Class of 2008

Last night my twin sons Paul and Wesley joined their fellow Centennial High School Golden Hawk classmates in the graduation class of 2008. We arrived at the football stadium around 6:30 and didn't leave until about 9:30, after all the hats were tossed in the air and the confetti was released by well wishing family members. As far as graduations go this one went off without a hitch. I attend graduation every year at my high school, so it is kind of hard for me to get too worked up, even though this one is so special. This particular class was really large, over 500 strong which I believe is the largest graduation ceremony I have ever attended. After number 503 walked across the stage the parents, friends, and other family members stormed the field. It was kind of liking watching a college football game when the crazy fans rush the field after a big upset. We stood around, hugged my sons, told them how proud we were, and took a few pictures. Normally my two sons have no patience for having their pictures taken but on this night they both were on their best behavior. We then went back to the house for some cake and a few more pictures before my two sons took off to a school sponsored graduation function which they later confessed was a waste of time....The evening went so fast and when I left to come home after 10:00 o'clock, I couldn't believe it was over so quickly. The whole evening just seems so surreal, kinda like a wedding. You spend so much time, money, and effort for the big event, and then, bingo, it is all over like a flash. The whole thing just doesn't seem right. Why can't we drag these things on a bit longer. Why can't the parents have a pep rally before the big event?...or...at least an afterglow bonfire meeting after the graduates have left the field. It just doesn't seem fair that such big and significant events have to be so quick and final...but...it is what it is...and...Now father and sons move on to the next chapter of life. The next chapter has an outline but many of the pages remain blank because it is now time for the father to pass along the pen to the sons who must write the rest of the book. The father will continue to offer guidance and proofreading when and if the sons want or need his assistance but it is now up to the sons to use their own imagination and skills to write the ensuing chapters. The father looks forward to reading the chapters that will develop in the years to come and hopes and prays that the stories will reflect and fulfill the deep longings and desires of the authors who are now part of the graduating class of 2008.

A tribute to my two sons

Tomorrow night my two sons, Paul, and Wesley, will graduate from Centennial High School in Bakersfield. I am so proud of both of my sons. It has not always been easy for either one of my two sons during their high school years. Their mother and I divorced when they entered junior high and I have not lived with my two sons for the past six years. I have tried to remain close to my sons over the years and we have spent a lot of time together...but...it is hard not having your father around when you need him at times...but...despite, the disadvantages and numerous challenges, they both have hung in there and did what they needed to do to graduate. Both of my sons will be attending Bakersfield Junior college next year. Wesley will move in with me after graduation and his brother will live with his grandparents who live only about a mile away...I have many fond memories of the times my sons and I have spent together over the past six years...our three week trip to Canada...our three week trip along the Oregon and Washington coast...going to movies together...moving into my new house last year...and, many, many, more...Congratulations, Paul, and Wesley, you have accomplished a great milestone in life and it is my hope and prayer that you will both find your niche in life and accomplish your hopes and dreams. I am proud to be your father and I love you both...very...very much...Listed below are some of my favorite pictures of my two sons.

It is getting rediculous

I have got to vent just one more time about the recent gas price surge. On Tuesday morning I bought gas for 3.75 at a gas station near my house. This morning, four days later, gas is now 4.09 at the same station! That is a whopping increase of 34 cents in four days!...when...is this going to stop? I have read conflicting reports over the past couple of weeks regarding gas prices. Some suggest this current surge is a bubble just waiting to burst and that the current market forces estimate gas should be about 75 dollars a barrel at the present time. Others suggest, it is headed towards six dollars a gallon. I hope and pray the bubble burster senario is the correct one because if it is not than inflation and recession are headed our way. Living in California can be a real drag because many of our cities are so spread out and many of us car pool long distances to work. In my case, I travel almost 80 miles to work each day. Thank goodness summer vacation is almost here. This year I may have to forgo going anywhere because of the outrageous gas prices. I guess I can get just ride my bike up and down the neighborhood and watch Planet Earth/National Geographic on my big screen t.v. and "pretend" I am on vacation.