Monday, June 1, 2009

Momentous Occasions

In most everyone's life, they can look back and say, "I'll never forget this," or "this impacted me forever," and so forth.

This week is going to be one such occasion for me. My youngest daughter, Ruth, 18, is going to be graduating from high school on Friday. I'm so doggone proud of her I think I need to take some anti-inflammatories for my chest!

With her graduation comes the also inevitable (in her case) college experience. And, my husband and I will be official empty nesters.

Now, I have to tell you that I'm approaching this whole thing with a lot of fear, so to speak, and trembling. We're having a special graduation dinner at our house. These sorts of things usually announce themselves in my life as MAJOR deals. I know some women are party gurus, but I always stress about them.

So, we're going to have fun and easy. Taco salad. Just made for a large group of people. Most everything can be made and fixed ahead of time, so it will be a matter of getting plastic dinnerware out, along with paper plates and cups. Can't forget the ice.

Deep breathing here. Hee, hee, hee, whoo. Where have I heard that before???

My hat is off and my cup is raised to all of those kids who have managed to persevere to graduating from high school. These days, it seems to be more of an accomplishment than the days when I was in school and you didn't dare not graduate!

Cheers!

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the graduation. I agree it is not as common as it used to be and that is a shame. It used to be an 8th grade education was enough because there was farm work to be done or a family to support. Now, you need a college education to be a janitor (this is true).

Fret not for it will be over too soon. As an empty nester myself, I know the lonliness. The other half works 17 to 18 hours a day and I'm retired, although I am still an active writer. Thus, when I get a chance to go across town during the week to stay with a friend, I do. That gives both of us someone to talk to. But the ultimate empty nest syndrome relief is babysitting my wonderful granddaughter.

Anonymous said...

"I'm so doggone proud of her I think I need to take some anti-inflammatories for my chest!"

LOL - Loved it. :)

The Old Silly from Free Spirit Blog

Donna McDine said...

Katie...congratulations to your daughter. I'm nervous enough with my daughter's starting high school and middle school in the Fall. I can't imagine sending them off to college. Best wishes to you all for an easy transition.

Warmly,
Donna
www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Maryannwrites said...

What a milestone for your daughter and for you. I remember facing the empty nest with a mix of emotions. One good thing is that we have our work to keep us occupied. And cell phones to call those that we are missing a lot. :-)

BonnieA said...

Congratulations to all--it's a family achievement! And the party sounds lovely--have fun!

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Congratualtions to you and your daughter! I've been an empty nester for quite some time and now I see more of my daughter than I did when she was in high school!:)

Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Congratulations on your daughter's graduation and on the publication of your new book.

CA Verstraete said...

Hi Katie, enjoy the party and a whole new realtionship. Taco salad sounds good. yum!

I emailed you on your questions; let me know if you didn't get it.

Barbara Ehrentreu said...

Katie,
I've gone through both high school and college graduations and I agree that the high school one seems to be the most affecting. At least it was for me.

We were empty nesters for awhile when both were in college away and visiting was interesting. They were equidistant from us only in opposite directions. That ended, though, when one came home and then in a couple of years the youngest came home too. Now we no longer have an empty nest. It's full to bursting!!

But please enjoy the thrill of your youngest daughter's achievement and have fun at her graduation party. Don't think of it as her leaving, because my relationship with my children just began when they left.:) She is taking her first steps toward being an independent woman and you are there for her and will be there for her always. Have fun!!

CA Verstraete said...

Of course I know 1 thing that makes you happy but stop by the blog tomorrow for a tag.

Bill said...

I enjoyed your article sweetheart. I love you, Bill