Brandon's Graduation

On this Memorial Day, as we are on the way out the door in a few minutes to visit Christine's parents at their lake home, I wanted to give you a quick update on how Friday evening went at the graduation ceremony.

We arrived as planned at the ceremony about a half hour into it. WE did not plan for Brandon to walk in or sit with the seniors. We didn't think that would go well to expect him to sit still for that long. The plan was just for him to join the seniors as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas then exit again.

As each senior's name was called, they walked up the steps to the stage, stopped, turned around and posed for a picture and applause, then turned and walked across the stage, receiving their diplomas and shaking hands. When Brandon's name was called, he entered the side door with his aide. The aide stayed on the gym floor while Brandon walked up the steps, turned and stood for applause. He received a standing ovation from his class...and he stood there and smiled, and he stood and smiled. The clapping stopped and he stood there and smiled. He was in his glory. They say everyone gets their ten seconds of fame. Brandon took 20! The school principal called Brandon over and he finally walked across the stage and exited through the other side door.

I joined Brandon by the door and when I came up, Brandon with his limited communication skills said one of his favorite phrases, "Do you know what I did? I did all by self! All by self!" He was so excited and was jumping up and down. The neighbor girl that works for us with our daughter, S, was there. She was sobbing as she told me she didn't cry when her sister's name was called but as soon as she heard Brandon's name had burst into tears.

It was a successful evening and the senior class was right, Brandon deserved to be there and was an important part of the class. Thanks again to the class of 2007. You guys are a class act and will go far if you continue to treat others well.