Notes About The Poem

This was my graduation with an Elementary Education B.A. degree from National Louis University in August of 1990.  Of course it actually happened. I had attended 18 colleges by that time, and finally graduated (because my husband was always moving us). I am happy to report that this is still a memory that I am most proud of. My chidren were 18, 17, 16, and 13 at the time. The one who yelled was my 17 year old foster daughter who had no filters. 

Five Thousand of Us

August 1996
Five thousand graduates 
Rosemont Horizon Convention Center
Chicago Illinois

We were identical from a distance
Five thousand of us in black robes
With faces too small to decipher
I saw my family

Without hesitation I stood and made a giant leap
Standing on my chair. Waving my hat.
There’s MOM! Two of my children said.
Never been more proud

Sixty five others jumped on their chairs
But it was too late.
Poor them.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Eslinger Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 8:15 PM
Brilliantly joyous! Wish I knew you in person! Keep up the writing!
Krutsinger Avatar
November 19, 2020 at 4:22 PM
You know me better, I am more open on paper Sally.
Wolf Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 8:29 PM
Very nice! What a great moment! To the other 65 -- Happy Landings. lol. Mazel Tov, as they say in Chinese. Glad For Yu
Krutsinger Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 5:52 AM
Too bad; so sad as the saying goes. Snicker. Snicker.
Proxenos Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 9:22 AM
This is my story exactly although I started my degree in my forties a BA and then whilst waiting for my results decided to do my honors in Biblical studies, so I did, and at 48 I got my honors with Ricky my son clapping whistling and saying 'Look that's my mom' - they are so proud - he was 14. I have faved this poem Caren because it is like I was there with you and you at both my graduations. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer.
Krutsinger Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 5:42 PM
I am so honored Jennifer. There is nothing like a bunch of kids screaming MOM when you have taken 20 years to get your BA. I was 38 at the time!
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