Chapter 36: Graduation Time
~Sam's POV~
I immediately went upstairs and took a very quick shower since I only had an hour before leaving for graduation. I came out of the shower 10 minutes later and put my hair in a towel and grabbed another one and wrapped it around my body. I went straight to my closet to look for the dress that dad bought me two years ago for my 16th birthday. I looked for it but I couldn't find it. I looked through my closet again and still couldn't find it. I went to the laundry basket and looked through it, but nothing. I went through the closet again and still couldn't find it. I was starting to get a little frustrated that I couldn't find it. "Mom!!!!!" I went to my dresser and looked through it. At the same time, I was looking for nylons, clean underwear, and my strapless bra.
"Honey, what's the matter?"
"I can't find the dress that dad bought me two years ago!!" I said as I went through my closet again. "I had it here in my closet and I can't find it. I want to wear it today!!"
"Honey, relax." she trailed off.
"Mom, how can I relax if I can't find the dress?" I said as I sighed heavily.
"I took the dress to the dry cleaners and picked it up recently. It's still in the car and I'm going to get it, ok?"
"Mom, why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry, honey, but just finish getting ready while I go get your dress, ok?"
"Ok, mom," I said as she left. I got the lotion and put it all over my body. Then I put my underwear and bra on, and my robe on. While I was waiting for mom to show up, I blow-dried my hair. After that I left it to cool off and got my makeup stuff on the counter. There was a knock on the door. "Come in."
"Here, honey, I got your dress."
I looked at mom, "Thanks, mom. Could you stay and zip it up for me?"
"Of course," mom said. I got the dress and got it out of the bag and off the hanger and put it on after taking my robe off. I turned around and let mom zip it on. It was a simple red spaghetti strapped dressed that went halfway down my thighs.
"Thanks, mom," I said as I looked at her.
"You look so gorgeous," mom gushed.
"Mom, I'm not ready yet, ok?"
"It doesn't matter. you still look gorgeous," mom said.
"Thanks, mom," I said as we embraced. "Now, I need to finish getting ready, ok?"
"Ok," mom said as she left. Then I turned the curling iron on and did m makeup. I put on a little bit of foundation and powder. I put on a little bit of eyeliner and some red eye shadow. Finally, I put on my lipstick. Now I was ready to do my hair. I curled most of my hair and got it done by 4:20. I decided to let the curls cascade down my back. I grabbed my cap and put it on and used bobby pins to help hold it in. With 10 minutes to spare, I went to my computer and printed out my speech for graduation, put on my gown, gathered my things and looked around to make sure I got everything. I looked at the things in my hand. I had realized that I had forgotten to put on my engagement ring. I immediately went to the bathroom and found my engagement ring sitting on the farthest corner on the counter. I put it on and got my things and headed downstairs. The guys were getting ready themselves. They had nice slacks on with no shirts. They didn't have to be at graduation until 5:30, so they had time to fool around a bit. I laughed at the sight of the guys in the living room. Mom was just standing around helping the guys with the clothes. Mom saw me and gasped, "Samantha." Everyone looked at me and they smiled. "If only your father was here to see you."
I looked at Mark and he smiled at me knowingly. I looked back at mom and said, "Dad's already here, mom. He's in my heart and he's happy."
Mom smiled and walked up to me, "How did you get so smart?"
"I got it from dad," I said as we laughed and embraced. "I'm sorry to break this up, but I need someone to drop me off at school because I have a meeting to attend to."
"I'll drop you off," mom said. "Boys, behave yourselves."
"We will, mom," they said in unison.
Mom and I looked at each other and laughed. "I got them right here." mom said as she wiggled her pinky finger. "All right, let's go." And mom drove me to campus and dropped me off. I ran to the field and found everyone standing around in a circle. About 45 minutes later, students and family were starting to show up. We finished up the meeting and went to our designated areas during the graduation ceremony. We had the graduation ceremony at the football stadium since the auditorium was too small to hold everyone. We had about 2 sections split for the graduates. There were only 200 students that were graduation and put 100 students on each side. The main stage was held right in front of this beautiful castle like house and the family and friends were sitting on the stands. The main people that were involved were either sitting or standing on the main stage.
