Graduation

The Girl has safely made it through high school. She is now looking for a job.

During the ceremony, I think I was feeling more free, happy, and excited than she was. She is my youngest child. In a way, I also graduated. I am looking forward to the “empty nest” stage of my life.

For the last couple of years I have been looking forward to this moment with mixed feelings. I thought I might be lonely once she’s moved out. It could well be that I am, even though I will still have Mr. Al around. I know I’ll be able to get more done without the constant distractions, though I might also goof off more.

Meanwhile she claims she isn’t worried in the least. And maybe she shouldn’t be. She managed to line up a summer job in less than two weeks. My son, on the other hand, has yet to land anything after two years. He has, however, become a drywaller’s apprentice. It’s not regular work, but could become a career.

We’re going to help her out with getting an apartment and a car. After she’s supported herself for a year, we’ll send her to college. By then she should have some idea what she wants to do with the rest of her life.