At the beginning of senior year there was senior sunrise. Everyone gathered a few days before school began, probably bleary eyed and half asleep. Many of them are not morning people, including my daughter. I'm not even sure how she made it on time. I stumbled down the stairs, kissed her goodbye, and went back to bed. Natalie said it went well. I mean yes, some people fell asleep on the football field, but you know, everyone was together.
Then came senior sunset. This happened on the last day of school so emotions were high. School was officially over. High school was officially done.
I decided to show up and snap a few photos. My chest was heavy as I walked to the football field for probably the last time ever.
I found Natalie with a group of friends and said hello. I noticed other parents were also snapping photos. Natalie knows how I am so she said it was fine.
Trevor made them autograph shirts and someone apparently drew a penis on hers. I was amused. It reminded me of that scene in 10 Things I Hate About You. ("there's a penis on my face, isn't there?")
Even better? There was a parachute in the middle of the field. The same ones that you see in preschool or kindergarten. And the group decided to go to it.
They were a few people short and it touched my heart when random kids jogged over to join. Sort of like the parachute was a beacon saying, "Your childhood is calling."
Did I cry? Kind of.
I am glad they were able to have the moment together. I imagine they all stared at each other underneath the parachute wondering how everyone would turn out. Was this the last time they'd see each other?
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Gosh. High School did fly by. I knew it would.
I left before the sun set. I wanted Natalie to have that moment with her friends taking it fully in. I told her her goodbye and watched her run off with her friends.
She said everyone fell into a collective silence while the sun set. I think everyone was going over how fast the four years went. Natalie said people sat for a bit after the sun set and then, almost reluctantly, some started to get up and leave.
The final gathering is graduation, which is in a few days. And then? That's it. That'll be the last time everyone will ever be together again.
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I love that they school did this event at night time. My son's school did their senior event in the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI literally started crying while reading the part about the parachute. It's like they are ending school the way they started it. I understand how you feel, mama. Our youngest is graduating high school as well. I'm still in denial that we have 3 adults now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tradition. My kids schools did all kinds of senior activities, but this was not on the list. I bet it makes for some wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have any such tradition here in India, but this is so beautiful. For me, it's like sunset is a reminder of something coming to an end and looking forward to the next sunrise, a new day, a fresh start and that's what happens, high school ending and new beginnings for all children.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to finish high school. Those are memories that will stay with them and you forever. They do not do that here but it is such a lovely idea. I hope the graduation goes well and am sure there will be loads more tears
ReplyDeleteThese school traditions are one of those things we remember when we become adults. I bet this will be a sweet memory for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful tradition. We didn't have these in school when I was studying. I do remember though we had a last heartfelt hour with our main teacher, where everyone reflected on the 4 years of school. It did get emotional.
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