The Fifteenth Day...

We had the largest auditorium in the city, even bigger than the High School's

...the day you graduated (choose any that you remember most)


I choose my graduation from elementary school.

I was a great student in elementary. My 7th grade year would begin a descent into academic mediocrity due to the onset of Narcolepsy. We wouldn't find out for an entire ten years later WHY it was I couldn't stay awake in class or focus.

Anyway, I graduated from 6th grade with honors. Until about the last semester, I had the highest test scores and grades which would've made me Valedictorian of my class. Some kid came in and took my glory, leaving me with the honor of Salutatorian. fucka. lol

I had to write a speech. (I have NO memory of the topic)

I remember sitting in bed next to my grandmother and practicing that speech on her. She calmed my nerves because I was (and am still) horrified at the idea of public speaking. Some time before that...my mom had taken me shopping for my dress.  I hated dresses. I was a consummate tomboy and could only appreciate pants and shorts. I can't remember if it was Macy's, Sears or JC Penny's...but, I remember my mom buying me this light-colored dress that had a very light rainbow pattern. Spaghetti straps. Flared at the waist. FAR to revealing for me. I wanted something with sleeves. Not that nightgown she insisted I wear. AND she made me wear heels. UGH.

Someone gave me that corsage...don't know who. Probably mom. My hair was done nicely and for the first time in a long time, my mom and dad were in the same space without an argument.

I hated leaving my school. I loved Washington Elementary. I loved our principal, Mrs. Nellie Thornton (RIP) and I loved knowing everyone and the safety of our class. That would all change in 7th grade. A.B. Davis Middle School is where I'd go to. I'd heard horror stories of fights and how large the school was. They said that you had to change classes every period...never staying in the same class all day. WHAT? Are they CRAZY? How am I supposed to LEARN moving all around all damn day?? LOL I begged my grandmother to send me to Sacred Heart...a catholic school that sat vertically across the street from the back of my old elementary school. I was SO afraid of being picked on and beat up.

CHILE...by the time I got there...I'd spent the entire summer agonizing over it and building up my defenses. So much so, that "I" became the mean one. Grilling folks and taking no shit. lol

Yea, anyway...6th grade graduation had a lot of meaning on a few levels and I sometimes wish I could go back to that point with what I know now. Too bad there are no do overs. eh...whatever.