For Tiffany-- Roosevelt High School, Class of 2007

Parents and students see graduation differently-- this is something I know, having been on both sides, and it is something I've spoken of before. But there is something else that is also different-- and it is based on the circumstances surrounding this first most important Milestone in one's life. And oh how different those circumstances can be! In October, 1996, I wrote thoughts and feelings about your brother's upcoming high school graduation; in October, 2006, while being kept in the dark about everything that was going on, I wrote one for you.

SOME THINGS TO SAVE

There is a time for holding
And there is a time for stars

Some things to save
As if tucked inside a memory-book
The ever-dreams even more important
Than tangible souvenirs.
Tracing the yesterdays
And drawing them closer
All as a map
Walked to the present moment
Yet each First
Symbolizing a Last
From Beginnings
To the end of childhood
And new beginnings.

Looking back
To one cool September morning
Still clinging to family
And all else familiar,
Opening a door
And walking into the world of your peers
Door opened--
And passed through.

And such has been each Milestone
Each step-- standing,
Standing taller, ready--
To a time for holding,
And a time for stars.