The Graduation

It came. And it went.

And the littlest bit is a college graduate!

The pre-graduation festivities included a recognition ceremony followed by a reception.

With favorite professors---

And besties--- the young lady on the left, Jesse, and DoodleBug have been together since they were two years old. They've gone all the way through school together and both graduated with degrees in Early Childhood Education. And Jesse? During those early, preschool years, she battled cancer.

Just look at her now!

And grandparents---

The day of started with some standing in line.

Followed by some more standing in line---

Followed by a little more standing in line---

Until we finally arrived at the entrance to the Cistern---

The standing in line took about 35 minutes and, when we got inside and secured seats, there was slightly less than an hour before the pomp and circumstance was to begin.

So, I looked around. And, because it's Charleston, I saw hats---

Bermuda shorts and bow ties---

Seersucker suits--though I've never seen a woman in Charleston wear one...she must be a lawyer. Or just not from around here.

And blue jeans---she's probably not from around here either.

Here's DoodleBug's banner---

And DoodleBug entering the Cistern--the girls wear white dresses and carry red roses. The guys wear tuxes with white jackets and red rose boutineers. This is a tradition passed down from YEARS ago. As is walking across the Cistern. No one dare walks across until graduation.

The Cistern was originally military barracks that were made into rooms for the college soon after it's founding. The Cistern Yard was fenced in about 40-50 years after it's founding and remains the core of the campus to this day.

And, to graduating seniors, it's like stepping on sacred ground.

And graduating---

WooHoo!

Afterwards, we took pictures. Shocker, right?

Two sisters couldn't be with us this weekend (you know, jobs and all that) but Birdie and almost-son-in-law were there. Being silly. As usual.

Happy Mother's Day to ME!

Friends since high school---

 Friends through college--

Some of you might remember DoodleBug's friend who took her own life nearly two years ago. You can read about it HERE.

Her parents had a plaque made in her memory and her friends asked that it be placed in front of her favorite tree on campus---

A few of those closest to her wanted a picture there. On this most special day. That would have included her.

And no. They weren't sad, really. It was more bittersweet.

They just wanted to make her a part of it the best way they knew how.

I love those kids.

Of course, no special day is complete without family humor--- and DoodleBug stepped up to the plate--

And that was our day downtown. In the Holy City---

Happy Mother's Day, y'all!