My nephew Chad graduated from High School last week. Gawd do I feel old. I'm just sorry we couldn't be there. It would have been tough trying to finagle another trip with just returning from O.B. Plus you know I break out in a cold sweat anyplace new with the monkeys. The O.C. would have been a gigantic playground for the girls and we all would have suffered. Me more than most..Time truly has flashed before my eyes. I remember Chad at barely a week old. Has it really been 18 years? My sister and her dh tried for a number of years before hitting a home run. Way da go Andy! *wink* Dang, it was outta the ball park!
I've never known a woman to be so over the top to be carrying around an extra 50+ pound nor look as radiant as my sister. G-d knows how desperately they wanted this baby. She was simply glowing. She rarely complained while carrying Chad. Oh, yeah her feet swelled up bigger than elephants, but n
othing in the big scheme of things. She was so ready to be a mommy.I can hear the phone ringing as if it we yesterday. We were all waiting for news of his arrival. We could barely stand it. The anticipation was almost more than I could bear. When oh when would he come?! But when I finally received the call I threw a bag together and hopped the first flight to Orlando. Thank goodness for my CAL free flights.
He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. Perfect. Enormous crystal blue eyes and a perfectly round head. We even referred to him fondly as our little "Popeye". I'm sure he's more than glad we dropped that nickname...would stud be more appropriate or "hottie"? Oh, I know... don't embarrass the grad. (eyes rolling).
I think (so I hear) he has a way with the ladies. No, not in a bad way, just that they all adore him and want to be his friend (right). I'm sure he'll be "big-man" on campus in the fall. He is a truly great kid.
I hope you know Chad how much we all love you. I hear from your mom
that she did not sob a river at graduation. I was surprised. However I think
she may be trying to put up a brave front. I know she will worry so about you when you go off to school in the fall. This chapter of your life has closed but a new one is just beginning. You have the world at your finger tips. Just remember to make good choices. *wink*.
We are all so proud of you. Sending you big hugs and smooches.
Auntie Rony