulance. As we drove around the wreck, the car looked terrible. The whole roof was smashed back. The deer had hit right above the front window. It could have been so much worse!

There was no lack for talk at the supper table for sure. Mom was pretty tired, so she and Dad went to bed soon afterward. When Jack opened his book bag to get out a library book to read, he found glass inside.

"Wow look at this!" he said. "I had it with me in the back seat on the floor. It was mostly closed but I guess not enough!"

That glass really shattered! It was in everything. We were just so very happy that no one was hurt.

After chores the next morning, Dad and Mark went to town to decide what to do with the car. Dad didn't want to get rid of it as it was pretty new. They found a man that was willing to fix it, but it would take a few months. They would have to get back home some other way.

At home, Mom, Bret, Kate and I were looking at the cattle and pigs. Mom was always interested in our farming operation. She was always walking out to the farrowing shed or up on the hill to see the calves.

Supper was over and all were dressed in their best. After driving the two miles it took, we made our way down the hall of our beautiful school, our "home away from home." There were grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles all visiting excitedly as they took their seats. There were proud mothers and dads, sisters and brothers. We quickly spotted my parents and some others of our family who had driven a few hours to be here, as well as local friends and family. We all were hugging and chatting to each other as we took our seats on the bleachers. Down on the gym floor, 54 purple chairs set in rows. In front stands the podium with a beautiful huge plant standing just to the side.

A hush falls over the crowd as Mr. McClure takes his place in the front seat along with the high school principal. The band starts to play and our eyes go to the door in the back. In files the class of 1997. Kate is the 10th one in line. She looks so beautiful and grown up in her pretty dress and hair falling down her back. I fight to hide the tears as they start to fall down my cheek. Mark sees me and hands me his red checked handkerchief. I'm not ashamed. I tenderly wipe the tears from my cheek using that handkerchief. Our little daughter who was always so shy. She is now a young woman, leaving junior high and entering her final high school days.

When the class is set, Mr. McClure, the class sponsor, stands and walks to the podium. He addresses the class of 1997. He tells them all that they have lots of dreams and hopes and he wishes them all success. There are awards handed out. Then he says that he asked each student to write an essay on what "friendship" means to them.

"All the papers were perfect. It was hard to choose one to read at the graduation today. But I have decided to read this one." And at this he began to read.

"Mark that is Kate's, I'm sure. Oh my lands!" I said looking down at her. She sat there still and quiet. A person looking on would never have guessed it was hers. That's why hers was chosen. She felt that each classmate was important. She did all in her power to make sure that they felt they were important. Those who were popular, all the way down to the less privileged. It didn't matter to Kate. She was a friend to all that her life touched. After he finished reading, he announced that it was indeed Kate's paper, and she received a Friendship Award!

Back home, the cake and ice cream was brought out. Kate had insisted that her cousin celebrate with her. He had also graduated that year in a school far from here. Since both sets of grandparents and aunts and uncles, mom and dad's were here, both Kate and Dustin stood in front of the cake to get their pictures taken. The big day was over. We now had a new high school student in the house.

The next day was Saturday. Everyone had gone home the night before except Mark's parents and cousin Jack, of course since they didn't have a car anymore. They were taking the bus home that afternoon. They would not be at Bret's high school graduation in a week, as they would be coming back in a couple months for the car.

The week between Kate and Bret's graduation seemed to fly, and graduation Sunday was here. It is a hot sunny Sunday. The day has come. Bret was leaving his school days behind and, along with his classmates, reaching into the unknown future. I had so many mixed feelings going through my head as I prepared for church that morning. We would have a fast lunch and then head up once again to the halls of our school. This time, Kate would be sitting with us, and Bret would be somewhere behind those back doors.

Once again, there were grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, proud moms and dads, sisters and brothers all dressed up in suits or nice dresses and pant suits. As I sat there on those bleachers, my mind turned back the pages to that first day of kindergarten when I sat there at that little desk, Kate clinging to me, and Bret walking slowly around the room that would start his walk through his school years. It just seemed like yesterday. That day started so many fond memories for both Mark and me. So many friendships started that day. I loved our school and all that it included. I was so happy that Kate still had four years left. I would miss Bret's classmates.

Once again, 57 purple chairs sat in rows on the floor below. Once again, the podium stood in front. There were empty chairs setting behind that podium, facing the students. Just to the right of the podium stood a table. On that table were 57 diplomas. They sat there so quietly. Inside them was the signatures needed to give permission for 57 students to leave these school halls, some forever, and walk into their own unknown futures. The faculty filled in and stood before the chairs. Then from somewhere, I heard it. The bittersweet melody of "Pomp and Circumstance." All eyes went to that back door as everyone rose. In walked the class of 1993. Some walked slow. Some walked faster, arms gently swaying at the side. Some wore yellow cords around their necks. But everybody wore the deep purple gown, and the cap on their head. Everyone wore a smile.

I sighed a sigh of relief when I saw Bret walk in. He had made it on time. He looked so handsome. He stood tall, had a yellow cord around his neck that fell down the front of his gown. He walked with confidence and a smile on his lips. Once again the tears started to fall. In my mind's eye, I saw a little boy running free in the back 80 with his dog and sister. That little man who was so carefree and happy. That little boy who had grown to be a young man. There was something that I always secretly admired about Bret. He never put himself above another. He was always willing to step back and let the other person get the praise or honor. He always did it with joy and dignity. It always made him happy to see someone else happy.

The class was all sitting now, and we once again had a wonderful surprise! One that made the tears of happiness flow. The class speaker rose and walked calmly to the podium. The class had chosen our cousin, Adam to represent them! He stood there before that podium, looked out upon his classmates and calmly told them.  "I challenge you to make the most of every day we have. Our school days here are complete but we all have our whole lives ahead of us." He thanked the class for choosing him and wished them all the best, then calmly walked around that podium and back to his seat. Quietly a few students rose and made their way to a small set of bleachers where they joined a small group of others and their voices harmonized so beautifully as they sang their song. Then it was time for the class president to speak. After she offered her classmates good advice and told them good bye, it was time for the diplomas to be handed out.

The principal stood at the podium. Mrs. White, the school counselor, stood at his side, along with another member of the faculty. The first row was asked to rise. As their names were called off, they walked up to the principal and counselor, who placed the tassel of their cap to the other side and handed them their diploma with a hardy handshake and sometimes a hug. There was cheering from the crowd, whistles blown as each student passed in front and then went to sit back down. When the last name was called and they took their seat, the band started playing. After throwing purple hats into the air, the class of 1993 walked out the school doors for the last time.

I was determined that this summer was going to be a special one. Setting out just north of our garage was a 24'x4' swimming pool. It was one of those above ground pools. We all were excited about it! It was a graduation gift for Kate. Both kids loved to swim, and we could not get them to the pool very often, so we got one for home. It would be a lot of work, but Kate promised to take that upon herself, and she was doing a good job.

There was a lot of swimming on hot days, and once in a while Mark and I got in and tried our luck. See the trouble was...neither of us knew how to swim! So we got all "dressed up" for the occasion! We would have a life jacket on plus a inner tube around our stomach. Then we would hold onto the side for dear life and make our way around the pool! Well, I'm sure that I don't have to tell you that after about the second time in the pool, we were kindly asked by the kids if we would consider "swimming" after dark. Oh, kids will be kids. 


Life is never the same, day after day, but everyday is a very special gift.

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. :) thanks for another lovely story about your lovely family <3

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful memories! Thank you for sharing another sweet story from your life.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A special chapter of your life, beautifully written and interwoven with love!

    ReplyDelete

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