Pomp and Circumstance

Last night was graduation. I have officially gone into mourning. Several very important people who drifted into my life at one point or another drifted out this weekend. I have been overwhelmed by emotions this weekend and it actually surprised me. I'm typically an emotional person but I was taken aback by how I felt when this day arrived. Let me see if I can get through this without crying...

First, my dear friend Rachael graduated and is now on her way to Kansas. Her husband is stationed in Kansas and they officially moved today. I saw her last night as I was finding my way to my seat. After some small talk, I knew she needed to get to her seat on the football field. So I made the mistake of saying "okay, lemme get out of here before I make an emotional scene." To which she replied by hugging me and telling me that she loved me. And then there were tears. She has been there for me in so many ways over the past 2 years and we've shared so many things, from tapered leg jeans to passed out phone calls. I think the reality of it all is, I have a feeling I won't ever see her again and that just sucks. I love you Rachael and don't forget, we'll always have the trust tree. I can't wait for the world to see Jackson Collip....you're going to be a great mother, teaching him to treat girls the way they should be treated and not the way we've been treated.

OK, so I wasn't successful in making it through this without crying and I still have a couple more people to go.

For the past 2 years, I've had a friend that I "spend time with" every now and then. He's the one that gave me the nickname "wondermouth" and he graduated this weekend too. I saw him last night after the ceremonies were over but didn't get to talk to him. So I called him several times last night and never could get in touch with him. I thought I wasn't going to see him again before he left. He called today and came by my place to tell me goodbye. He's moving far, far away to the Sooner state and chances are I will never see him again. He hugged me good bye and kissed me one last time. And I quickly ushered him out the door so he wouldn't see me cry. You see, he and I never dated but we shared something, a connection of some sort and it wasn't just physical. To my favorite color, I will never forget you and I know you can't forget me for various and sundry reasons. HOAAH!

I've lost several staff members this weekend who are moving on because of different reasons. Each one of them has taught me so much and I know you'll go far in life. Best wishes and come back to see me.

As and adviser to my beloved chapter, I watched several women walk across that stage that I have known since they were freshmen. They were my new girls when I was new member educator and they have made me so proud. Ladies, it has been my pleasure watching you grow and develop into classy and sucessful women. Love in our bond always.

I love my job and the college environment, but I realized one thing today that I've always known but witnessed it first hand today. Nothing is ever permanent in this setting or hell in life in general. People are always going to come and go. And it never gets any easier letting these people go. One day, I'm actually going to leave Alabama. I know, shocking, right? And I can't imagine what my life is going to be like once I say goodbye to my best friend. She and I briefly talked about that tonight at dinner and decided that we would really need serious mental help when that day arrives. But in the words of the great Southern heroine, Scarlett O'Hara, "I won't think about that right now, I'll think about it tomorrow."

To all the people that have ever crossed my path for whatever reason, good or bad, long or short term, I thank you for what you have shown me, taught me, shared with me and what you mean to me.