Time Markers

We all have our time markers.
You could also call them rituals. One of the rituals has to do with the annual recognition for High school seniors. I vaguely remember mine, back in Thief Rivers Falls in 1974. I don't remember if we wore our school blue graduation gowns to the Sunday service. At Park church the traditional ritual includes a meal at the Sawmill Inn, with pictures posted of the graduates, and talks by the Youth Director, Leslie Hobson, who does a fine job organizing the events. Others of the church family will add their affirmations of prayer and on going connection. The graduates will tell about their upcoming plans. (After High school I went to Northland Community College right there in TRF with not a clue of what my future plans would be.) Last year at the Sawmill Inn, with my daughter, Sara, among the graduates, my emotion was too obvious in my voice and I probably embarrassed myself, but we thankfully had pastor Jeff available to give the pastoral words, so I could stay in my sentimental parent role. Now that is a year behind me.
Yesterday we emptied Sara's dorm room and said goodbye to Hamline and went to a couple of her favorite stops in St Paul before heading home to Brainerd. Next year she will be at the Univ. of Minn, Duluth. She has summer work lined up for Caribou Coffee and Cub foods.
I was able to buy my nephew's old 94 Buick so we have become among the 33% of U.S. families that own at least 3 cars. Nick, as a 16 year old, is in car heaven, not having to beg one of our mini-vans constantly, and Sara is glad to have transportation to work. Maybe we will learn how to sand and paint the rust spots?
Time markers.
Because I am sure it is all part of a future story that starts with the words..."Remember when...." and we will remember school days, first jobs, old cars, church families and perhaps some feelings that can only go with those particular, but commonly held, memories.

Rambling on