Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Next...

It's over. My son graduated from grade 8 yesterday. At the evening ceremony and at the dinner afterwards, the girls were beautiful and elegant. The boys were handsome and presentable.

Some of the boys wore tuxes, but several, including my son, chose to wear suits. I thought Zachary looked more like a hip banker than someone graduating from elementary school. All the kids cleaned up well, and there were a lot of very proud parents.

Tonight, my son is holding a barbecue for his classmates. That means, of course, that his mother and I will do all the work, but that's OK, I guess. Every now again even I turn into a softie. Not often, mind you. I don't want to spoil my reputation for being a curmudgeon.

When my wife and I returned to pick up our son after the dance that followed the graduation dinner, I watched for a while as he danced with some of the girls. He is certainly more poised than I was at his age.

Now comes the next chapter in his life. High school. Then, before we know it, it will be university. Then a career. At this point, he wants to work with his dad to 'build an empire.' My mother always told me that I was thinking 'too big.' I would rather that my son thought too big than too small. Shoot for the stars, son. Life can be a great trip, you may as well enjoy the ride.

So, Zachary, I wish you all the best on life's journey. I'm proud of you.

6 comments:

  1. "And by and by Christopher Robin came to an end of things, and he was silent, and he sat there, looking out over the world, just wishing it wouldn't stop."
    A. A. Milne

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  2. That just about says it all, doesn't it? I remember watching many a TV episode of 'Pooh Bear,' as my son used to call Winnie, and Pooh Bear videos too, over and over and over...

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  3. Oh, how I loved those Pooh Bear stories when I was a kid.
    I think it's great when your childhood is something you can look longingly back on.
    It's even better when you celebrate where you are in life, thankfully and excitedly looking forward to every new achievement.

    The best is ALWAYS yet to come.

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  4. You have a fine looking handsome son. I wish him happiness and success.

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  5. Thank you. All sentiments appreciated!

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  6. ohoh. He's gonna be a lady killer. ..if he isn't already.

    watch out. ;)

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