I myself stood looking around and watching people fill the stadium. 'Daddy, I know that you can hear me. I just want to say that I love you so much and know that you're here with me. Daddy, please help me be strong when I go up to speak and not to cry. I know that you just want me to be happy. and I am. As you know that Jeff proposed to me and I said yes. I wish you were here to walk me down the aisle and give me away. But I know that you will be there, watching me. I'll always be your little girl. I love you, daddy.' Then there were some winds that passed by and I swear I heard someone say, 'I love you too.' I looked around me and no one was talking to me, that's when I realized that daddy was there by my side. I smiled real big and was all ready to go. "I'm definitely ready."
"Ready for what?"
I looked at who was talking to me and smiled, "I'm ready to graduate from high school, Chrissy. I'm definitely ready."
She joined me by my side and looked around, "Yeah, me too. And I'm definitely glad that I'm graduating with my best friend."
"Me, too," I said as we hugged.
"Samantha, I would like to speak with you for a moment," the principal said.
"Of course," I said, to Chrissy, "We'll talk more at the party, ok?"
"Yeah, definitely," Chrissy said as we hugged once more.
"What's going on?" I asked as we went on the main stage.
"I would like to introduce someone to you and wanted to speak during the ceremony," he said as he introduced a man to me.
~Paul's POV~
We had come early and sat near the front to watch Samantha do her magic. She had looked at us, but completely didn't see us. In a way, I was glad. During the whole time, I was watching her and I could tell that she was talking to her father. After the winds had passed, I had heard something but I wasn't sure as of what. not until I saw Samantha smile. That's when I knew her father had spoken to her somehow. It's amazing to watch her become this confident person on her graduation day. She was going to be surprised when they present the award to her. "Paul?"
I looked at the voice that called for me and smiled, "Kellie, how are you?"
"I'm doing good. how about yourself?"
"Doing great. just can't wait until Samantha gets the award."
"Yeah, me too. It's great to see that happening to her today. Do you have an extra seat up there for me?"
"Yeah, come on up," I said as I made room for her. We continued to chat until the whole stadium was full.
~Sam's POV~
At 5:55, I had gone down to the back area of where the graduates were standing. I stood next to another student. There were at least 8 other students who were going to speak during the graduation ceremony. Finally at 6, the school band had started to play 'Pomp and Circumstance' and the staff had started walking. It took about 20 minutes to get everyone in their assigned seats and ready to go. The Fall Senior Class President and the Senior Class Senator had come up first after the song had finished. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please join us as we say the pledge of allegiance." After that was said, they continued to speak, "Now please stand up and join us as our valedictorian sings the national anthem as our school band provides the music."
I took the extra microphone and stood near the band. I looked at the bandleader and waited for the signal. We made eye contact and started.
"Oh say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hail and the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
Over the ramparts we watch
Were so gallantly streaming
And the rockets red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free. and the home. of the brave."
Everyone applauded and sat down. I put the microphone off and put it away. Our Spring Senior Class President had given a warm welcome to everyone that was there. Then the Spring Senior Class Vice President gave a speech about the past year. Out Spring Class Historian had introduced me to sing "I Believe I Can Fly' by R. Kelly. We had planned for another student to show up later in the song to back me up. The music started and I sang to it.
