Graduations—a time for celebration and new beginning I had the pleasure of attending one of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District graduation ceremonies last week when our granddaughter graduated from Foster High School.

It never fails to get to me when Pomp and Circumstance is played and Saturday at the Murrell Center in Katy was no exception. The music starts, the graduates file in and I cry.

I saw a lot of tissue being used throughout the massive event center, so I am not alone.

In my case, I’m not crying because I’m really sad. I’m just overwhelmed at the years that have flown by and the memories that race as I strain to try to find that special young woman in a sea of matching caps and gowns.

I did find her—Becky Renee Pittman—a petite blond who yesterday was a beautiful baby sitting contently on my lap; giggling as she excitedly opened those special packages from “Santa” and playing basketball not realizing that someone her size wasn’t expected to excel as she did.

And, then in those few minutes that the processional continued, I also thought of all the wonderful things that await her.

College— with the apprehension of being independent for the first time and the many challenges it offers. New friendships; challenges; another graduation; a career; a future love; marriage; and a family.

So many things lie ahead for today’s graduates just as they did for us—so many roads to take and missteps and triumphs.

Where have all those years gone? As the tears trickle, the realization that watching one of your grandchildren graduate is overwhelmingly emotional.

For as we, as parents or grandparents, celebrate the accomplishments of our loved ones we face the undeniable fact that a lot of time has passed.

We’ve seen all the things these young people have yet to see; we’ve faced the challenges; and we are forced to accept the realization that we are getting older and time is passing way too fast.

Congratulations to all of the graduates in Fort Bend County. Enjoy the accolades you have earned; look to the challenges and rewards of the future and relish each day you have on this planet.

For it won’t be long and you too will be watching a daughter, son, or grandchildren accepting that diploma and wondering where the time has gone, thanking the good Lord for letting you experience all the wonders (and heartaches) life has offered and hoping you will be granted more of these wonderful experiences.

And, to Becky—you’ve been an adorable baby; a loving toddler; a cute as a button pre-teen and an absolutely precious, overachieving teen. Most of all you’ve been a source of pride to your mom, dad, and your grandparents.

Good luck on your magnificent journey “Poo” you will do great!