The small styrofoam cooler was between my legs under the black gown that matched my cap. It was awkward walking into the "Hanner Field House" but I had mastered it. Once I got to the chair in the right row where we were all seated in alphebetical order, I set it on the floor and took off the top. Reaching inside, I pulled out the six pack of beer, popped the top and handed one to the guy sitting next to me.
I didn't know him but I immediately liked him. He had writting in white letter on top of his cap "I NEED A JOB!" followed by his phone number. All of the parents, brothers, sisters and family members sitting up could see it. This guy was goning to go far.
I opened another beer for me and we toasted each other.
Then I settled back to enjoy my college graduation.
Eventually, my row stood and we walked across the stage. I was handed my diploma, walked off the stage, back to my row and while the graduates in front of me turned to resume their seats, I kept walking.
Those waiting to be called to the stage laughed and then started yelling "Boo!"
I walked straight to my car and the last I saw of college was in my rear view mirror.
I'd loved it all but it was time to move on.
The first time I graduated from Seminary the Baptist were confused about the spelling of my name. During the practice some professor kept saying that couldn't be right. I kept saying that it was. When I got the diploma the next day my name was spelled wrong. Baptist are always going to believe what they want to believe in spite of the facts.
The second time I graduated from Seminary my attorney had to attend. The Dean of the School of Social Work and I were having issues. During the final year I'd spent as much time in her office as I had in class. At the same time I'd already gained a reputation as speaker and had traveled the nation giving speeches. In fact, the Dean of the School of Social Work and I were on the same stage at the Southern Baptist Convention to give a speech. She went right after me. I got seven standing ovations. She didn't get any. Our relationship soured soon afterwards.
And that was the last time I graduated from anything.
Well ... unless you count church, marriages, jobs, the Breadfast Club softball team, the Tybee Island Beach Bums, and country music.
In a little while, I'm attending my daughter's graduation from the University of Georiga so I'm in a bit of a rush. I have to go to the store. Buy a Styrofoam cooler ... you know the rest.