I used to think that I could not go on
And life was nothing but an awful song
But now I know the meaning of true love
I'm leaning on the everlasting arms
If I could see it
Then I could do it
If I just believe it
There's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
See I was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes, silence can seem so loud
There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first I know it starts inside of me
If I could see it
Then I could be it
If I just believe it
There's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe in me
If I could see it
Then I could do it
If I just believe it
There's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
If I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
If I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly~~~~~~~~~~~
(I can fly, I can fly, I can fly)
(Fly, fly, fly)
After that, the Fall Senior Historian introduced me as the valedictorian. I stood up, got my speech in handy and went up to the microphone to speak. "Family, friends, faculty. my fellow graduates and I are here before you to bring you pride and honor as we graduate from high school and move on the next. We bring you pride and honor as we graduate from high school today and move on to challenging times ahead. We have had our ups and downs during the past four years and we've been through them together. Because of those times, we have become more of a tight-knit group. During the past year, I have had the most difficult time of my life. Many of you know that I had lost my father a few months back. I lost a man who not only was my best friend, my confidante, my rock, but my daddy. Just the other day, I heard someone say that any man can be called 'a father' but it takes a special man to be called 'a daddy.' That's exactly what Michael Copeland was to me. he was my daddy. As I grew up, every night that he tucked me in, he always said two simple words to make me feel good inside. Something that I would like to share with all of you. every night he always told me to just 'be happy.' Because of that, I was happy and I felt loved. If Michael Copeland were here and alive today, he would have just been happy if I graduated from high school. He wouldn't care if I were valedictorian, he would just have been proud of me. Being valedictorian would be icing on the cake for him. And today, I am going to graduate from high school in honor of my father. All in all, I would like to say this. fellow graduates, you should be proud of yourselves for going though the past four years and that tonight is the night that will close this chapter in life. Parents and family, be proud of your children for graduating tonight. Faculty, be proud that your students have moved on to challenging times and that they will always carry your teachings every where they go. As valedictorian of Ontario High School, I want to thank you for all the memories that you have given me and I will continue to bring pride to this school as an alumni. Thank you." I went to sit down and everyone was giving me a standing ovation. I looked down at my hands and I was ready to cry. I took a couple of deep breaths to control myself. The principal had come over to me and gestured for me to stand up and thank the crowd. I stood up and I looked at the crowd thanking them. I looked to me immediate right and I saw mom, Kellie, Paul, Shane, Mark and Jeff standing with pride. Mom and I made eye contact and I mouthed to her, "I love you, mom."
"I love you, too," mom mouthed back. I could tell that she was beaming with pride.
Then the principal had introduced a special guest from the College Board to present an award. "Ladies and gentlemen, the award that I'm about to present goes to College students. this will be the first ever to be given to a high school student. This student who will receive the award has amazed me with her GPA and her dedication to her school. I informed the College Board that we have to give this award to her. They disagreed at first, but when they looked at this student's GPA and what she has been through, they changed their minds and wanted to present the award to her. Without further ado, I am proud to give this 'Nobel Prize for the Prestigious Student' award to Miss Samantha Rose Copeland." When he said my name, I gasped. I slowly walked up to the gentleman and touch the award. "Go on, take it."
I took it and immediately, I cried. The graduates were saying, "Speech" over and over again. I shook my head no and that I couldn't. They became louder and louder.
I gave in, I motioned for them to settle down and when they did, I started to speak, "Umm, wow. I didn't expect this at all. But I do thank the College Board for presenting this award to me. Thank you so much!!! I just wish my father was here to witness this," I took a deep breath and continued, "I am totally speechless right now. All I can say is Thank you." I looked up at the sky, "daddy, this is for you!" I cried as I held onto the award. I looked at mom and she was crying as well.
The audience had given me a round of applause, and then our Senior class Sponsor had introduced the Senior Class President after the students had gone back to their seats. Then introduced the principal who had two assistant principals standing in front of each section ready to present the diplomas. That took about half an hour for everyone to receive their diplomas.
The principal spoke, "Congratulations to the graduating class of 1997. you are dismissed!" We cheered and hollered as we finally graduated from high school.
We had spread out and looked for our family. Mom had run over to me and we hugged. As soon as I hugged her, I cried some more, and mom said, "I'm so proud of you! Don't let anyone tell you different!!! Just know that daddy and I are proud of you!!" I nodded my head because I was too choked on tears to say anything.
I pulled away and saw Adam, he had opened his arms and I walked straight into them. He said, "I'm so proud of you. I'm proud to be your older brother."
"I couldn't have asked for a better brother," I whispered in his ear. I looked around and saw all the guys just standing there, beaming with pride and said, "You know what?" I couldn't have asked for a better family."
Mom looked around and said, "You're right. There's no better family than this. a family full of love." Then we started taking pictures all around with family and friends.
