My daughter Dedra has graduated.
Yes folks it happened last weekend just like it was happening all over the country to countless other "Dads"...their only daughter was finished with high school. While Dads don't have it "easy" in this regard, they do tend to have it "easier" than the Moms. Dads by their very nature are not as emotional as their better-halves generally are. Dads are mostly "rub some dirt on it" types who go immediately for the solution to the issues; not stopping for a good cry along the way. That's how it "usually" goes isn't it? Well, here is one Daddy who felt a growing lump in his throat when he witnessed his one and only standing there so straight and tall - ready to take that last long walk across the high school gymnasium floor. I guess I am a big softee after all.
Sitting there on the God-forsaken, unforgiving pine bleacher seating, the mind goes into rapid playback mode on all the mental images taken along her way: The first steps taken and precious words spoken, (I want to believe it was "dada") the multiple birthday parties, badgering for homework completion, countless school concerts attended, cell phone probations, dates with "boys", after-school sports and activities, friendship train-wrecks, scraped garage doors, money borrowed, job interviews, tears shed, and oh the many, many laughs and smiles along the way. College awaits you - and then you name it...
I am so very proud of you - my Dee Dee...now go grab the world by the handles and haul it in...because I know you CAN do it! But don't forget to write.
Yes...one thing ends, and another begins...always.
Yes...one thing ends, and another begins...always.