{Happy} Graduation Day!

June 2, 2011
Today my stepson, Aaron, graduated from High School.
Graduation was at 7:00 p.m. Remembering how difficult it was to find a place to sit when his sister graduated three years ago, I wanted to get there early.
I had to park a couple of blocks away, but as I was walking to the Bowl, I saw a bunch of graduates standing around Smiley Library and there, a head taller than everyone else, is Aaron. I take a photo, then go say Hi ... and take a photo of him. Then go try to find a place to sit.
(In 2008 when Sarah graduated, I waited until Ron got home from work so we could go together - we only found a place because we saw some former neighbors who scooted over to give us room). So, this time I told Ron I would meet him there ... the 'gates' opened at 5:30, I arrived at 6:00 to find it almost completely full! And the seats that were available were 'being saved.' I finally convinced one family to scoot over a bit and I had a spot, but there would be no room for Ron when he arrived. In fact, he ended up standing for the whole two hour ceremony! (note to self: when Matthew graduates in three more years, plan to go in the afternoon and camp out for a spot.)
I really enjoyed the whole ceremony this year. The speeches, by both students and faculty, were interesting and entertaining, the music was good. Not sure why I enjoyed it so much more this time around, maybe I was more relaxed and comfortable in my role as a stepmom. Whatever the reason, I was very proud when the graduating class of 2011 began walking on stage to receive their diploma. And when Aaron's name was called, I thought 'that's our son.' Happy Day!
After the ceremony was over, we hung around knowing Aaron (and Matthew) would find us - and they did. Aaron gave me a great big hug and said "I love you so much." (considering all that's gone on in the last year, that was huge.) Big hug for dad and Matthew, too. A few pictures and High School is over for Aaron. We are very proud of him. Happy he's graduated, and even happier that he's going to Riverside Community College next year ...

Saturday

It's 6:55 a.m. on Saturday morning, September 3, 2011. A little early for a Saturday morning, but today Matthew is playing with the Redlands Terriers Football team at the ESPN Sport Center in Orlando, Florida. They've been there since Tuesday night. The Varsity played Thursday and beat the team from Florida 21-7. Now the pressure is on the Junior Varsity. I got up at 6:30 ... moved the computer to the kitchen counter, and turned it on. While waiting for it to 'boot up,' I enjoyed a cup of coffee before waking Ron up... At 6:52 a.m. I've logged into redlandsfootball.com and walk upstairs to wake Ron. He joined me downstairs, I hit the play button and they were just getting ready for the National Anthem before the game begins. I fixed our usual Saturday morning waffles, and with the play-by-play streaming over the internet, we ate breakfast listening to the game and waiting to hear Matthew's name...then they called out #58 - that's Matthew's number! But the announcers didn't have his name on their list...
Actually, I was impressed with how the game was going. They hadn't done well in a scrimmage game the week before, in fact they lost 34-7. But from the play-by-play, it sounded like they were playing well in this game and the defense was really stepping up especially when the other team was in scoring position. We scored first, then scored again! We're leading 14-0.
When Matthew pressured the Quarterback, they called his number again and said, 'we have got to send someone down on the field and get his name.' Soon, they announced #58 was Matt Bennett and he had almost sacked the Quarterback again. Wow, how we wished we were there!
Still it was such a nice morning - we were still in our PJ's, Ron was alternately laying in the floor with Bon Jovi or sitting in one of the chairs. I sat in the other chair - both of us listening to every play. Each smiling at the other whenever we heard his name or number. We were parents proud of our son. We were happy and content sharing this time together. During half-time we called Ron's mom, who was also listening to the game in South Carolina. And when the game ended and we had won 14-7, I had tears in my eyes I was so happy. So proud of Matthew. I'm sure for Matthew, it made spending the summer standing in front of Gerrard's market selling tickets to the latest fund-raiser worth it ...