We returned to McCallie this weekend for two reasons. One to deliver the all important component for Tony and David to pack up their room, the "duffel bags"; and to attend Graduation.
This is always a spectacular event with the graduating McCallie Men dressed in navy jackets, school ties and white pants paired with the look of promising futures on their young faces.
Our last attendance was for Joe. The week before he had just finished five straight days of chemotherapy in the hospital and his blood counts were dropping every day. There was a question of whether he would even be able to make the trip and I remember the air of tension in our home. The day before we were to leave his counts started to rise. One more check the morning of departure and we were given the green light. We headed to McCallie.
Joe walked proudly with his classmates, but he did not share the same future. His was one of what could be accomplished with the little time our family knew he was given. Joe's decisions, as were ours, were how to spend the time wisely.
As he walked on stage, holding his bald head high, first the Dean then the Headmaster hugged him as they slipped him his diploma and the Campbell Award. Slowly one by one his friends stood and clapped until everyone followed suit saluting Joe with a standing ovation. No pictures are needed to remind me since I can clearly see that ovation now as I did that day.
Today watching Joe's friends, that by the nature of McCallie have become Tony and David's friends, walk at their Graduation was an honor. We wish the McCallie class of 2010 good luck and godspeed.
We were all so so proud of Joe at Graduation.I had tears streaming down my face as we gave his standing ovation. We were all so proud he was able to graduate with his class, and we didn't even know the half of what he had been through to get there. It was a spectacular weekend.
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