Aftermath

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Meredith marching in! (Guy on the right is a total stranger.)

The graduation was wonderful, simply wonderful.

Bad weather forced the ceremony into the auditorium. Because of that, only Greg (Mer’s dad) and I were able to see the actual event. But because Hatboro-Horsham in awesome, they televised the ceremony live on a local cable channel. So while we fought back the tears in the auditorium, the rest of the family: stepparents, various and sundry siblings, and friends, watched the TV and ate pizza in our apartment. One amusing note: I did not see a single person (not including the graduates) in the auditorium who was not carrying some kind of still or video camera. The amount of money spent on all those cameras probably exceeds the GDP of many small nations.

Image hosted by TinyPic.com Rowdy parents on the balcony.

I was wrong about the final size of the graduating class. It is 424 kids.

The students were nearly unrecognizable in their caps and gowns, which was fitting, because they left their high school bodies when they were handed their diplomas. Now they have to figure out how to fit into their new skin. There were many rounds of picture-taking after the event was over.

Image hosted by TinyPic.com Her pals (Mer is on the far right)

I did well, if I do say so myself. I limited my boo-hoos to about five minutes, and I think I managed not to embarrass my kid. We had a festive romp back at the apartment with the family and friends after the ceremony. We ate cheesecake, which I consider nearly a sacrament. A great day, all around!

Here’s to life, in the full fruit of its poignancy, here’s to love and to loss and to growth and to change.

Carpe diem, my friends: seize the day.

24 Replies to “Aftermath”

  1. Congratulations!

    I just read Speak and loved it. I’m currently teaching younger students, but if I find myself teaching middle or high school again, I’ll bring this novel with me.

    Wanted to say thanks, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your catalogue. (

  2. Congratulations!

    I just read Speak and loved it. I’m currently teaching younger students, but if I find myself teaching middle or high school again, I’ll bring this novel with me.

    Wanted to say thanks, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your catalogue. (

  3. Congratulations!

    I just read Speak and loved it. I’m currently teaching younger students, but if I find myself teaching middle or high school again, I’ll bring this novel with me.

    Wanted to say thanks, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your catalogue. (

  4. Congratulations to Meredith!

    May the blessings in your life be many, and the burdens never more than you can carry.

    Love and a hankie to your mom! –Linda Sue

  5. Congratulations to Meredith!

    May the blessings in your life be many, and the burdens never more than you can carry.

    Love and a hankie to your mom! –Linda Sue

  6. Congratulations to Meredith!

    May the blessings in your life be many, and the burdens never more than you can carry.

    Love and a hankie to your mom! –Linda Sue

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