If you are looking for some sappy recap of how I blubbered my way through my eldest child’s college graduation, you will be sorely disappointed in this post. With that said, the facts are these: I cried three separate times at Mallory’s graduation.
The first time was when I saw her name listed in the graduation booklet next to the words cum laude.
The first time was when the bagpipes were being played leading the graduates into their seating area.
The third was when she walked across the stage. When your kid walks across the stage to receive her diploma you shut down the tears and get it together so you can get some good pictures.
Then, you make goofy faces as she gets nearer to where you are sitting so she makes a funny face back at you AND THIS MOMENT IS LOCKED FOR ALL ETERNITY.
During this last year of college Mallory had the smartest, worldliest, classiest, kindest roommates ever. From left is May from Bahrain, Claire from Fenton, Mallory from MY WOMB and Marianne from Chicago (Northside represent yo!).
It was as if the United Nations was present at their graduation party with May speaking Arabic to her father and the intermittent Polish from Marianne’s family and it was pretty fantastic. There’s something comforting and warming about all of our families coming together this way. Polite shaking of hands when we all met the morning of the graduation and the genuine hugging, kissing, and inviting one another to come visit by the end of the day. That explains why my mother is planning a trip to Egypt to meet May sometime this summer.
The four of them hosted their families and the girls ladies graduates cooked all the food and the Lord said it was GOOD. In fact, the Lord said it was STERLING because the Lord does use words like that. I just know it. Claire and Paul worked the kitchen during the Bloody Mary shift.
Probably my favorite picture of Mallory that day. Cute, relaxed, mouth full of food.
Paul and Mallory. She will miss the heck out of him when he goes back to New Jersey. But she has a place to stay! Free! Ok, so Paul? The deal works both ways. You can always stay with us, too.
Finally, when the day was winding down and the 30+ family and friends were doing their packing up and getting ready to go I found all four of the girls having one of their last meals together and there were precious final memories being made of their time in college.
I know I’ve been pissed at the universe for giving me both strep and mono all at once (so! not the flu! and all I can cry out is why? why? why?) but for these cherished moments amongst friends it’s pretty easy for me to give thanks.
Especially because now that she’s home I’ve found all those items I’ve been mysteriously missing for the past 4 years.
May 8, 2008 @ 10:01 pm | Filed under Freaky Family | Permalink |
Trish Said,
May 8, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
Seriously, everytime I read about your kids, I get teary eyed. It’s either the laughter or the tenderness and heartfelt love that grabs at me through the monitor. Your daughter is so beautiful and talented and the love the two of you show so freely to each other? I never had that with my mom until I was in my late 20s. I can only hope that my baby girl and I are that close when she gets older. Of course, I’ve got awhile to go since she’s only 3 but still. Congratulations on having a college grad and being a wonderful mother!
Good lord, I’m tearing up now. Kleenex, someone hand me a kleenex!
Trishs last blog post..Stolen Blog Material Ahead!
Koan Said,
May 8, 2008 @ 10:40 pm
I like that there are two first times, and a third - first times rock, second times are often a disappointment, and by the third time, things are starting to get familiar.
Awesome day - hopefully it will cheer you during your ill-health yuck!
Elizabeth Said,
May 8, 2008 @ 11:08 pm
Congrats to Mallory! Well done lady!
Elizabeths last blog post..Impromtu fashion show
kapgar Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 4:43 am
Congrats to Mallory! You have every right to be proud. However, only three times you cried? I call you bluff on that and claim it to be a much higher number.
kapgars last blog post..Cherish, cherish…
Mocha Momma Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 5:06 am
Trish - You have no idea what that means to me because as I read what you wrote I realized that I thought I was just recounting the day and not injecting all my mushiness into it. It’s nice to hear that my love for her comes through even when I’m not meaning to do so.
Koan - I must have been teary eyed when I wrote this because WHAT? Oh, but I shall leave it because what you said about having 2 first times is so beautiful that I couldn’t possibly improve.
Elizabeth - Lady. LADY. I have a lady. Whoa.
kapgar - I didn’t say how LONG each cry lasted. So….HA!
Avitable Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 5:35 am
That’s awesome - congratulations to Mallory. And to you.
