my family behind me

i sat in commencement the same way i have sat in every class for the past five years- close to the front, with my family behind me.  i couldn't see them, i never can, but i knew they were there.  they were there, like they always are, cheering my name and applauding me on.  some of them sat in the hard arena seats taking pictures and trying to keep the children entertained, some of them watched a live stream of the ceremony from afar, while a few others sent their love from another time and space. 

graduation was a culminating experience, not just of my college career, but of the generations of support that propelled me to this point.  a lot of wonderful people have invested in me and i will do my damndest to make good on that investment.