We Rumble Through the Graduation Season - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Graduations are fun, especially when you have a chance to enjoy and participate in those of your grandchildren, which is what we did these past two weeks. We traveled from Providence to Chicago to California. If we dared, we would have worn a sign that said, “We’re the lucky grandparents and we’re not going to miss a thing.” From graduation ceremonies to educational encounters, from breakfasts to lunches to dinners, walks, and then some, we were pleased participants.

I love the pomp and circumstance of commencements. The bagpipers introducing the ceremonial march brought tears to my eyes. I flushed with pride when I saw the graduates, mine among them, congregating, parading, smiling, waving, bouncing,  caps tipped, tassels blowing, gowns flowing, toting a knapsack full of knowledge as they glanced to the future. Cameras were popping. We belonged here because we belonged to them, they to us.

There is much to like about graduation, though it can be tiring. We wore down because it was more than just graduation day. It was about an array of celebrations  . . . dancing, gaming, walking, museums, parties, and eating, lots of eating. We were determined not to falter, not to miss anything. Three graduations in ten days.

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The first was our grandson from Providence College, which was not so demanding because it was nearby. One week later, we flew to the midwest for another grandson’s graduation from the University of Chicago. After four days of busyness, we flew to northern California for the third grandson’s high school graduation, more partying, more eating, and some welcomed downtime here, which allowed for some catch-up. Diane and I were lucky to revisit the Cantor Museum and its many Rodins on the Stanford campus.

The graduations were replete with cheers, advice, reflections, sadness, joy,  predictions, and encouragement. These students experienced something different from usual because of the impact of the pandemic on their education. The graduates were applauded for their courage, patience and forbearance. Courage in what they endured for almost half of their matriculation . . . vaccines, masks, confinement and quiet remote learning with modest discourse.

I appreciated the comments from speakers, a smorgasbord of kudos: “Live the present with enthusiasm, we have been blessed to share the journey with you, confidence, humility, the path to success, sharing, perseverance, dedication, setting ambitious goals, dreaming big dreams, remember how far you have come and how far you are going to go.”

There was a rhythmic showering of love from every corner. I enjoyed and participated in those showers as I gazed at our legacies, celebrating the pride bursting from their parents. I popped a few buttons myself.

I thought of what advice I would give to the graduates as I looked to their futures; stay curious, try new things, don’t lose your focus, stay bold and courageous, never stop reading, be prepared to accept failure, listen, and don’t forget to call your family.

What a nice feeling it was to feel tired after it all.

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