Chapter 21 BRIGHTER DAYS AND BETTER TIMES GRADUATION PROLOGUE I had thought that the chapter for Airica's long-awaited graduation would be exclusively about her and the event. But several other subjects are so tightly intermingled that they must be included, so I will handle the chapter as a mini-book, with a Prologue, Story, and Epilogue. After all, graduation is an Ending and a Beginning wrought with many complexities and emotions; not to mention its effects on all participants, including parents and in this case, Grandmother Joyanna, and for all concerned. As I told Josh, "You are graduating from high school; not life. In other words, life will go on, after graduation. Take a Break Because of the intensity of emotions and activities, Van and I decided to take a break and go out to Flying J to dump Freedom, and then go to Aunt Betsy's for a few days; besides, we had a bottle of enzymes to deliver to her. But, the morning got so involved with Van and Dottie handling business matters and ordering products that we got a late start. And, while they were doing their transactions, I completed some writing projects, which included searching boxes in the basement for some photos. By the time we left, handled some errands and got our mail, we decided to pay $7.00 to dump at the Dakota Ridge RV Park, where we first lived in our RV for two months, instead of going to Flying J. I'd noticed a sore throat the night before, and as the day progressed I developed other symptoms, so by the time we reached Aunt Betsy's, I felt congested and feverish. For the entire two days, I stayed home and in bed, while Van visited. Not my idea of how I wanted to spend my time, but it's what I got, for some reason, and I wasn't in any mood to further analyze the situation: either I'd developed an allergic reaction to something I ate, or perhaps it was emotional stress from the intensity at Dottie's, or maybe I'd overdone the physical activities moving boxes in the basement. Bottom-line, I was down and out; but I managed to recuperate, using all of my herbs and other remedies, enough to meet Dottie, Steve, Airica and Josh at Costco for the grand shopping marathon for the After-Graduation Party. A Flurry of Excitement But they had already finished, so I felt bad, because, as I explained to Airica, who was in a hurry to leave, "This is our social and entertainment event, plus we'd planned to have lunch here." I'd been feeling left out, or unimportant to the scheme of things, so this was just one more thing. However, I made my feelings known, so they walked around with us, while we grabbed a few food items, and Dottie went to get the previously ordered cake, but it wouldn't be ready for another hour. Since we were going to eat, anyway, we agreed to pick it up, and then they left in a flurry of excited anticipation. According to Steve, things had been working up to a crescendo the entire time we had been gone. Thank You, God, for getting us away, even if I was sick. Slowing Down the Process Van and I simply were not up to the hectic pace, and I still felt weak, so we enjoyed the opportunity for a relaxed snack, while waiting for the cake. It also gave us time to discuss the news that Steve had shared: the anti-aging product had arrived. They had been so excited, when they returned from Leadership Training and told us the news about this new Prime Secretagogue; an HGH enhancer. Bottom line, it allows the pituitary gland to secrete the hormones that prevent aging; or put another way, it restores your youth. Dottie and Steve had already begun the product, and I must admit that, despite the excitement, they seemed to be handling things better and their energies seemed improved. Wouldn't you know that the baby boomers would come up with a way to stay young, since they'd rebelled against maturity and aging all their lives. In any event, Van had decided that he too wanted to get on the product, and despite the cost, we had decided to order it for him and work it into the budget somehow. Now, the good news came that his magic elixir was waiting at their house. It's not that I don't want to avail myself of this youth potient, but we simply couldn't afford it, and I wondered how Dottie and Steve could. But for them it's a priority. Other than the memory loss factor, I feel young, thanks to freeing Joanie, my inner child; so my restored youth would have to wait until our income increased, which Van promised he would help to happen, if the Prime did what it promised. I could hardly wait to see the results. But, for now, we were moving more slowly, as we collected the cake and delivered it to Dottie. Of course, they were ready for a business meeting, so we remained in Freedom and enjoyed a quiet evening before graduation. GRADUATION DAY The Luck of the Draw By the luck of the draw, Bear Creek High School's graduation ceremonies were to take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning at Red Rock Amphitheater. The good news