We shall now commence commencing

I survived the end of middle school yesterday.

It was close. But I survived. And I have a happy high school freshman today.

I also have something else.

At 5 p.m. TODAY, I will have a high school graduate.

J-bear will walk the commencement walk today at the school where Roo-girl will commence to walk next week.

A passing of the baton of sorts, I suppose. In the meantime, though, let us pause to reflect on J-bear's accomplishments.

I waxed eloquent about her here and here.

But I don't really know if I can explain the amazing thing she is doing when she switches that tassel from one side to the other and picks up a diploma proclaiming her accomplishment.

It's huge, people. HUGE.

Where my freaky-brilliant boys underachieved, and my hard-working Roo achieved, J-bear worked crazy hard and failed. Or almost failed.

Failure was something her father and I refused to allow to happen.

Countless were the hours I spent going over her written work or quizzing her or fighting the system to get her some additional help.

Joyous were moments when the letter arrived two years ago, saying she had passed the high school exit exam on the first try and would indeed graduate with a diploma.

Amazing was the realization that she was finishing her senior year and, therefore, her high school career with A's and B's, instead of C's and D's.

Thrilling will be the moment when they hand her that hard-won diploma.

And LOUD will be the cheering from the Chez Planet area of the bleachers.

Atta girl, J-bear. Go get 'em.