Graduation

Thursday morning I had a Physical Therapy session where I sort of took over the direction of the session and finally just laid out why I was unhappy with my progress. Peter asked me what I most wanted as an outcome, and I responded that I just wanted to be able to walk freely. Maybe that will happen and maybe it won't, but we have a few new things to try and  I can hope. The new exercises were hard but I had to hurry off after setting up two more appointments. No time to recover. I had a graduation ceremony to get to. 

Irene was gone and on her way to the HS to be taken by bus to the hockey arena where the commencement ceremony was to be held.  We met up with the rest of her crew at Jill's house. Some of our team had gone on ahead to save seats.

These things don't happen quickly, especially with 475 seniors graduating. The faculty all marched in first in their robes - very impressive -  and stood and applauded throughout the "Pomp and Circumstance", played very well by the high school orchestra. Jill and I teared up a bit. 

As a senior class officer Irene had a front row seat, and we had a great view too.

Front row: Mom Jill, Gma and Gpa Linda and Tom, Aunt Jan. Second row: Gpa and Gma John and Andrea, Dad Corey, Cousin Allie. That second row are all from out of state: Colorado, Nebraska, South Carolina. Irene's brother Isaac took the photo.

There were short and good speeches by the principal, a school board member, and a student. The students represented many different cultures and ethnicities, and many had very colorful additions to their robes and mortar boards. Irene had sparkles on hers, and she sparkled too. 

There was a lot of very loud cheering during the awarding of the diplomas, but the name readers were prepared and the sound system was turned up very loud too. We heard them all over the very rambunctious noise. 
 

The senior class officers led the turning of the tassels and the throwing of the hats. It was all a very joyous celebration. This photo is off the big arena screen, and these are all Jill's photos. Afterwards we met up outside where Jill decked us out in shades and beads, Irene's crew. 

And then we eventually all met up back at their house for lots of eating and talking and gift opening. It was a wonderful time. 

There will be a party tomorrow, Saturday, for more extended family and friends. These are good times.