Date: 2006-05-13
From: Keri's House

To: Keri's House
Miles today: 0.0

Graduation Day. I woke up early because Dad wanted to meet me at Black Dome outfitters to do some shopping. Before I left, Pop and Momma called a family meeting. Pop said that he could tell that we really hadn't been able to spend as much time together (Keri and I) as we would have liked and that tonight we should leave a tad bit early from dinner, once things started to whine down a bit and just embrace some time together before we'd have to separate again. What a relief! It was warming to know that Momma and Pop could tell we felt a bit stretched.So I headed out and met up with Dad at Black Dome. We hugged and then he gave me my graduation present. Dang! I was taken back on how much he gave me. Honestly, I had forgotten that I even get presents at graduation. We then went in and he bought me a pair of boots. then we went to Take a Hike and I bought a new sleeping bag. I couldn't believe the generousity of my Dad. It was really cool and a huge answer to prayer.So I left and went to Montreat to prepare for graduation. So I checked in, put on my cap and gown, and listened to the order of operations that we'd go through. Soon enough we were being marched out and into the auditorium.Geez, so many people were there. The place was packed out. So we found our seats and the commencement started. It was rather boring. I did get to do a lot of thinking while I sat there, bored out of my mind. I just thought of how strange this whole thing was. There I was, about to walk across a stage and get an empty folder, then go sit back down. The diploma, the $85,000 dollar piece of paper saying I'm a more creditable person would be later received upstairs, from a cardboard box. Funny.Regardless, the time came for me to walk the stairs onto the stage. I remember turning to David Robinson ans saying, "See ya on the other side." It was crazy, it all hit me at once as I stood on the stage waiting for my name to be called. Maybe I was nervous that I'd trip or something. Soon enough my name was announced and all my friends yelled as I crossed the stage. The rest is history. It was cool though to see Andy Andrews, a local World War II Veteran that stormed Normandy and fought in many other campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge, received an award for his work with the school. I respect that man so much. He earned 4 purple hearts and the bronze star. Wow. That is a man. Yet he is so humble about it all.After graduation I got to see all my family. That was so cool. I'm so happy so many of them showed up. We all then went to the Red Rocker for dinner and just enjoyed the night. Denis hosted the event which just blew me away. He's been a big supported of me while I've been out here.Soon enough I made the call that it was time for Keri and I to leave. So I thanked everyone for coming and headed out. But that wasn't before my dad giving me yet another graduation gift: an MP3 player. Rock on Dad! Huge props. And now the circle is complete. God is good.We took off and went up Appalachian and just watched the storm. I held Keri in my arms as the time drew near for us to part. It never is easy but this time I was just so tired and drained I couldn't be there for her emotionally. I just did the best I could and held her, and I know that was enough.Finally, I drove her to the bus, said goodbye, and watcher her drive away for her 3 week American Ecosystems tour. Dang, it's going to be a while till I see her again.After that, I went to Matt's house for a bit and hung out with him and Arod for a while, then drove back to Momma's house for the night.eggs x3, toast------salmon, soup, salad, cake - Red Rocker