is that it's a beautiful location and holds as many as want to attend. The bad news is that the weather forecast predicted rain all day. This meant that if it did rain and the ceremonies had to be held in the school auditorium, only four tickets per family would be allowed. A fact that Steve and Airica had discussed, in my presence, a few days earlier, and I had said, "I guess Arianna and Jason would be going in that case," and the subject was dropped. Later it came up again, but in the meantime everyone's main job was to get up at dawn in order to drive to the amphitheater, park and find good seats. About the time we got up, Airica and Josh were on their way, in the Volvo, leaving the rest of us to ride in her car. The amazing part is that nearly 400 high school seniors, teachers, and participants had arisen around 5:00 a.m. and gotten themselves to the amphitheater much earlier than the rest of us. This early arrival meant that everyone had lots of time to enjoy socializing and viewing the fantastic setting of the giant red rock slabs on each side of the amphitheater, nestled in the foothills overlooking metro Denver and the plains. The combination of clouds and a kind of haze over the valley, along with the emerald green hills and fields, splattered by lakes and a reservoir create a mystical experience highlighted by the amazing energies of this place. And the acoustics are so incredible that musicians and speakers love to perform here. In fact, Dottie and Steve had been to The Moody Blues and loved it. But this was a very different event. Although 12-years, or is it 18-years, in the making, they were both observers and participants in their daughter's graduation. And their emotions were running high, yet strangely different than in the past. Could it be the Prime? They were only on their third day, and the verdict was still out, but if what I'm seeing is any indication, it could be very transforming. Let The Show Begin! Eventually the rest of Airica's and Josh's family members, including Arianna, Jason and Micayla, arrived for the saved seats, and Micayla again became the center of attention, as she toddled from one end of the row to the other; but not for long. The band began playing the Prelude: "Sonatina," a 1959 Movement 3, Allegro Mosso, "Climb Every Mountain," and "El Shaddiai," all performed by various students. And then seniors marched from the top level of the amphitheater, down the long, long, series of stairs, and finally into their assigned seats in front of us. Everyone was focused on spotting their own special graduate, and then waving, as they came into view and sat down beneath a sea of green hats, with gold tassels. Of course, I'm always into the human interest, so I checked to see what the girls had chosen to wear on their feet for that tremulous downhill walk, which would eventually have to be trod upwards. Many wore sensible shoes, but one gal had sparkling purple backless heels. Whew! To be young. I'd bundled up in my warm clothes, although my white beaded sweater was selected for the festive occasion, and topped with my goose down jacket. And I wore practical loafers. The truth is that nowadays you can wear almost anything to these events, and I was so glad that I'd dressed for comfort, because some of our group were chilled, as the weather vacillated between peeking sunshine and coolish winds. I even brought cushions to sit on, which the other, more fashionable members envied. So, Grandmother Joyanna took care of herself, and so did Van, including having something to eat, since we didn't take time for breakfast. Three Memorable Speeches Most speeches quickly fade into oblivion, but I must mention two that will remain in my mind: Corrine Blaisdell, Student Body President, began her talk with a memory of kindergarten, when her teacher had the class write the numbers: 2001. The girl said that the numbers meant nothing to her, not even when the teacher said that would be the year they would graduate from high school. She went on to build on these numbers and the years between, which has already faded from my mind, but whenever I hear or see 2001, I will momentarily remember the Bear Creek Student Body President who opened the graduation ceremonies. Daniel DeWispelare, was not only memorable because of his accomplishments, but also his Valedictorian speech, which revolved around beads, as he wove together a carefully prepared presentation, based on the mechanics of speech-making. I know, because I took several Speech Classes in my lifetime, and I can appreciate when one is done properly. A third speech, by a teacher, John Kinghorn, was also memorable because of the popular person, more than the words, as he reminisced about his own graduation, 36-years earlier, and the path of his life, which brought him to teaching this class of 2001 graduates, who voted to have him as Faculty Speaker. Memorable Music "Battle Hymn of the Republic," performed by the Bear