Well, that was a week
Posted By Kathleen David on June 28, 2021
Caroline has her prom on Monday, graduated on Thursday, and went to Pride in NYC on Sunday.
I worked four days in a row.
Shana, Caroline’s eldest sister, came up from Florida and Beth, Peter’s sister and Em, Beth’s daughter all came to town for the graduation.
Many other members from both sides of the family watched via the electronic link.
The phrase “It takes a village” was never so true for this year’s senior prom. There was a point earlier this year that prom was not going to happen. With all the COVID restrictions and the unknown of vaccines and how many of the senior class would be vaccinated.
The village stepped up to the task of giving the senior class a prom to remember.
They shut off part of the street and set up tables, a dance floor, games, and other fun activities for the prom goers.
The local theater created a red carpet for the seniors and their dates to walk down. They had mocktails and appetizers in the lobby.
A couple of local restaurants, that are normally closed on Monday, opened their kitchens and brought on their cooking staff to make the dinner which received high marks from the kids.
They had a police and fire escort from the high school to the village.
The local government worked very closely with the high school to get permits in order and make sure they had what they needed.
Caroline had a blast along with her friends.
Wednesday Shana arrived. It was so great to see her and be able to hug her. We took her out to our favorite sushi restaurant Mizu in Bayport. Caroline was so happy to spend time with Shana and catch up in person.
Thursday we were joined by Beth and Em. Because of COVID, only two tickets were allowed per family. Shana and I went. Peter’s thinking is that, for him, it was his fourth daughter to walk. For me it was my only and only bio child and Shana came all the way up from Florida to witness the event.
We had a celebratory lunch at our favorite seafood place Popei’s Clam Bar. It was nice to just be silly with each other and catch up on the past year in person. It felt closer to our previous normal more than anything so far.
We had great weather for the ceremony. Low humidity and a lovely breeze that later became rather chilly. I picked a good spot on the aisle and was able to get some photos and videos of Caroline walking. My family got some decent screenshots of Caroline getting her diploma along with two certificates of merit and proof that it was a regents’ diploma.
Friday we said our good-byes to Beth and Em.
Saturday was a family day.
Sunday, Caroline went with a number of friends into NYC for Pride. They had a lot of fun. Caroline was wearing her “Mom . . .Dad, I’m Gaelic” t-shirt. Caroline showed them her favorite Japanese bookstore. It was a full day for her.
Today is her first day of summer vacation. She is recovering from all the walking she did the past week including walking in heels for an entire evening.
I told her to take it slow and give herself some time to process the past week.
I am doing the same. I have mixed feelings about this past week. I am super proud of Caroline and all her achievements. This is a milestone for both of us. I am going to be an empty nester this fall, and I am dealing with that. I will miss having her around, but I know that she needs to spread her wings and fly.
I am grateful for Caroline finishing high school.
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