Pomp And Circumstance

So I think tonight was the first high school graduation ceremony I've been to since my own.  It was good to see the kids all so excited. But funny too - in each and every speech they referenced "making it" and "we survived"...and I don't mean to diminish the accomplishment but it was so funny to me because honestly, high school is the easy part of life. Really, it just gets tougher.

But I was young and felt the same way once. I remember thinking I was "free". Yeah, right! Free to work 40 hours a week, pay bills, and keep up a home. Sounds pretty darn free to me.  What I didn't know, what these kids don't know, is that they will probably never be so free ever again...

GHS Class of 2012. I think my class was 3 times this size...

It was exciting to see her graduate though and I'm excited about her next phase of life.  It's amazing to me that she's grown. Funny too because there is a 16 year age difference between her and M2 so it's likely her kids will be closer in age to my kids than she actually is...weird.

My Dad and his wife were there. That was kinda awkward. I didn't know they were coming. Not that I mind being around them, I don't necessarily. Although there were several years when I refused to do so...but it just gets so complicated. And every time, every single time, I try to extend myself I end up frustrated. Basically, above and beyond the fact that's he's just a bad, bad  person - he's an ass.

And maybe some people can get away with that but it's hard to accept from someone I don't have any respect for - it's like really, after all the crap you've done, you're gonna be a jerk too? I hardly see him - the last time was in early November for my granddad's funeral. So I went over to say hi, we made small talk for a few minutes and then M had to go to the bathroom. And when I came back he was gone. Didn't wait to say goodbye or anything - he just took off. And I just think that's kinda crappy.

And then I was just pissed at myself for even going over and saying hi. Why? Why do I do that? Every. Single. Time.

I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to get that answered.  I would just need to shell out some dough and lay on a couch for about an hour every week...