A Son Who Will Miss Graduation

All this month, I’ve been hearing parents complaining, moaning and groaning about upcoming graduations. They complain about the money they have to spend, that these kids want everything--parties, rehearsals, to spend the night out. I have also heard that he or she didn’t do as well as he or she should have and won’t be attending this university or that one.

My son, my wonderful son, is not graduating. This kid, who two years ago was a great water polo player, a daring wrestling contender, a gifted artist, a sensitive and funny friend and a challenged student, is not graduating.

He dropped out of school and he is out of the house because he was found snorting cocaine in his room. This golden child of mine, with all his potential and all of his charm, is not graduating.

So, when you are sitting in that school auditorium, or standing under the hot sun on that football field and feel that your child is less than what you want or expect from him or her, just remember us--all of us other parents who are not sitting there with you.

Remember us and be grateful. Remember us and love your child for what he or she is, not for what you want or expect him or her to be. Some sons and daughters are not graduating, but today, and every morning, those parents who won’t be in any auditorium or sunny football field are thanking God. Because today, just today, their son or daughter is still alive.

IRMA ASTUDILLO

South Pasadena