High school graduations are huge celebrations of life to come. However, back in the day (1977) when I graduated it was anything but a celebration. My mother had been diagnosised with breast cancer the year I was in 10th grade. My mother was extremely young, she had me when she was 15, so she was only 30 years old at the time. Little did I know this started several years of long hospital stays, surgeries, and experiencing the dying process.

So in May of 1977, the cancer was raging. As graduation approached we spent long nights in the hospital. My mom so wanted to be there, but she didn't get to come. So my Grandma and stepdad were there. We were going to be the first class to ever graduate from the football field, but the minute we were to step on the field a horrible thunderstorm came through. Everyone ran for their cars and went down the road to our school auditorium. Graduation was quickly rearranged and we did manage to get diplomas that night.

Afterwards we all went to the lake. (We went to the lake a lot where I grew up.) It was going to be a big night of partying! Only I was exhausted from all the time spent at the hospital. I crawled in the back of Brenda's car and went to sleep. Brenda and Ricky would wake me occassionally and tell me where we were and were they would be, but all I remember is sleeping.

The next day it was back to the hospital routine. My mom lived for several months after my graduation. I went on to finish Junior College (while working a 40 hour a week job), then got my degree in education from Southeastern State University, got my first teaching job, then went right back to work on my Master's in Education with Reading Specialist Certification. Now, I am taking my last course toward my Doctorate and fixing to start my research. I think my mom would be very proud! And some how I find comfort thinking that she's seen it all and knows that life turned out pretty good for me!

So while all graduations are not held during the happiest of times. They all symbolize a new step in life, and that is to be celebrated and cherished, no matter what the circumstances.