One life ends, and another begins ...
My son, my beautiful 18 year old son, Joshua, is spending his last day at that torturous institute known throughout the United States as High School. What's happening, Tommy? Is he getting kicked out? Is he dropping out? Is his life over before it has barely begun? I hear you asking yourself those questions and sitting on the edge of your seat in anxious anticipation and concern. Well belay your fears, faithful readers. My son who just yesterday looked like this (I swear it was yesterday!):
woke up today looking like this:
Where the fuck does the time go? Can someone explain that to me? Anyway, my son, Josh, has navigated his way through the shark-filled waters and completed the socially mandated course of instruction that should ... should ... prepare him for the next stage of life. Today is his last day of school and, barring personal disaster or getting arrested for embezzlement at Wal-Mart, he will walk down the aisle and collect his diploma next Friday. He has also been accepted to Northwestern State University for the fall term, but is still undecided about whether to go to school first or join the Navy. Either way, son, know I support you in your decision and will back you to the hilt in whatever you choose.
Congratulations Josh. I am so proud of you and love you so much. I can't wait to see what the world has planned for you as you enter the next stage of your life. Just know I will always be there in the rough spots so you have someone to lean on and I will be there during the "Fuck Yeah!" moments to raise you on my shoulders. You are a good son and you make this father prouder than any mortal man has a right to be (even though I could kick your ass sometimes, GRRRR.) I Love you and look forward to walking beside you on the next leg of your journey. Congratulations, you did it. I always knew you could.
Love,
Dad
And just cause I can't let you go without the gratuitous shot, me and Josh from a few years ago. LOOK AT THAT FREAKIN HAIR! UUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHH! I hate my hair, but my son is adorable.
If anybody needs me I'll be weeping uncontrollably, bleeding from the ears, curled up in a fetal position and sucking my thumb in the corner. Have a great day y'all.
Comments
Where does the time go? I watched my oldest graduate from high school last June. Seems like only yesterday I brought her home with me from the hospital.
(((TG & Son)))
Posted by: Leen | May 12, 2006 5:04 PM
What is it with you writing shit that makes me all veclempt? I'm proud of him for being such a good kid, and you for being such a great, supportive father. Now I'm going to go cuddle with my little guy because tomorrow (or 15 years from now) he'll be doing the same thing.
Posted by: Sis B | May 12, 2006 5:16 PM
awww. congrats to joshua. and tommy, you and mama gunn made one fine young man. wishing him all the best in the next stage. and offering consolation as you're curled up in the fetal position.;)
Posted by: lime | May 12, 2006 6:10 PM
Congratulations on your son graduating!! I can so relate to this as my daughter is also graduating this year!! It is so scary yet I am so excited for her!! Best of luck to your son as he enters the next chapter in his life.
Awesome pictures....he is as handsome as his dad!! ;)
Oh and of course I still love ya....I've been by here...haven't ya got my comments???
Posted by: chelle | May 12, 2006 8:01 PM
AWESOME!!!
Way to go T.G.
I bet you are an awesome dad!!
Posted by: steve | May 12, 2006 8:19 PM
You deserve to be the proud papa you obviously are!
Good job!!!!
Posted by: addict | May 12, 2006 8:58 PM
Congratulations Josh! Tommy, I know you are so proud. He is a very nice looking young man. I know how time flies. One day they are little toddlers and all of the sudden they are grown up, moved away and in careers of their own. Wow, time does fly!
Posted by: Lee Ann | May 12, 2006 10:48 PM
Congrats to Josh! My daughter graduates on June 4th and I'm so freaked out by it. Like you said, you turn around one day, and WHAMO they are all grown up. Take care.
Posted by: Chris | May 13, 2006 1:08 PM
Awww.... so very sweet, and you have every right to be proud.
The time does FLY by...
I have one graduating this year as well ;)
Great post, sounds like he's lucky to have you as well.
Posted by: MG | May 15, 2006 8:48 AM
Congratulations Josh! I remember high school graduation well!
Posted by: Susie | May 15, 2006 9:56 AM
Ok where are you guys getting that dark skin? I need to know.........
Last summer, I did a lot of camping and I got really tan. I had gone to a party and was chatting with this woman, I happened to tell her that I was born in Africa, and she said, "I thought you might be part black"...lol.....
Ok so, I'm just curious, trot out the nationalities, Tommy!
Posted by: Susie | May 15, 2006 9:59 AM
Awwwwwww, My punky lil bro graduates in 2 weeks...
*sigh*
Who the F*ck said he could grow up?
((((Hugs))))
Posted by: Blondie | May 15, 2006 6:52 PM
I feel the same way and my eldest son is only going to high school!
Posted by: Wenchy | May 15, 2006 11:18 PM
aw..i love this post dude!!!
and the pics :)
we all hate something about our bodies..deal with it :P
Posted by: dusty | May 16, 2006 11:11 AM