Graduation Day

Yes, my 18-year-old is taking that step–today is his last day of high school. Tonight he graduates.

Funny, but it means more to his parents than it does to him. He just wants the summer to get here. He and his friends want to film a movie; a sequel to one they did for a class project a year ago.

The boys all want to make a movie. The parents want them to get jobs, plan their futures and get on with it. Its ironic, isn’t it? Making a movie is ‘getting on with it.” But making a movie isn’t paying the rent.

The best commencement address I ever heard was one given by Neil Gaiman. I keep wanting my son to watch it because I feel that my son is choosing the “Neil Gaiman way of life.” My son is anything but traditional and I think Neil can offer him some good advice.

I told my son how much easier it would be if he’d decided to go to college for 4 years. (Who are we trying to kid? Easier for me and my peace of mind!!!!!) College is a good interim place to be for a young adult, I feel. There’s plenty of freedom, but there’s not much to worry about other than your grades. You learn to socialize, but you’ve a roof over your head and a cafeteria of food. True, it’s expensive and many walkout of college with a degree and a lifetime of loans….but it’s a good tradition.

And I’m saying all that because that’s what I did back in the dark ages and it’s something I can relate to.

But whose life is this? My son’s. And who’s inner clarion call should my son be following? His own.

Kids have apron strings to cut. What do Mom’s have?

Okay, I’m going to try and post Neil Gaiman’s commencement address. If I am successful, it’ll be a nice, convenient link for you. If not, I encourage you to go to YouTube and find it. It’s inspirational for anyone at any age.

Cheers!