The Front Desk: The meaning of graduation

While enjoying a rare, early morning breakfast with my daughter Elizabeth, we began to talk about her upcoming graduation from high school. She shared with me, "It's a bitter sweet time of year." "You're leaving high school and gaining your independence but you are also leaving the safety of high school and friends."

Words of wisdom from a teenager, go figure! It's also bitter sweet for Mom and Dad. Time goes by so quickly. Wasn't it only yesterday that she was a sweet little girl full of hugs and kisses?

Pre-school graduation seems like yesterday. With an infectious smile and arms thrust up high in the air, she held up her diploma. It's one of my favorite pictures of her. It still brings tears to my eyes but a smile goes with the tears.

Then junior high promotion came in a blink of an eye. She grew taller and smarter. My little girl was growing up before my very eyes. In a matter of months she would be in high school. Where did the time go?

So here we are today. Time has changed a lot of things but not everything: Her feisty spirit has remained, along with her sense of loyalty. Of course some things have changed: She's driving now (a few white-knuckle moments from that one) and is dipping her toes into the dating pool (very gently, with an older brother's watchful eye).

And so her life as a young adult begins; a page is turned.
Time stands still for no one. Even the hard times fade and don't seem as bad when you look back. Through the good and bad, I wouldn't trade it for anything. You love your kids no mater what.

Live and learn; either the hard way or the easy way. As long as you learn the lesson it's worth it.

Congratulations "Class of 2008," Elizabeth, James and all of you graduates. You did it. And to all of the moms and dads out there - you did it too. You know those parents who are crying and cheering; I'll be one of them.

So let's get the party stared because Hesperia seniors are graduating. Summit Leadership, graduates on May 22, Crosswalk on May 23, Canyon Ridge on May 28, Sultana High on May 28, Hesperia High on May 29 and Mojave High graduates on May 29.

"Bitter sweet" she said "bitter sweet." Yes, Elizabeth, I agree.