~Sam's POV~
I immediately went upstairs and took a very quick shower since I only had an hour before leaving for graduation. I came out of the shower 10 minutes later and put my hair in a towel and grabbed another one and wrapped it around my body. I went straight to my closet to look for the dress that dad bought me two years ago for my 16th birthday. I looked for it but I couldn't find it. I looked through my closet again and still couldn't find it. I went to the laundry basket and looked through it, but nothing. I went through the closet again and still couldn't find it. I was starting to get a little frustrated that I couldn't find it. "Mom!!!!!" I went to my dresser and looked through it. At the same time, I was looking for nylons, clean underwear, and my strapless bra.
"Honey, what's the matter?"
"I can't find the dress that dad bought me two years ago!!" I said as I went through my closet again. "I had it here in my closet and I can't find it. I want to wear it today!!"
"Honey, relax." she trailed off.
"Mom, how can I relax if I can't find the dress?" I said as I sighed heavily.
"I took the dress to the dry cleaners and picked it up recently. It's still in the car and I'm going to get it, ok?"
"Mom, why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry, honey, but just finish getting ready while I go get your dress, ok?"
"Ok, mom," I said as she left. I got the lotion and put it all over my body. Then I put my underwear and bra on, and my robe on. While I was waiting for mom to show up, I blow-dried my hair. After that I left it to cool off and got my makeup stuff on the counter. There was a knock on the door. "Come in."
"Here, honey, I got your dress."
I looked at mom, "Thanks, mom. Could you stay and zip it up for me?"
"Of course," mom said. I got the dress and got it out of the bag and off the hanger and put it on after taking my robe off. I turned around and let mom zip it on. It was a simple red spaghetti strapped dressed that went halfway down my thighs.
"Thanks, mom," I said as I looked at her.
"You look so gorgeous," mom gushed.
"Mom, I'm not ready yet, ok?"
"It doesn't matter. you still look gorgeous," mom said.
"Thanks, mom," I said as we embraced. "Now, I need to finish getting ready, ok?"
"Ok," mom said as she left. Then I turned the curling iron on and did m makeup. I put on a little bit of foundation and powder. I put on a little bit of eyeliner and some red eye shadow. Finally, I put on my lipstick. Now I was ready to do my hair. I curled most of my hair and got it done by 4:20. I decided to let the curls cascade down my back. I grabbed my cap and put it on and used bobby pins to help hold it in. With 10 minutes to spare, I went to my computer and printed out my speech for graduation, put on my gown, gathered my things and looked around to make sure I got everything. I looked at the things in my hand. I had realized that I had forgotten to put on my engagement ring. I immediately went to the bathroom and found my engagement ring sitting on the farthest corner on the counter. I put it on and got my things and headed downstairs. The guys were getting ready themselves. They had nice slacks on with no shirts. They didn't have to be at graduation until 5:30, so they had time to fool around a bit. I laughed at the sight of the guys in the living room. Mom was just standing around helping the guys with the clothes. Mom saw me and gasped, "Samantha." Everyone looked at me and they smiled. "If only your father was here to see you."
I looked at Mark and he smiled at me knowingly. I looked back at mom and said, "Dad's already here, mom. He's in my heart and he's happy."
Mom smiled and walked up to me, "How did you get so smart?"
"I got it from dad," I said as we laughed and embraced. "I'm sorry to break this up, but I need someone to drop me off at school because I have a meeting to attend to."
"I'll drop you off," mom said. "Boys, behave yourselves."
"We will, mom," they said in unison.
Mom and I looked at each other and laughed. "I got them right here." mom said as she wiggled her pinky finger. "All right, let's go." And mom drove me to campus and dropped me off. I ran to the field and found everyone standing around in a circle. About 45 minutes later, students and family were starting to show up. We finished up the meeting and went to our designated areas during the graduation ceremony. We had the graduation ceremony at the football stadium since the auditorium was too small to hold everyone. We had about 2 sections split for the graduates. There were only 200 students that were graduation and put 100 students on each side. The main stage was held right in front of this beautiful castle like house and the family and friends were sitting on the stands. The main people that were involved were either sitting or standing on the main stage.
