This weekend I had the honor of partaking in grad-a-palooza. My husband and I went to Laramie, WY Friday night to watch my brother-in-law, Austin, graduate from high school. The ceremony itself was nice. Ok, anyone who has attended a graduation knows I'm full of it with that statement. It was interesting. The speaker was a dunce, talking for 40-some minutes about I am not sure what. And, if I was not following, you know none of those kids were. Its ok though, it gave me plenty of time to examine the graduating the class of 2011. Once homeboy decided to put a cork in it, some talented musicians from the graduating class got funky with their string quartet rendition of "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey. Sure, these kids were all in the womb when this song peaked, but nonetheless they sang along from their chairs. That was nice for reals. Then began the 652 robot-read names (all said in a bland, monotone, oddly loud manner as if there is a period at the end of every.single.name.); Cha-Cha. Bobby. Cougar., Mary. Jane. Rottoncrotch., Sara. Johnson. Then, the spotlight clunked on, there was a drum roll, the room stood still...Austin. Patrick. Ontiveroz. Taa Daaaa. That was it, his moment. The family went bananas as our champion, who by the way, was voted most athletic, most handsome, biggest heart, kindest teenager, tiniest hands, most likely to eat meat with every meal, best brother, most loyal...in his class, walked across the stage. (Ok, most of that was from the personal poll I was conducting during the speech earlier, but its all true). It was one of those rare magical moments in a person's life when time sort of freezes and you get to really just enjoy who and where you are right then and there.
Austin. I'm not sure I've ever really thanked you for being who you are. When you named Dash and I in your senior speech, I was genuinely honored. Really. I'm not sure you'll ever really know how much that meant to me. My whole life I have wanted a supa fly, smart, talented, funny, kind brother. And you, as my brother, have been all of this and more. We are so proud of you and know that this is only your beginning. Thank you for sharing your big weekend with us. We love you, your ham breath, and your hooves very much!
