Around the Bluhmin’ Town

By

Judy Bluhm

It wasn’t supposed to happen this quickly. All the school years racing by, blurring together, class photos, field trips, homework, teacher conferences, new school clothes, supply shopping . . .and now this. A child graduating from high school leaves us to ponder, where did twelve years go?

For our country’s almost four million high school students, the end is near. Oops, I guess it is the beginning. Life starts now! That’s right, school days are winding down, caps and gowns are being worn with dignity (and relief) as students leave high school to make their mark in the world.

Congratulations are in order. Soon your tassels will be swinging in the breeze to the processional of “Pomp and Circumstance.” And many a tear will be shed by proud (and tired) parents and grandparents. The “moment” has arrived, when life changes drastically. This is the milestone that marks the “before and after” phase of life. The beginning of new adventures, driving, college, marriage, career and more.

Hey, kids (sorry, I mean graduates), it’s been one heck of an expensive ride for your parents. According to research on the costs of child-rearing, the average American parent spends approximately $389,000 on a child from birth to age eighteen. That is not to mention college. And students, beware of student loans. They can take the joy out of a college diploma (and your wallet).

Graduation marks the ending of one huge chapter. Adulthood is looming in the not-so-distant future. Children may move away, get married, have babies, join the military and leave the nest. Yikes! The patter of little (or big) feet is silenced and no matter how difficult, time-consuming, expensive and exhausting it was, guiding the kids through those school years might be one of the greatest achievements of all time. Parents and teachers, we applaud you.

On a practical note, it might be a little premature to start painting your graduate’s bedroom and transforming it into your office. You might want to wait a while (like five years). If you are teary-eyed because your graduate is leaving home, take heart, the kid will probably be back. If you are crying because your graduate shows no interest in leaving home (ever), remain hopeful. This too, shall pass. The nest will get empty, and the grads will make their way into the world. They are the future, standing before us in caps and gowns!

My daughter, Tammy, graduated from Yavapai College with a bachelor’s degree. Like many, her path to obtaining the degree was sidetracked and delayed with family commitments, career, kids, and life. She persevered. The commencement ceremony was very uplifting, with the youngest graduate being fifteen years old and the oldest eighty! A testimony to us that all things are possible, at any time in life.

Going to a graduation ceremony? Savor the moment. It should be celebrated with gusto! So, to all you Grads and those who helped you along the way - parents, family, spouses and teachers, there is only one word to say. Bravo! The tassel was worth the hassle.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected] or visit www.aroundthebluhmintown.com.