I myself stood looking around and watching people fill the stadium. 'Daddy, I know that you can hear me. I just want to say that I love you so much and know that you're here with me. Daddy, please help me be strong when I go up to speak and not to cry. I know that you just want me to be happy. and I am. As you know that Jeff proposed to me and I said yes. I wish you were here to walk me down the aisle and give me away. But I know that you will be there, watching me. I'll always be your little girl. I love you, daddy.' Then there were some winds that passed by and I swear I heard someone say, 'I love you too.' I looked around me and no one was talking to me, that's when I realized that daddy was there by my side. I smiled real big and was all ready to go. "I'm definitely ready."
"Ready for what?"
I looked at who was talking to me and smiled, "I'm ready to graduate from high school, Chrissy. I'm definitely ready."
She joined me by my side and looked around, "Yeah, me too. And I'm definitely glad that I'm graduating with my best friend."
"Me, too," I said as we hugged.
"Samantha, I would like to speak with you for a moment," the principal said.
"Of course," I said, to Chrissy, "We'll talk more at the party, ok?"
"Yeah, definitely," Chrissy said as we hugged once more.
"What's going on?" I asked as we went on the main stage.
"I would like to introduce someone to you and wanted to speak during the ceremony," he said as he introduced a man to me.
~Paul's POV~
We had come early and sat near the front to watch Samantha do her magic. She had looked at us, but completely didn't see us. In a way, I was glad. During the whole time, I was watching her and I could tell that she was talking to her father. After the winds had passed, I had heard something but I wasn't sure as of what. not until I saw Samantha smile. That's when I knew her father had spoken to her somehow. It's amazing to watch her become this confident person on her graduation day. She was going to be surprised when they present the award to her. "Paul?"
I looked at the voice that called for me and smiled, "Kellie, how are you?"
"I'm doing good. how about yourself?"
"Doing great. just can't wait until Samantha gets the award."
"Yeah, me too. It's great to see that happening to her today. Do you have an extra seat up there for me?"
"Yeah, come on up," I said as I made room for her. We continued to chat until the whole stadium was full.
~Sam's POV~
At 5:55, I had gone down to the back area of where the graduates were standing. I stood next to another student. There were at least 8 other students who were going to speak during the graduation ceremony. Finally at 6, the school band had started to play 'Pomp and Circumstance' and the staff had started walking. It took about 20 minutes to get everyone in their assigned seats and ready to go. The Fall Senior Class President and the Senior Class Senator had come up first after the song had finished. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please join us as we say the pledge of allegiance." After that was said, they continued to speak, "Now please stand up and join us as our valedictorian sings the national anthem as our school band provides the music."
I took the extra microphone and stood near the band. I looked at the bandleader and waited for the signal. We made eye contact and started.
"Oh say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hail and the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
Over the ramparts we watch
Were so gallantly streaming
And the rockets red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free. and the home. of the brave."
Everyone applauded and sat down. I put the microphone off and put it away. Our Spring Senior Class President had given a warm welcome to everyone that was there. Then the Spring Senior Class Vice President gave a speech about the past year. Out Spring Class Historian had introduced me to sing "I Believe I Can Fly' by R. Kelly. We had planned for another student to show up later in the song to back me up. The music started and I sang to it.
