Another Graduate Walks

I mostly look back when some one I love approaches a crossroads.  Have others  managed those changes.  In the past couple weeks, I have been reading and re-reading not just my blogging, but have been looking through my books of memory and trying to track the milestones my loved ones have passed.  It could have something to do with Hunter starting first grade and Kaela graduating high school.

With Kaela's graduation, comes another phase of not only her life, but our family's as well.  Dakota will graduate next year, but after that, all the older grandchildren will be starting a new journey, one that will be all of their own making.  I remember that feeling so well.  I remember thinking the adults who kept telling me, "these are the best years of your life, just enjoy them" must had never gone to school a day in their lives.  Or, "there will come a day when you look back, with fond memories on your high school time". LOL

The odd truth about the people who were trying to get me to be just who I was meant to be, someone who had not lived even two decades in this life, were so right.  For me, the light started to dawn on the first day of school following my graduation.  Everyone else I knew, except a couple close friends, were continuing life as they always had.  Meeting outside the buildings and hallways laughing, talking, catching up on life through the summer.  They were comparing schedules and deciding who was sharing a locker with whom.  What classes they shared and who was going to be in the same electives together.  Still not worrying about how many credits they needed or what a GPA really meant.

For me, things changed rather suddenly the night before that first day of school in September.  I didn't have to set my radio clock as early, didn't have to have clothes picked out and PE things together or my name on my new supplies. I didn't have to put those stove pipe curlers in my hair, well maybe that was the good part.  I had a couple days to go to the local furniture store to receive my small memory Lane hope chest and to go to the bank to open my first checking account that offered no service charge for five years (what a mistake).

Some of my friends were off to , LSU, some to the Air Force, others went to work in their parents buildings.  I still had to wait 'til after Labor Day to talk to the recruiter for the business school I had chosen to attend.  I did learn some good things there, typing and shorthand were NOT on the list though.  I have a friend here in Houston who can verify that...white out was my best friend and I just got sick if I had to take dictation.  After we graduated from there we worked at the same company, I believe one time she sat in the adjoining office and actually took down the letter so I could transcribe it.  Fun times!!  Some of the things I did learn though that have seen me through all my job interviews were, how to dress, how to converse with the decision maker and how to know who that person was, to show my skills and abilities, and get past the typing stuff.  To let them know why I would be the best person for the job. I actually got asked, right off the bat, first question was..."Well, Alma, why shoes" part time job in the shoe dept of a department store...that one threw me.  My response was "well, why not shoes", wrong answer.

I guess if I could sum it up, I would say kiddos, don't rush growing up.  You have only spent eighteen years so far.  Sit down and have a real conversation with someone who has walked where you are getting ready to walk, then add their advice to your "things to take to the table" at your first job interview, because there will be one coming VERY soon.  Since more and more young people think they want to "make it on their own" just a couple days after having dad and mom who has payed for everything.  Sorry digressing a little there.

Still, I was one proud Nana when they called her name and she walk across the stage and receive the diploma  They all worked, slaved, studied and partied so hard to get.  (well studied so hard might be a little over stated, suffered might be closer to true).

I love everyone of you who has achieved this milestone and those who are still working toward it.

HAPPY GRADUATION DAY KAELA!
I love you.
Nana