She asked me if I cried when she walked across the stage at her graduation. I had to admit that I did not. Then she asked me why, this is what I told her. I cried tears of joy the day I found out I was pregnant with her. I cried when I figured out that I was going to be a single mother because I knew I could do it. I cried tears of joy when she said Mama for the 1st time and the 1st time she started to walk. I cried on the inside every time she scraped her knee or hurt herself in any way. I cried tears of joy when she learned how to ride a bike every time she would fall and then get back up and try again. I cried through all of her child illnesses from ear infections and chickenpox, to the basic cold. I cried with her when she thought that the world was against her. Then I cried oh how I cried when she got her driver license and got accepted to the school of her choice. I cried at her kindergarten, elementary, junior high and high school graduations.
Therefore, no I did not cry at her college gradation I felt that all of my crying days were gone. I stood there with my chest out and my head held high. Because I knew that all of my hard work as a single parent along with all my tears lead up to that day. I also knew that if I did cry I would not see that pretty smile that she gives when she knows that she has accomplished her goal. The same one that she gave when she was born, when she started to walk, when she started to talk, the one she gave when she was feeling better after a cold, or when she finally learned how to ride a bike. That’s the smile that I did not want to miss by crying when she walked across that stage to get her diploma.
I know you might think that I could see that in picture. I am here to tell you it would not be the same as seeing the real thing. If you could see her beautiful smile you would know just what I mean.
Heather J
Real Talk 4 Everyone 