Robert Buchanan Carroll, you graduated on Friday June 11. Alex, Taylor and Aunt Pam arrived as you finished getting dressed, gowned and capped - and went upstairs to meet our new "baby", kitten Oren. Although the chance of rain was minimal, guess what... a light drizzle started about 6:15, just as you got ready and then Steve dropped you off.
It was a damp start, with alternating sprinkles and light showers. Of course, the bleachers and chairs on the field were wet (your gown gave you one more layer of protection). I will say it was a bit startling to be in the bleachers sitting close to so many with masks being optional - after getting used to many social distancing precautions due to COVID 19. Over a week later, thankfully we all remain healthy.
It was emotional for me as pomp and circumstance started and on-off during the ceremony. This is a huge milestone after caring for you as a newborn and infant, on through toddler & preschool years mostly at Cookie Corner, to Tenth St Elementary in Wyoming and on the the Secondary Center in Exeter. Your classmates spoke, I especially appreciated listening to Adam Wisnewski, the Class President and one of your close friends in elementary school. The rain slowed down, then an amazing thing happened..... a gorgeous, bright rainbow came out above the stadium. Shortly after that, a second much fainter rainbow appeared above it. A double rainbow!!!!! Through all the kids' diplomas and on until after the ceremony was over. I will always remember it. It feels like it was a blessing upon you personally and the Class of 2021 after the disruption of your junior and senior years. And I agree with a comment by your valedictorian Grace Washney, that the challenges of this time has made you all resilient. Having the capacity to meet adversity head on and adapt to change is essential.
This past week I asked you what your favorite part of graduation was - your answer was, "when it stopped raining". LOL !! It took a while to find you out on the field after the cap-throwing finale. You then got introduced to our "Robby Face Fans" that Aunt Pam suggested getting. Most of our pics included them. 😄 One thing is definite, you are a very handsome boy!! As we walked back to Montgomery Ave, some drivers on Wyoming Avenue honked their congratulations along the way. We had pizza and desert, including brownies. The brownies were quite intentional as I had also made them for your Cookie Corner graduation..... after which, I got a phone call that you had eaten a number of them and were sitting down looking slightly green. Your teachers asked me to come pick you up early, for fear you would be ill soon (I did come get you, and luckily you did Not get sick).
It seemed like you also enjoyed our graduation dinner at Shogun Japanese Restaurant, with Alex, Aunt Pam, Steve and me as well as Laura Lewis and her husband Ron. We had a lovely time, complete with Robby Fans, and followed by an interesting and delicious chocolate cake that Aunt Pam got. It was inspired by your 2019 trip to Europe, with a map theme. It was lovely, and you received generous gifts - especially a new laptop for your college studies, from Steve. You are a lucky kid.
Here is what I wrote in your graduation card, dated June 12:
Dear Rob,
I'm sitting on the back porch while Oren (with us 5 days now) runs around. Rambo is sitting on his perch, looking out over the back yard.
You are one of the greatest blessings of my life. I'm so grateful you are my son, and lucky to have two healthy, hard-working young men.
Your childhood hasn't been easy, due to circumstances beyond our control. But you are intelligent, curious, competitive and a deep thinker. You've forged ahead and grown up to be considerate of others. Besides being a top student, you have given back to students and our community. [As an aside, as I write this on June 19 you are helping at a Key Club event at the Exeter Little League field.] These same qualities will take you forward to many wonderful opportunities. I believe you will make important contributions to the world.
As your classmates said at graduation, the class of 2021 faced unique challenges with a global epidemic starting in 11th grade then a year+ of virtual school. You persevered through a difficult senior year. Rob, you should be extremely proud of what you accomplished !!
Congratulations on your graduation! You got your diploma under a double rainbow. Wow !! ...the most beautiful symbol of hope and promise for the future.
With Love [This would have been "With All My Love", but I was running out of room.]
Mom
A stunning picture taken from the Eighth Street Bridge, Wyoming - posted on Facebook:
