Grace

Fifty one years ago I was in eighth grade when my band teacher came over and asked me if I would play with the high school orchestra for graduation.  They needed an oboe. It was the first time I heard Pomp and Circumstance, or at least the first time I knew what it was.

Last night we sat right behind the band at my granddaughter's graduation, right behind the drums,   not exactly where I would have sat as an oboist, but I could feel the music when they played and my eyes filled with tears.  I heard that song every year after eighth grade, until the year I graduated. 

Surrounded by memories and the sight of my second granddaughter marching in for her high school graduation, made it a very emotional night for me.

She was easily the smallest student in the room and I knew how hard she had worked for this.  Born weighing just a few ounces more than two pounds, she has cerebral palsy.  Her braces were gone, but she held the hand of her marching partner just to be sure she did not lose her balance and fall.  She also walked just a bit slower, so some things had to be adjusted to fit her pace, but she earned every second it took to honor the thirteen years she had spent getting ready for this night.

She approaches all obstacles with grace and dignity and I know if she continues on this way, her life will be filled with joy and contentment.  I look forward to seeing what she will contribute to the world.