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!
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| Amber and mom |
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| Amber, all smiles while the graduates are gathered in the long queue |
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| Who else she should be with but with proud dad |
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| another pic while waiting on queue |
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| the ceremonial march is about to start |
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| Wait! One more picture with dad before the march starts |
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| There they go! The graduate and the Dominican College alumnus mom... |
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| Congratulations, Amber! |
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| Finally, we have the diploma with us... |
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| Of course, little brother Darth is happy for his sister, too |
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| Look daddy! Just one hand :) |
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| The first and only family picture we made. Thanks to 10 seconds auto-shot. |
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| One final picture with her Alma Mater symbol |
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| Amber wouldn't leave without a pic with St. Dominic |
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| The 2012 graduate |
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| The graduate and the saint |
