"We'll remember always, graduation day . . "

For the uninitiated, the title is from a song we old-timers remember from the 50's. If you were here, I'd hum a few bars for you all!!

This was the graduation announcement we sent out for Noah - who chose not to walk - but it does express our feelings about "getting everyone through the system!"

Eliza commented on her blog that she was looking for a graduation photo - which made me wonder if I could come up with a graduation photo of each one of you - and I did!

Bonny Brae - the first grad - as usual she led the way magnificently!!

Harry F. - it was one of those June-gloomy nights - but we were happy to see Harry graduate.

The weather didn't co-operate when Phoebe graduated either - it rained - hard enough to drive the event indoors - an auditorium full of wet folks - many annoyed at being packed into a space too small to hold them all!!

Eliza's graduation was in the evening - but I guess the sunset was pretty bright, and she felt she needed her "shades!"

Hannah's graduation was on June 18, 2003 - exactly 7 years ago tonight.

And though Noah chose not to walk, he did choose to bring home the Josten proofs of him in a cap and gown!!

Bonny's 20th is coming up - Phoebe's 15th - Eliza's 10th - so that would be Harry's 18th, Hannah's 7th and Noah's 5th.

My 48th is next January - and Dad's 48th would be this month.

But hey, who's counting!!

Graduations are interesting events. We got through another Clifton promotion today - with the construction at the high school, we had to have it in the auditorium and each student only got 2 tickets. So the crowd was small, mostly adult, and generally better-behaved than I've seen in a long time. (Except for the guy who shoved his way through and yelled that he was coming in without a ticket and no one was going to stop him. Those manning the doors chose to "let it go" - and maybe he will get his comeuppance - or not. But no one felt like arguing. He was probably outside the Staples Center last night!!)

A district official was commenting that promotions and graduations - which abound in MUSD - kinder, elementary, middle school and high school graduations - seem to really bring out the crowds - people love to celebrate she said.

I thought about how many of those who flock to the "end," are never there in the "during" - never at Open House, Back to School Night, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Parent Education meetings, IEP meetings, PTA meetings.

Just some food for thought from the lady whose favorite event is not a graduation! (Though I'm usually excited to see the people involved!!)