Chone Graduates

There must have been close to 400 kids on the football field. But for us we just saw the one. Our shining star. Our Chone graduated from high school. We sat in the stands of the same football field where I graduated, where my sister Cari graduated, where my little sister Elaine graduated, and where in 7 years Lili and Felix will graduate.

We looked for the girl with no hair coming out of her cap with bright turquoise shoes. The shoes really helped us find her. She walked onto the field greeted by the staff that taught her for 4 years.

6th row, sitting right next to her cousin Rachel. How awesome to not only graduate with your cousin, but to sit right next to her during the ceremony. We had given Chone a heads up as to where we were going to sit. At the top of the bleachers under the "EE". She looked and found us and gave us a wave.

Chone has a lot on her shoulders. She is the oldest and has 6 siblings. Not only does she have those 6 looking up to her, my girls think she hung the moon. And of course these is little Ellie, who waved and cheered for her big cousin.

The ceremony wasn't too long and before we knew it she was walking up to get her diploma.

I can remember volunteering in Chone's pre-school class. I remember going to art shows and science fairs in elementary school. I remember band performances and her junior high graduation and going to her school plays during high school. She excelled at everything she has done. Years of school for this moment. These 20 seconds where they called her full name and we all jumped up and yelled for her.

I am so proud of her and everything she accomplished. She did not just coast thorough school. She took on theater, orchestra, and even youth and government.

And how proud I am of my sister and Marco for guiding and parenting this exceptional kid.

My parents got to see their first grandchild graduate. We figure they will be attending Ellie's graduation in 2034. I feel that Chone was just a baby so 2034 is right around the corner.

Chone, the world is yours. I am excited to follow along with you as you start college this fall. You are going to love it and we are going to miss you like crazy. I am always only a phone call away. I will come if you ever need me.