HAPPY GRADUATION...

YES… Mom, you will cry.. and Dad you will have a tear or two…  as your child walks across the stage to receive that magic little paper..

You will cry because.. you can’t believe you got this far and did not get killed or killed your child.. as there were many times, you wondered if they would last or even you.  There were good times..  not so good times and a lot of great times, thru those years.. Even making it thru the teachers meetings.

You will cry as you realize this child will move lock, stock and barrel (all but the stuff packed in boxes and put in your attic or garage, for the next 20 years) to move to college, with sharing a place with buddies… Some will still  go in the service.  And some will stay home with you while they get a job and leave the nest.

Worries will still be there. Drinking, people who will take advantage .. especially if they move across the country.

Erma Bombeck said that you stop worrying when they are 50 to 60 years old…  I figured out that she thought she would be dead by that time… so no worries.

So all of you parents, hang on… and remember, for the last 17 to 19 years you have been laying down a firm foundation for that child. Have faith that you did a good job and they will grow from there.  As you see them travel thru life’s bumps like you had to before… you will cringe, smile, and hopefully keep your mouth shut, unless asked for advise. And then don’t.. but give options..  Good Luck to you and the graduate.