Creek Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles, was probably the best presentation I've ever heard, and they must be award winners, although it wasn't mentioned. "Prayer of the Children," done accopella, by the BC Sounds, was a touching performance that brought some tears from parents, family members, and also graduates. But, "I'll be Seeing You," brought memories to me of Guy Madison and Shirley Temple, in one of her few adult movies; one I'd seen as a teenager, when I had a crush on handsome, boyish Guy Madison in his sailor uniform. He's one of the reasons I always wanted to marry a sailor; and guess what? I did. Only his Navy Frogman days were long over when I met Van. Yet, I have a picture of him in his Navy uniform, and he was adorable; almost as cute as Guy Madison. Another tear-jerker was "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday, sung by a group of boys. Of course, I don't understand the words of today's music, but I caught enough to know it was extremely touching to the graduates. This Is It! The rest of the speeches and activities were simply the traditional ceremony, but the Big Event fulfilled its purpose when each student received the diploma that meant they had completed their twelve years of education. Of course, our group stood and shouted for Airica and for Josh, whose last names came early in the event, and we were ready to go. But we stayed until the Last Hurrah, and even got hugs from them, at the top of the stairs, after it was all over; a matter that took Van and I much longer than the rest of the group, because of the altitude, and also my weakness from the recent setback, and Van's vulnerability from emphysema, and the fact that he was now coming down with whatever I had. Hopefully his new Prime would resolve some of his challenges. But, it didn't help get up the steps; that took our own effort and determination. It wouldn't have been quite so bad, but shortly before the last diploma was handed out, Dottie decided to walk to the bottom of the entire steps, to take Airica's picture and go to the bathroom, so I went along. Suddenly it was over, and hundreds of green-robed seniors were surging up the stairs, along with thousands of their loving family and friends who had come to celebrate their accomplishments. I had walked on down to the restrooms, only to look up and see Dottie heading back up the stairs to join Steve and the rest, so now I had to push through the throng in order to meet them. Breathless and aching from the effort, I met Van and we gasped our way to the top, stopping frequently to catch our breath. Of course, the others were far ahead and busy taking pictures and hugging Airica and Josh. We also gave them our hugs and congratulations, before they were swept up into their activities with friends. So Van and I began our upward walk, along the ramp, to the top, and down the shorter group of steps to the car. By this time, Dottie and Steve caught up with us, and we headed home to prepare for the next phase of celebration. Disappointment It felt so good to flop on the couch and rest, after the morning's stress, and I looked forward to removing my dressier outfit into something more comfortable for the BBQ/picnic. But I was feeling disappointed that I hadn't even gotten into any pictures in my pretty outfit, and I was wondering how I could work that out, when I heard the Volvo drive up and Van reported that the graduates had arrived home, much to our amazement, and they were still in their green gowns. In my day, we rented the caps and gowns and had to return them, but we were told that these are bought and kept nowadays. Surprise! Within a few minutes, Steve came out to get us, saying that Airica had some good news to share with all of us. We rushed into the garage, where everyone hangs out, so they can smoke, and Airica reported, "Despite missing one year of high school, I got a 3.0 grade point average!" We applauded and congratulated her, because we knew that it had been by her own choices and hard work that she had made such an accomplishment. This included her grades from home schooling for the one year that had been missed when her parents enrolled her in an alternative school, which didn't work out, and she wasn't allowed to re-enter public school for some unknown reason. Airica was definitely pleased with herself, and with the families acknowledgment of her accomplishment, especially since no one knew whether their diplomas were signed or not, until afterward, when they were collected at a site at the top of the stairs. In other words, they were all able to walk with their class across the stage, but not all of them had completed their requirements, so for some, it was not necessarily over. So Airica's announcement was the last breath of relief from the anxieties of high school. In addition, it turned out that they had come home so that we could take some more pictures, so I got my pictures in my dressy outfit, and all was