There were a couple of guys that had nobody at my son's Basic Training graduation. We took pics with both of them and congratulated them. You could tell they appreciated it. No telling what they had been through in their lives to be there. Just kids.

Honestly, I don't like that new tradition. Sometimes parents can't be at a loved ones basic graduation. I know because me and most of my basic friends family weren't there and it was okay with me. My parents showed me independence from an early age and I really didn't expect my mom and dad there at my graduation.

It sucks bad when the new tradition just happens like it did with those guys that were left standing there, it makes the situtation worst, I think. Do away with it.

My mother could not attend my high school graduation because a week before she had gotten t-boned by an 18-wheeler.

Fortunately she recovered fully and was at my graduation from Rice. She lived to be 92.

(02-27-2025 05:19 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  My mother could not attend my high school graduation because a week before she had gotten t-boned by an 18-wheeler.

Fortunately she recovered fully and was at my graduation from Rice. She lived to be 92.

High school/college graduation is another matter. My mother was really sad that I wouldn't attend the RCC benediction(?) is that what's it's called? She thought that I was ashamed of her and didn't want her to go because of that. I calmed her sorrow by explaining that I didn't think it was important for me to be there, in other words I was against it. I told her that on the other hand I wanted her at my graduation which she did attend.