Graduation

People today take great pride in exaggerating the importance of life-milestones. The one-year old birthday party of the past was parents with their kids and a cake. That cake might become ever so slightly marred by a tiny hand, but that and some balloons got you to 1. Today, parties involve themes, bouncy houses, mariachi bands and margarita makers. Neighborhoods are invited to celebrate a child's first year. Understated is overrated and bigger is better.

My eight grade graduation centered around my dress. What was I going to wear? Would my parents shell out the money for a Laura Ashley or Jessica McClintock lacey dress so popular in that day? As it turned out, three of my friends wore the exact same dress, but it wasn't a Hollywood disaster as they all felt beautiful. I did get my dress and at the end of the graduation I felt joy and fear. I had been at the top of the heap and could only anticipate what it would be like to start fresh. Would I be able to wipe the slate clean and create a new me, or would my current rep follow me?

Last night I rode up to Kelly's house where he was hosting an 8th grade graduation party for his daughter Madison. I've known Maddy since she was a thought bubble. I've watched her grow from a petulant and challenging child to a beautiful young woman. Her party last night fell on the understated side. She wanted to celebrate with her adult friends. So we gathered together for a lovely meal prepared by her mom and dad, their new partners, and their friends. Maybe we've taken a step back from the opulence of the New Milennium and stepped back to enjoy the things that are truly important, friends and family.