I used to think that I could not go on
And life was nothing but an awful song
But now I know the meaning of true love
I'm leaning on the everlasting arms
If I could see it
Then I could do it
If I just believe it
There's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
See I was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes, silence can seem so loud
There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first I know it starts inside of me
If I could see it
Then I could be it
If I just believe it
There's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe in me
If I could see it
Then I could do it
If I just believe it
There's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
If I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
If I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly~~~~~~~~~~~
(I can fly, I can fly, I can fly)
(Fly, fly, fly)
After that, the Fall Senior Historian introduced me as the valedictorian. I stood up, got my speech in handy and went up to the microphone to speak. "Family, friends, faculty. my fellow graduates and I are here before you to bring you pride and honor as we graduate from high school and move on the next. We bring you pride and honor as we graduate from high school today and move on to challenging times ahead. We have had our ups and downs during the past four years and we've been through them together. Because of those times, we have become more of a tight-knit group. During the past year, I have had the most difficult time of my life. Many of you know that I had lost my father a few months back. I lost a man who not only was my best friend, my confidante, my rock, but my daddy. Just the other day, I heard someone say that any man can be called 'a father' but it takes a special man to be called 'a daddy.' That's exactly what Michael Copeland was to me. he was my daddy. As I grew up, every night that he tucked me in, he always said two simple words to make me feel good inside. Something that I would like to share with all of you. every night he always told me to just 'be happy.' Because of that, I was happy and I felt loved. If Michael Copeland were here and alive today, he would have just been happy if I graduated from high school. He wouldn't care if I were valedictorian, he would just have been proud of me. Being valedictorian would be icing on the cake for him. And today, I am going to graduate from high school in honor of my father. All in all, I would like to say this. fellow graduates, you should be proud of yourselves for going though the past four years and that tonight is the night that will close this chapter in life. Parents and family, be proud of your children for graduating tonight. Faculty, be proud that your students have moved on to challenging times and that they will always carry your teachings every where they go. As valedictorian of Ontario High School, I want to thank you for all the memories that you have given me and I will continue to bring pride to this school as an alumni. Thank you." I went to sit down and everyone was giving me a standing ovation. I looked down at my hands and I was ready to cry. I took a couple of deep breaths to control myself. The principal had come over to me and gestured for me to stand up and thank the crowd. I stood up and I looked at the crowd thanking them. I looked to me immediate right and I saw mom, Kellie, Paul, Shane, Mark and Jeff standing with pride. Mom and I made eye contact and I mouthed to her, "I love you, mom."
"I love you, too," mom mouthed back. I could tell that she was beaming with pride.
Then the principal had introduced a special guest from the College Board to present an award. "Ladies and gentlemen, the award that I'm about to present goes to College students. this will be the first ever to be given to a high school student. This student who will receive the award has amazed me with her GPA and her dedication to her school. I informed the College Board that we have to give this award to her. They disagreed at first, but when they looked at this student's GPA and what she has been through, they changed their minds and wanted to present the award to her. Without further ado, I am proud to give this 'Nobel Prize for the Prestigious Student' award to Miss Samantha Rose Copeland." When he said my name, I gasped. I slowly walked up to the gentleman and touch the award. "Go on, take it."
I took it and immediately, I cried. The graduates were saying, "Speech" over and over again. I shook my head no and that I couldn't. They became louder and louder.
I gave in, I motioned for them to settle down and when they did, I started to speak, "Umm, wow. I didn't expect this at all. But I do thank the College Board for presenting this award to me. Thank you so much!!! I just wish my father was here to witness this," I took a deep breath and continued, "I am totally speechless right now. All I can say is Thank you." I looked up at the sky, "daddy, this is for you!" I cried as I held onto the award. I looked at mom and she was crying as well.
The audience had given me a round of applause, and then our Senior class Sponsor had introduced the Senior Class President after the students had gone back to their seats. Then introduced the principal who had two assistant principals standing in front of each section ready to present the diplomas. That took about half an hour for everyone to receive their diplomas.
The principal spoke, "Congratulations to the graduating class of 1997. you are dismissed!" We cheered and hollered as we finally graduated from high school.
We had spread out and looked for our family. Mom had run over to me and we hugged. As soon as I hugged her, I cried some more, and mom said, "I'm so proud of you! Don't let anyone tell you different!!! Just know that daddy and I are proud of you!!" I nodded my head because I was too choked on tears to say anything.
I pulled away and saw Adam, he had opened his arms and I walked straight into them. He said, "I'm so proud of you. I'm proud to be your older brother."
"I couldn't have asked for a better brother," I whispered in his ear. I looked around and saw all the guys just standing there, beaming with pride and said, "You know what?" I couldn't have asked for a better family."
Mom looked around and said, "You're right. There's no better family than this. a family full of love." Then we started taking pictures all around with family and friends.
