Last week there were many across the U.S. who went to a graduation ceremony.

I went to my grandson Simon’s graduation from fourth grade. It is hard to believe he is going into the fifth grade.

My husband and I were so proud of all he has accomplished in his short time of life. Neither one of us could hold back tears as his name was called and he was pushed across the stage by another member of the school.

He was blessed with wonderful teachers and helpers who have helped to mold his life.

I am sure we were not alone in our tears as parents, grandparents and relatives watched and waited as their loved one cross the stage.

It brought me back to the memories of past graduations. I remember watching my sister graduate from the eighth grade, high school and college. It did not matter to me who else was graduating. All that was important to me was her.

I remember watching her every move from the time my eye captured her in line as her class entered the room. At that young age, she was my idol. She was five years older than me and my love for her was immense and still is. 

I remembered when she graduated from eighth grade so well. The graduation was in the old Clark County High School where all the eighth graders came together to graduate. At the time I think there were about 12 elementary schools. It was a big event where some of the students would see for the first time whom they would be going to high school with.

When I looked at the little children from the fourth-grade graduation, I thought of their innocence. I also was struck at how they tried to look grown up. I noticed how some of the little girls wore platform style shoes and some even heels. 

In my generation, heels were not worn until eighth grade graduation and that was our first inkling of growing up. My first pair of heels was about 2-1/2 inches high and it took me a week to learn how to walk in them.

A light color lipstick was allowed but no earrings. Our dress usually included white gloves and nylon stockings put on and rolled by a garter or snapped to a garter belt.

The boys were dressed in coats and ties. The parents and audience wore their Sunday best.

My husband and I both thought eighth grade graduation was such a special day in our lives. We both remembered it with fond memories.

I wish kids did not want to be teenagers so early in today’s world.

They are going to be adults so long. I wish they would remain young longer.

As I looked at the pictures of the senior class of Clark County, I wondered how much their lives and their world would soon change after graduation.

Some of them think they have the world by the tail. They do, in a sense, have a grasp of how to make a difference in their lives.

It is the unknowns that will make the greatest difference in their lives. The things they have no control over that will affect their lives in so many ways.

I wish I had taught my children more about the changes in their life. I tried to teach them to be able to live on their own and how to take care of themselves, but I could have improved in teaching them about the changes in life.

What you think will happen when you graduate from high school likely will not be how life turns out. It may for a while, but it will not be long before life will change drastically.

A lot of those changes are expected. It is with the unexpected changes you find out who you really are.

Those who will be going to college will see a drastic change in their life. For some, they will be on their own for the first time to be away from mom and dad. It will either make or break them and some will do things they will regret later in life.

You find out how life will change you and how strong you really are. 

For all the graduates, I want to say good luck in your travels and best wishes to all of you.

Show the world what you can do and be proud in your journey. There will be regrets, but at least know you tried whatever the outcome.

Your high school days will always be a part of you. Take with you the best part of those years.

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in her church, First United Methodist Church, and her homemakers group, Towne and Country Homemakers.