Under the circumstances I would call it more romp than pomp

I mean, who likes pomposity?

Not me. I've had my fill of it and want no more.

Although I do cop to a fondness for the odd special occasion fraught with ceremony and ritual and all that rot.

So it was for Andrew's graduation.

Poor kid, the last of four, we were having difficulty locating our full measure of enthusiasm for all the rigmarole.

But then it was the day and we woke up hopeful and got ourselves put together and went out for a late lunch.

First though, we had a visit from Lady Vol Natalie Pluskota of Newnan, Georgia, top-ranked tennis player at the University of Tennessee (or she was until she graduated on May 9th).

You may remember me telling you a few weeks ago that Andrew had met Natalie at a Bible study and they played a few sets of tennis together, and she beat him and he didn't mind at all.

Well, she's a living doll and she drove the few blocks from the UT campus to our hotel and brought autographed posters for TG and Andrew, and talked with us for awhile about her plans for the future.

She'll be traveling a lot and playing a great deal of tennis. Like, around the world. That's all I know.

By the time Natalie had to scoot, Audrey had finished her half-day at work and joined us for a Pirate Party at Calhoun's on the River. My centerpiece was from Dollar Tree.

We sat out on the sunporch with unobstructed views of the beautifully vintage Gay Street Bridge.

A few hundred yards away loomed the barely-bones Henley Street Bridge, which is undergoing some pretty heavy renovations.

Once years ago I saw a jumper rescued from that bridge. True story.

Baptist Hospital, most of which is all but falling into the river, sits directly across from Calhoun's. See the rotunda over on the left? Everything to the right of that is deserted.

The defunct buildings give off a distinctly Stephen King-ish air.

Audrey was hungry. She and I are almost always hungry. Chowhounds, as it were.

Erica was anxious for vittles too. Don't you think she looks sort of goth, even in white? Click to embiggen because that's what you must do in order to appreciate her eyes.

Man-of-the-hour Andrew was glad to be neither in class nor at work.

TG drank a gallon of fizzy Coke because he was thirsty and it took forever to get our food. But when it arrived, it was outstanding.

At Calhoun's, always have the Spinach Maria. No matter what you get to go with it.

Then it started raining like you wouldn't believe and we enjoyed that for awhile, being seated right in the window on the river, but soon enough it was time to leave and get ready for graduation.

I found Andrew out in the hallway and then I went to my seat, which was in the very back row of an auditorium that holds three thousand people.

But I liked it that way because as I said, my enthusiasm for this kind of thing has ebbed considerably. Besides, how else would I have gotten this shot? That's Andrew, the cute one all the way through the door.

Andrew received a very special award during the commencement and we were not expecting that at all, and it was a moment. TG and I both cried. Trust me, it was warranted. Both the award and our tears.

Next thing I knew, Audrey was coming toward me (she had been seated nearby) to say that the two students she has tutored throughout this school year were there. So of course I had to go out into the lobby and meet them.

Aren't they cute? Audrey loves being their tutor. She is certified in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Then I went back inside and before long, Andrew had received his diploma. Eventually, the commencement exercises were concluded and three thousand people were milling about.

Andrew was congratulated by various attractive females.

Papaw got hold of Alllissa and they were soon deep in conversation.

Uncle and nephew were introduced at last. Stephanie is saying to her brother Andrew, who is listening, about her son Andrew, who is bawling: "He doesn't like to be held like a newborn."

Ah! That is ever so much better. No more loud, moist objections. Kid wants to see what's going on around him, is all.

Andrew squared.

Then the robe came off and that was our signal to disband.

You! Time to get serious about higher education.

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Congratulations, Andrew!

Comments

[irene]

Congratulations to Andrew. The Andrews looks so cute together. I like sitting in the last row too. You are right that scene does look a little Stephen Kingish, I was thinking the hospital reminded me of a scene in one of my favourite reads, You Are My Only. Have a great weekend.

[Sue the Hobbit]

All four of your offspring have graduated from college? I bow down to you! I'm glad you were able to summon enough enthusiasm to pay homage to Andrew's efforts with this lovely blog post. And I want to know about the special award that made you cry. Do tell.

[Mari]

Congratulations to Andrew! I love the picture of the two Andrews, both so good looking. :)
Now I must hear more about this special award!

[Debbie]

What a wonderful time and achievement. I know you are so proud of all you children, your entire family.

[glenda]

I love that it was a "pirate party" and yay for Dollar Tree. One of my favorite haunts!! The cuisine at Calhoun's sounds delish...Spinach Maria you say...This chowhound is always interested in what everyone eats...Haha....But to get on with it, many congratulatory high fives to Andrew on his accomplishment. And compliments to the lovely ladies of the family. And BIG hugs to Andrew2, aka Andrew Joel...I just want to hug, hug that little sweet bundle. Nice time was had by all!!!.......G.

[Donna M.]

Congratulations to that handsome young man of yours!!! All that hard work will pay off for him! I adore all the photos where you documented the occasion!

[Donna (Texas)]

Gawd...what a Gorgeous family 'ya got there Girl! Congratulations to Andrew!!!
hughugs