well. Dottie and Steve, on the other hand, had already changed into their casual attire for the picnic, but they didn't seem to mind. More Surprise! While Airica and Josh were in the backyard with Dottie, Steve said to me, "You said something the other day that made me pretty mad. In fact, I couldn't believe that you were serious." I prepared myself for "Now what?" And he continued, "When we said there were only four tickets available, if the graduation was rained out and had to be held in the gym, you commented that it would probably be Arianna and someone else who would be able to attend." "Right," I replied, adding, "That's how I figured it would be." "Well, I don't know why you would think that," he retorted, adding, "Airica insisted that you and Van would be the ones to attend with us, and she had already arranged that with Arianna." I was genuinely surprised at this amount of acceptance, and I almost cried, as Airica got in on the end of the conversation and confirmed that she appreciated that Van and I had traveled so far for the graduation, and that it meant a lot to her. This was another of those meaningful Silver Box Memories that I would always remember, and I wanted to complete this special family moment by giving the graduates their cards and money gifts. They attentively read aloud the cards and thanked us for the money, again adding that our being there was very special to them. From Graduation to Transformation Once the pictures were all taken and everyone had changed, Airica and Josh went to join their friends, until 2:00. Steve loaded the car, and we all went to Lakewood Park for the rest of the celebration. Arianna had already arrived with the green and yellow balloons, and we all helped transform the impersonal park into a festive celebration site. Josh's mom brought pork and beans, along with her delicious homemade salsa, and potato salad, and famous Watergate salad, in addition to chips, popcorn and other goodies. And, of course, there was the cake, which turned out to be chocolate, instead of the requested white, much to everyone's delight. Despite clouds and coolish weather, the afternoon was a huge success, with family and friends enjoying Steve's BBQ buffalo dogs, ground sirloin and turkey dogs, and Rhonda's homemade salads and salsa. Airica arrived and transformed into the Perfect Hostess, as she greeted classmates, and even a favorite teacher, who had never taught her or Josh, but still wanted to acknowledge and support them. As more family, friends and business associates arrived, Airica and Josh remained the charming host and hostess, rather than attempting to join the volley ball game or other activities. And finally, after cake, she and Josh opened all their cards and gifts, reading each card aloud. An Era has Ended In the late afternoon, after the BBQ was finished, the clouds had thickened and the air became coolish, so Van and I hovered by the still warm grill, and then watched while the gifts were opened. Finally, we were getting too chilled and excused ourselves to wait in their car. As resident grandparents, we had done well to hold up from dawn to dusk, but now we were fading fast, and we were glad when the last of the well-wishers left, and Steve loaded the car and we headed home. Again, Dottie and Steve deserved accolades for their part in providing, preparing and presenting another perfect family event, and one that brought them to the end of an era in parenting. Yes, there may be a college graduation, and no doubt a formal wedding, and probably more grandchildren, but the era of child-raising was over, both legally and emotionally. Anything they would choose to do henceforth would be additional to what is expected and required. Now, they could set new priorities and move toward their fulfillment. Life Goes On Sunday morning, after graduation day, Dottie and I went to church for the lesson on the Fourth Plane of Supply: The Law of Attraction and the Law of Increase. It was about planting seeds, and being faithful over a little in order to attract a lot. In other words blessing what you have, and more is added. The minister told a story about a little boy who was having a hamburger with his dad at MacDonald's. The boy asked his dad what was on the buns, and his dad replied, "They are seeds." The boy said, "Let's take them home and plant them so we can grow lots of hamburger." I don't think that's exactly the seeds we want to plant, unless we want more sesame, and even then, they won't grow, if they have been heated. But, the point is to remind us of the Principle of Circulation, which means that we receive according to our capacity to give, and as we give. We may have a large capacity to give, but if we withhold, then our blessings are short-circuited. I loved the service, and especially the medley of spiritual songs by Anne Achenbauch, which caused it to run overtime. However, Dottie had become antsy and wanted to leave, once our money was dropped in