the graduate

"A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that "individuality" is the key to success." --Robert Orben
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Graduation was fun, and not nearly the emotional frenzy I had anticipated. I teared up only once and even then managed to staunch the flow before it really had a fair or fighting chance. Nathan really seemed to enjoy the whole ceremony, and sauntered (those who know him know what I mean!) across the stage when his name was called with a huge grin and a ready handshake for Dr. Lemaster.

That was a proud moment. One I'll always treasure.

The graduation party was the next day, on Saturday afternoon. I have to admit that I remember very little of the afternoon. It's a complete and total blur. Because...somewhere between coming home from the commencement (emotion-free, remember?) and the beginning of the party, my mom emotions began to rebel...and big-time! Of course it didn't help that he received so many items for his dorm room and his impending college life. All of a sudden it wasn't just about graduation anymore. It was an in-your-face reminder that he'll leave home in a mere nine weeks.

So much for the absence of emotional frenzy.

This time there was no controlling them and by the time we all gathered back at home after the party, I was toast. I had the swollen eyes and puffy face yesterday at church to prove it. I have always thought cutting the apron strings would be painful, but for the child, not necessarily the mother.

Um...how wrong was I?

Tonight is driving range night so maybe I can work through some of these emotions at the expense of some unsuspecting golf balls.

On the writing front, I received an unexpected manilla envelope from Word Aflame on Friday containing a check and three different copies of The Vision. Each one had one of my devotions printed on the back. I had sent these in over a year ago, so this was a nice surprise.

In a separate envelope was a letter of intent from PPH regarding Saving Grace. It looks like Grace may make it to book form a lot quicker than I expected. Of course, "quick" is relative since I completed the final draft of Grace in 2003!