Sea of Blue

Figgy and her Dad, who wrote a beautiful song about her when she was born.

Some snapshots of graduation tonight. It was so darn hot that it took my focus off crying. Fortunately, they handed out little ice-cold bottles of water and special blue and white Montclair High School fans.

I loved seeing other parents of graduates--Joanna, Jeanne & Deb, Mary Ann and Roger, Rachael and Matthew, Carol, Sue and Rich M., Nancy and Paul, Susan W., Mary, Linda and Tim, Don and Meryl, Jan, Anne and Michael, Katie, Tom and Beth, Liz, Beverly and Ron, Jim and Julie, Kathleen, Felice. I loved seeing their kids in tasseled caps and scholarly gowns. I loved the ample mother who leapt to her feet and bellowed Praise the Lord! when her graduate's name was called. And all of us were charmed by Jackson Lightfoot Whitsett [as his name is listed in the program], who did a somersault before accepting his diploma.

My heart was full to see our redhead smiling and getting her diploma. There were dark times, hard times, unhealthy times, and I am deeply grateful. At any given hour we three--especially she--could have fallen off the road, but thank God for the soft shoulder. For our inner strength, for the ability to grow and change, for the fortitude to look darkness in the eye and stare it down. For faith, our family, our friends, the support of angels in our midst. They truly are everywhere if you choose to see them. Every kind word is like an angel's voice; every helping professional lightens your pain and lifts you up.

Figgy worked really hard and so did we to arrive at this night, this ceremony, this moment in time. I loved that Moey drove over from Montvale to be there--I have a few photos of us but not posting due to closed eyes. Bummer.

Olivia, Figgy, Maggie & Elizabeth. Proud, smart and strong. May they go far and set their own sound standards for happiness and success.

The decorated cap.

Sea of blue: Nearly 500 grads in the amphitheatre.

Crossing the bridge to the future.

Good night, sweet dreams.

TCOY

1. Salon blowout.