Today I sat in the bleachers at Plainfield Central High School for their graduation ceremonies.  My niece Sara graduated.  As I watched her march on the football field with all 614 students, I saw a woman.  Not a teenager.  Not a child.  A woman.  My niece, the one that always says, 'Aunt Melissa!' like I've done something wrong, is no longer a kid.  She's now an adult.  I loved seeing all the kids faces (yes, I can call them kids, as I am WAY older than them!) with high hopes and expectations for life after high school. 

Reality check.  Twenty years ago today I graduated from high school.  This means I am 20 years older, physically.  Mentally, I am probably still 18.  Though I go to the doctor and they give me test results for a 37 year old female.  Crap.  I'm not so young any more.  Where did it all go??  I probably need to do a life inventory for years 25 thru 36. 

Someday in the near future, Sara's high hopes and expectations of the world will come to a screaching halt.  Just like when it happened to me about 4 months into college.  School was twice as hard.  Keeping up the grades and the job forced me to learn time management and Mom wasnt on my back to get things done.  I was now accountable for ALL of my actions.  I dont want this to happen to her, but it will.  Its inevitable.  Happens to all of us.  I will be there for her when it does happen, because I cannot turn her away.  I love her too much. 

It was a good graduation party.  Grandparents and grandchildren.