This is it. It's graduation day. A day that you never really count on coming, then put out of your mind when you realize it's coming, then get excited about because it's here. Leesa brought some grad decorations that we used to decorate/bomb her room. Even though her last day of classes was last week, she still had four AP tests to take, including one the morning of graduation. It was the perfect opportunity to surprise her while she was gone.
Doggo can't come to commencement.
We had a lot of grandparents in town and thought it would be fun to go out to lunch before the ceremony. Cambrie didn't want something overly fussy, but still wanted food, so she decided on a family run Ethiopian restaurant. Jeremy and I had been there before and knew what to expect. But I think we broke the grandparents a bit once they realized we were sitting on stools, were sharing giant platters, and eating with our hands. The food was super tasty and I was very impressed with the younger kids for eating it without question. Unfortunately we were running a little late and I had to leave early with Cambrie if we wanted to get any pictures before the ceremony.
We dashed off to CU where she didn't relax until she found Jacob. We snapped a few pictures just as the grandparents rolled up, then snapped a few more. We found some friends, but not all of them. Maybe we should have spent more energy looking for them, but that's not really her style. Ultimately she had plenty of time to visit and relax before walking into the events center.
We found some great seats near where we expected her to sit, then settled in to wait. The events center was hot and I was afraid we'd all melt before we were done. The chocolate in her candy leis definitely melted. The ceremony opened with a piece by the orchestra. Guess who forgot to sit with the orchestra? Cambrie! She and one other student looked at each other in surprise, then hastily and abashedly, made their way to meet the rest of the students. They played beautifully, and I guess I was wrong, I did get to hear her play one more time.
The rest of the commencement ceremony went as you'd expect a ceremony to go, speeches, musical numbers, and official presentations. I was surprised that every time I saw Cambrie's face she was smiling. Despite our worries, I think she genuinely has great memories of attending Legacy. They did a few student recognition moments, asking the recipients to stand each time. Cambrie kept standing up, again and again. It got to the point where the kids she was sitting next to started laughing. I think she finally realized that she was more involved and more successful than she ever believed.
Finally it was time for the presentation of the diplomas. Every friend that walked by, walked by with a flash of memories for me. The number of times I'll see them again are dwindling and this season of her life is over. When she finally walked I thought I'd be crying. But it went so quickly I didn't have a chance. She had a smile plastered on her face. I didn't see the ending, I saw a girl ready for her future and that was simply exciting. She is going to have a great future. Love you sweetie and I am so proud of you!
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