This was something that I knew was coming. I knew somehow I would have to admit that my “baby” was old enough to graduate from high school. Getting him to that point took a lot of prodding and several LONG talks about turning in work. And doing things in pure D-man fashion….he pushed it right up to the deadline. Putting off taking a test he needed to pass in order to “test out” of a class, right up to 3 days before the end of school. Didn’t help that he also got suspended for the last 2 days of school, (for leaving school without checking out and taking another student with him) so getting those last assignments turned in and finals taken was a BIT more challenging! But thankfully the administration was willing to work with him, and really helped to get his classes finished up. Talk about bending over backwards!
When he was finally able to pick up his cap and gown, I knew that it was finally going to happen, and I was going to have to deal with all the emotions going through me! There is something SO surreal at looking at your child in a cap and gown, and still wondering what their life will hold for them. Especially, since it’s now out of my control. And that is not a feeling that I handle very well at all!
It’s so hard to imagine that 18 years have gone by. So much of it is a complete blur. Not even sure how it happened. But here we are now, and he has so many possibilities in front of him. The doors are wide open and I still hope that he is able to find his way. I’m so proud of his accomplishments and the young man that he has become! I couldn’t have asked for a better son!

This was the principal at the school, Mr. Jones. He was one of D's favorites at the school. When he approached the stage to shake his hand and receive his diploma, Mr. Jones attempted to "hide" the diploma in his jacket! They both just busted out in this huge grin! So many of the teachers were biting their fingernails, (as was I), so naturally, they had to give him a BIT of a hard time!