So many families are celebrating their graduates this weekend, and we are no exception. Now kids are graduating from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, and hopefully college:) The fanfare gets more elaborate as the level rises. Tobyn Polk’s graduation made mine (more years ago than I can count:) look lame in comparison. I graduated with 46 fellow students from Monsignor Kelly High School, a small catholic parochial school. Tobyn graduated with over 500 fellow classmates, so when I found that he had graduated with honors (thus the red gown and black stole), I was more than impressed. That’s a lot of competition. Tobyn was in the ROTC program to boot, so very little time to get into trouble, or study for that matter. His life was not always easy, as he was born very premature at just one pound, as his parents divorced early, and his amazing grandparents took over for many years. Kudos to the Garcias, they should be proud. Gina and Joey have since entered Tobyn and Paisley’s lives, and given them all the parental encouragement they needed. God works in mysterious ways; through it all Tobyn was a serious and responsible young man, who watched over his little sister Paisley from her birth. So much to be proud of in his young life. I know I am, although I can’t claim much responsibility for this awesome young man who has emerged. His sights are set on nursing school at Lamar University, prophetically where this graduation took place. As each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma, the chandelier-styled tv screens displayed a closeup of each and every one. Welcome to the 21st century!

There were more than a few memorable moments that day, as cousins Layke and Maycee graduated earlier from second and third grade. Layke won the citizenship award, but more importantly ranked in the high 90th percentile on the math portion of the STARR. He was exhausted and focused on his game to pass the hours. Maycee had a memorable moment when she and mom visited the ladies room. She witnessed a slightly inebriated woman chest bump an officer until he finally cuffed her when she insisted in seeing his boss:) She will get that opportunity at the county jail I believe. Maycee was overcome with fear thinking she might be next. Mom had to do something to dry those tears, so Maycee came back sporting a beautiful (real) orchid lei. I tried crying too, but nobody cared!

Brother Drew, wife Tera, and I met briefly with Tobyn for family photo opp before heading out in search of food. It was ten when the ceremony was over and we hadn’t eaten since lunch. We thought IHOP would be our only option on a Thursday night in Beaumont, but miracle of miracles, Carrabba’s was still open. After an amazing italian feast, the old folks went home to crash, completely wiped out by the emotional event.

I woke the next morning to the aroma of coffee and bacon. There is no better morning smell, and although we had stayed out late for old folks, I couldn’t stay in bed one minute longer. Tera and I went out to survey her backyard kingdom of blooms, blue jays, cardinals, and squirrels. The critters entertained us while Drew served us breakfast. What a wonderful lazy, peaceful morning of reminiscing about all the things we love about living in small town Beaumont. Beautiful old oaks and pine trees leave a fresh scent in the air, and shade our yards. There is little traffic to worry about. Neighbors are close and personal, especially when you need them. Most of all, Beaumont is close to our family, the beach, and the family ranch LaBelle. We are truly blessed.