Graduation Day

He graduates today.

Today I see him with his Fender strat strapped on, working on intricate  scales and modes, then ripping through a Texas blues shuffle.  His hair’s disheveled, as are his clothes, much to his mother’s chagrin.  He’s not afraid to share an opinion, whether you've asked for it or not, and he’s quick with a witty retort, usually punctuated by a turn-a-round in the key of E minor.  He works most of the time now, to help finance his many interests, which primarily center around music.  He’s as tall as me and as strong as me.  Today, when I look at him I see a little of me and a lot of his mom.

He’s smart, he’s shy, he’s handsome, he’s moral, he’s talented, he loves his sister, he loves his mother, he irritates them both, he works hard, he plays fair, he doesn’t like to be tickled, he likes long walks, he plays Pokémon, he likes to go to church, he loves pizza, he loves to read, he likes to write, he’s not real fond of school, he still secretly plays with Lego's, he doesn’t care for football, he pretends to watch football with me, he says he doesn’t like metal music, he listens to metal music, his smile lights up his face, he takes his sister on late night trips to Dairy Queen, he says he’s not a computer nerd, he’s a computer nerd, he opens doors for women, he doesn’t always say please, he loves to stay up late, he loves to sleep all day…he’s my son.

Are there words enough to say, “Son, I love and admire the man you’ve become?”  Will I be able to express the pride I feel as he accepts his diploma?  Does he understand a dad lives vicariously through his son? Does he know I’ll always share his joys and feel his pains?  Will he realize I’ll be there whenever he needs me?  Does he know that I’ll always be a part of him, and he a part of me?

He’s his own man now, and I think he’s ready.  I dad tries to prepare his son for what lies ahead, the ownership of himself.  I’m apprehensive as he takes possession of his life solely,  but I know he’s more than capable, equipped with the knowledge he needs to be successful.  But I’ll be there when he needs me, with a little nudge here and a pat on the back there.  He’s graduating today, and he’s ready.  And I think I might be also.