The Big day finally came and today we attended @annaky's graduation ceremony at Loyola-Gumilla School.
We woke up at about 6. We had to be there at eight. Putting on their makeup took the longest and we were almost late. We had to take a taxi.
I took this picture before we left and started to think about how fast time can go and how much we can miss in the life of our children (for whatever reason). That time gone or wasted, that absence or lack of contact can have lasting effects.
By the time we arrived, the mass was about to begin.
The mass was conducted by the school rector. The chapel was packed and there were no fans. Despite the "open" design, the heat was terrible.
After mass, we went to the school auditorium.
There was an alphabetized list of students and parents would escort their children in the order of the list.
Guests and other relatives entered first.
It was a moving moment, especially for me. Six years ago, when @imabby17 left for Brazil and @annaky and her mom moved to this town, I knew I would miss many moments in my daughters' lives.
Even though we have always been in contact and I helped her with homework every time she needed help, it is never the same as being with them and there is a certain bitter-sweetness in seeing this important stage in their lives end.
We left her in her seat and went up to occupy ours.
The ceremony began and my little one was in charge of requesting their diplomas to the school authorities.
A few minutes later, she was called to get her diploma, and a second time to get a special recognition for her GPA, the second highest in the group of 90+ students.
We could not be prouder.
At the end of the ceremony, they took some group pictures and everyone went crazy as you can imagine in any HS graduation.
Pictures here and there, hug, kisses, presents, etc.
One of my daughters maternal aunts came to the ceremony and offered us a ride to a nearby restaurant for the traditional after-graduation lunch.
They choose a sushi restaurant
It was a very cool place and these girls just love sushi.
The prices we're ok, considering the place and the city's overall high cost of living.
She wanted to try a cóctel, but I had to remind her she had just started some antibiotics, so no alcoholic drinks for her.
They settled for some lemonade.
Here's the whole party (with my daughters' aunt and her son).
Here's the food. It was really good. The waiters were super kind and helpful. A+ for the whole experience.
Every one had a great time and after a great meal they just wanted to sleep.