Avitables last blog post..John Mayer’s funny?
Grace Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 7:16 am
HUGE congratulations to Mallory. You must be amazingly happy for her. Those tears you mention say it all.
Graces last blog post..We’ve been attacked once more
Susan Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 8:49 am
I agree with Tish. I could definitely feel the love and the fierce pride you have for your daughter in your words and it’s got me all teary-eyed. Congrats to Mallory and congrats to you for raising such a beautiful and talented daughter!
KC Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 9:02 am
How precious are these memories… and how even more fabulous they are now immortalised forever and a day with your photographs. Moments like these are to be cherrished… and applauded for Mallory’s accomplishments… and your accomplishments as a mother - a rightly-so proud momma to an amazingly incredible daughter.
Now as far as the mono/strep throat… got it a 5 years ago… makes sure you get lots of rest. I was hospitalized for also having mono-hep, dehydration and an enlarged spleen. Took lots of convincing by loved ones to stay in bed… but it is rest that is needed to get over this. And lots of liquids. DO NOT GET DEHYDRATED… !!! Let EVERYONE take care of YOU for a change… You are cared for… and sending you lots of loving healing energy from Canadian cyberspace… to you.
(hugs)
KC
KCs last blog post..Cancun, Mexico
Dana Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 10:26 am
Wow. I can’t believe that she’s graduated already. It seems like yesterday that I read your post about her leaving for college.
Congrats, Mallory!
Why am I tearing up? I’m gonna cry…I think because I just visualized my own child’s going off to college in 15 years. Yikes.
Danas last blog post..Take Me Out to the Mall Game
Angella Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 11:11 am
She’s BEAUTIFUL!
Congrats to Mallory, and to you for raising such a great girl. I cannot wait to meet you both!
Angellas last blog post..Getting Jiggy With It
motherofbun Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 11:41 am
She’s beautiful and she looks JUST like you!
And btw…. You just blew my mind. For some reason I always thought you were MAYBE in your early 30’s. (Like 32 or 33 max.) You have a daugher graduating college? Is the fountain of youth in your back yard or what?
Geannie Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
I’m with motherofbun! Just started reading a little while ago and I can’t believe it! I would like to ask but I’d be upset if someone asked *me* but I have to ask. How old were you when you had your daughter?
Daisy Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
My time will come…too soon. My daughter is a junior in college right now. Sniff. I hope I can preserve it as well as you did, illness and all.
Daisys last blog post..Blogging. Do you get it?
kate5kiwis Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
oh flippin’ heck.
cos i feel like i’m mallory’s honorary auntie. yeah, i think we all do?
and my baby-boy left home and went to university in march. the first week of march. and i am missing him like SO much. and yeah, he’s now got half of his dad’s wardrobe up there with him too lol.
cum laude? way to go mallory, we are all so proud of you!!!!!
mwah X
kate5kiwiss last blog post..hair today
breed 'em and weep Said,
May 10, 2008 @ 9:04 am
Oh. Oh. OH. Could she be any more adorable and poised? I. Love. Her. Congratulations, Momma. You done good. Better than good. You done beautiful.
White Hot Magik Said,
May 10, 2008 @ 10:51 am
Thanks for sharing, it was a very sweet entry.
Do you always cry when you hear bagpipes? I do, I don’t know why, I just love it so..
White Hot Magiks last blog post..More Hummingbird Jewelry
CurlySue Said,
May 10, 2008 @ 11:23 am
What a wonderful entry! I remember my graudation. I was one who was crying as I walked into the stadium. So overwhelming and such a great feeling. Congrats to Mallory and I love that pic of her coming off the stage….classic! What’s funny is I remember when you blogged about her starting college–time passes quickly.
CurlySues last blog post..Delivery!
Jakki Said,
May 10, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
Congrats to your daughter AND to you.
I so love seeing the beginnings of the rest of anybody’s life. So much to cherish.
Jakkis last blog post..Welcome to My World
Lady M Said,
May 10, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Congratulations to Mallory and to you. You’re a terrific mom. And educator!
Lady Ms last blog post..The Today Show, Mommybloggers, and Early Experiences with the Press