If there were any planets colliding this past week it may have been my fault, and for this I apologize profusely.

You see, we had one of those eventful weeks that leave a lasting impression on the heart, soul and pocketbook. Which events are these you ask? None other than the graduation from high school of my oldest child and only son and the graduation from pre-school of my four year old daughter.

I’m grateful these events occurred a couple of days apart. Had they been back to back I’m not sure my increasingly feeble mind and weepy soul could have handled it.

Today I feel old

When one is busy doing the parenting thing one is often too busy to consider what the future holds. I find myself particularly blessed in this regard. Having children from two distinct times in my life allows me to live in this odd place where the past never truly escapes me and present victories and pitfalls are certain to be revisited at least a few more times.

Watching my son graduate was a pretty intense and satisfying time. I’ve always struggled to really know my son, rather I have always felt I should or could know him better. The kind of knowing that comes with living with someone day in and day out for years. Precisely the kind of knowing I have been without due to the limitations that come with the badge of divorce. Alas, all was not lost. Our relationship is intact and I expect will only improve now that he will be venturing out on his own.

I’ve been to a couple of graduation ceremonies over the years and always look at the kids in their caps and gowns and cannot help but be a little envious of the life they may be entering into. The new adventures. The unseen challenges. The opportunities to change the world. This ceremony had two student speakers and at one point they commented on the sorry state of the U.S. economy. They said something akin to, “the generations that have stood before us have really made a mess and they aren’t going to be the one to clean it up. We are.”. This caused many visitors to groan, laugh or simply shake their head. The students are right. It was a fair shot. No pressure kids, but I’m kinda looking at you to fix this mess too.

Today I feel young

My oldest children are 18 and 14. If I attended their pre-school graduations I don’t remember it. It’s more likely I didn’t know about the event or was told too late in the game to attend. No more. I relish every moment with my little girls and the four year olds pre-school graduation was no exception.

The class got together and performed a few choreographed songs for the event. The teacher presented each child with their graduation certificate and announced a few facts for each child. One of these facts was what the children wanted to be when they grew up. Amid the proclamations of doctor, zoo worker, teacher and mom my daughter said she wanted to be a princess. Sure, this career choice isn’t grounded entirely in reality but it could happen. I like the idea that my little girl isn’t entirely grounded in reality either. That will come soon enough, and for what it’s worth … my girls have always been and will always be my little princesses.

So there we have it. Two graduations. One at the beginning and another at the end, with a very proud dad smack in the middle.