Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Time for Hat Toss Celebrations!


It’s one milestone in my life – my daughter has just graduated from Kindergarten.

I never understood when I was a kid why my mom was very ecstatic when she saw me wearing my first toga on my graduation day. As a kid, I thought this was just an ordinary school program though it’s the most exciting that I could think of because it marks the end of school year. I have always waited for my graduation day because I knew school days will be over, and here comes a very long vacation. No books, no teachers, no early morning alarm clocks. Just a whole day play!

A few years after, here I am, the father, who is now on the other side of the fence. Days before the graduation day, I was hesitant to file a vacation leave from work because… I simply need to work. I knew that even if I’m out-of-office, I’m the type of a person who still thinks about work. Especially that it’s month-end. Tons of reports to do, and gazillions of businesses to accomplish. When she attended the awarding ceremony last year, I didn’t go see her. My wife, who was still pregnant then, was the one who went up the stage and donned her medal. When I saw the pictures afterwards, they were just one of the usual pictures. Nothing extraordinary, I thought. It was a way of life. And I just shrugged my shoulders.

Today was different. When I saw my daughter in her toga and gown, I unexpectedly wore a smile. Something in me was pounding fast. My wife called it – it’s just me as a “proud daddy.” It never dawned on me that such an event is glory for a parent… an achievement. Just like how I made my parents proud when I was in this stage. It’s one phase in her life that she completed, and I was responsible for it. And going through another stage is a new challenge for her, a continuous guidance from me.

Through this, I wanted to congratulate the parents of all 2012 graduates. We all deserved to feel this way. Let’s relish it. Let’s be proud!

Amber and mom
Amber, all smiles while the graduates are gathered in the long queue



Who else she should be with but with proud dad
another pic while waiting on queue


the ceremonial march is about to start
Wait! One more picture with dad before the march starts


There they go! The graduate and the Dominican College alumnus mom...

Congratulations, Amber!
Finally, we have the diploma with us...


Of course, little brother Darth is happy for his sister, too
Look daddy! Just one hand :)

The first and only family picture we made. Thanks to 10 seconds auto-shot.


One final picture with her Alma Mater symbol
Amber wouldn't leave without a pic with St. Dominic

The 2012 graduate

The graduate and the saint