The Graduate

Today (actually yesterday — I forgot to post this), Sha and the kids and their girlfriend and boyfriend will drop over at suppertime for a quiet family celebration honouring Danica's graduation from high school. The actual ceremony will take place tomorrow, but, with seats at a premium, we won't be attending. We do, however, already have a copy of her grad photo, and just maybe there will be an opportunity for our own photos if time and weather permit tomorrow.

I first posted about Danica on the day of her birth, April 19 2007, and she became the star of my blog for years along with her brother, Jonathan after he joined the family. I looked back at that post, Freight Train Smudge, to see if any of you were with me back then. You weren't, but a few of you might remember her when she was still young.

We took tons of photos for many years, and, especially in the early years, we also took many videos. If memory serves, videos were a little tougher to post back then, at least partly, due to slower uploads speeds, but I did manage to get many up on YT although not too many here on this blog.

One video that I recall and, indeed, I don't need the video to be reminded, was that I would dance with the baby to get her ready for bed if we were over there at the time. Sue and I did line dancing in those days, with a favourite being Waltz Across Texas. We would play it for Dani and dance her around, and I would often sing along and change it to Waltz Across Lanark, the county in which we reside.

When Shauna brought over a huge card for everyone to sign, I decided to write a message hearkening back to those Waltz Across Lanark days.

It seems like yesterday to me, although a lifetime for you, that I waltzed across Lanark with you in my arms. From there you have waltzed through kindergarten, elementary school and high school, and soon you will waltzing off to university. We no longer step as closely together as we once did, but I will always hold you close in my heart, and in my own way, I will step with you as you head off to Carleton U.

Congratulations on your graduation and for stepping so very well through school. I send best wishes and hopes with you as you step smartly into the next phase of your young and beautiful life.

Somewhere, there is a version with the actual music playing, but this is just me trying to sing a Capello  – no, I am not a good singer. Just play it for a few seconds if you are so inclined. (By the way, we called her Smudge for blogs and videos back then.)