the collection basket. She had things to do, like organizing her office, so I busied myself preparing a Letter of Reference for my friend, Bonnie Males. Gemini Weather Van was sick in bed, and I'd hooked up my fan for comfort on the warm sunny afternoon, which had reached about 75-degrees. Deep into my letter, strong wind gusts and cooled temperatures got my attention, so I turned off the fan. Within minutes, the trees were blowing sideways, as the wind from the north intensified, so I got up again and closed the door, almost unable to pull it shut against the force of the gusts. I told Van that the sky looked like it could become a blizzard within a half-hour, but even with the twenty-degree drop, the temperature was still 55-degrees; too warm to snow. Nevertheless, it looked like blizzard conditions, as the wind whipped through the area, so I turned on the news. The newscasters too were talking about the sudden shift in weather, and forecasting rain and snow. By this time I had finished my letter and took my computer inside to e-mail it to Bonnie for approval. I'd changed into my warm winter clothes and jacket, as I pushed through the wind and rain to cross the lawn and go inside the house. Steve also had on the Weather News and we watched, as they reported the wind damage and snow flurries around the area. The wind had reached 60 MPH in some areas, causing a six car accident further north, due to blowing dust. However, by the time my e-mail was sent, the snow was blowing sideways and continued to rapidly increase. The Breaking News announced that the roof, over part of Southwest Mall, had collapsed, dropping roofing gravel into the International Snack Pavilion. Steve said, "That's where Airica was this afternoon." I commented, "It's amazing how she manages to just miss these newsmaking events, like Columbine." However, this time Airica was oblivious to the Southcoast Mall drama, and she tromped downstairs, while Josh showed off his new watch, purchased with some of his graduation money, while at The Mall. Soon she was ready to again head out, and Steve said, "The police are advising not to go out in this weather." Of course, the new graduate could not be thwarted, after all she owned the world, so she argued with her dad. Finally, Dottie explained about the Southwest Mall and falling trees and power lines. Not to be thwarted, Airica arranged for a friend to pick her up, and away she went. I'd been reading Rick and Snow's latest Journal entries, about their travels, but I decided it was a good time for me to return home. By the time I returned to Freedom, the lawn was white, and Van had gotten up to enjoy the spectacle. Eventually the wind died down and the snow continued to fall throughout the evening, depositing the predicted 6-inches by 10:00 p.m. The temperature had dropped from 75-degrees to 32-degrees within two hours; that's why it's called Gemini Weather, because it's so changeable. GRADUATION EPILOGUE Life in Colorado Goes on The next morning, despite the cold weather, much of the snow had fallen from the trees and was melting from the lawn. Where does it all go? There was none in the street, and no piles; just green grass. It's like a miracle that the sun comes out and melts the snow, and the earth absorbs the water, and within a few hours, it's as if the snow had never happened. Life in Colorado goes on, evidenced by the arrival of a delivery truck, and the owners, as the new kitchen cabinets were unloaded and hauled down to the basement, awaiting installation in mid-June. Of course, the graduates had anticipated being able to sleep-in on their first Monday non-school morning, but the noise of the delivery man hauling the cabinets down the stairs ended that plan, and already, as some of their cards said, "Welcome to the Real World." A rude awakening to the fact that no one else cares that they are graduates; they are now at the bottom of the totem pole, and life goes on. So, adamant in making life go their way, they spent the day moving forward by making arrangements for their new cell phones and Airica's car repairs. Van's Syndrome I used to think that Van's syndrome had to do with pneumonia, but when he got desperately sick in Louisiana last year, I got him to the hospital and learned that he has emphysema. Because he quit smoking, it isn't as bad, thank goodness, but he still got a bad case of bronchial infection that knocked him out, so I was on my own for scanning my course, Saying 'Yes' to Myself. That meant that I had to learn how to scan the text, verify and file; and then transfer it to my website. But it felt good to be independent and not have to wait for his recovery, which can take weeks. Nevertheless, I still needed him to scan the images, so the project remained blocked, despite the fact that I wanted it done during the month of May, while still in the Understanding energies. And there were other distractions, too, which will be reported in the next chapter. |
