Today’s meaning and tonight’s significance couldn’t be more straightforward The night before already feels like a lifetime ago. I have so much to be thankful for. (tired beyond belief)
Post-midnight tonight will be carved forever in my memory—I guess I know how Jason felt when he moved on a full week ago—but today was huge—and once again the gathering was amazing. Not quite a bittersweet celebration—that was how summer started with our graduation. I remember us gathered at Taco Bell in our gowns, eating burritos while the Latino dudes laughed at us. With that night began this eternally long era of summer. Like senior year, it felt as if it would go on forever.
And now the end is here—and it’s finally hit me. The “next step” that countless times we’ve toasted, cheered, and dedicated our nights to, is right here—starting with this morning. Just like Prom offered closure to high school, this night was to close the book on what was by far, the best eras of my life. And I couldn’t think of a better place to do it than where this summer started—at our little Taco Bell on Ogden . The night was more somber and harder than graduation, but just as meaningful. To gather it all in, I felt the urge to step back for a bit, and for a while, I sat observing our tables at T-Bell. And it was truly a sight to hold in memory—and I will forever remember. Then, I felt the urge to jump in—so I did.
Haha, I remember Mr. Ried (my old math teacher) saying how last impressions are the lasting impressions; the way tonight went… I think it could have gone on forever—and for a few brief moments, while we were all circled outside Taco Bell, the meaning of fellowship was revealed. And that meaning will go on with all of us to our God-designated places anywhere. I’ve never felt such a strong bond of familiarity among friends of an era.
And perhaps these bonds go beyond eras. My dad said that the friends you make in high school are the ones you’ll keep for the rest of your life. That truth brings me a lot of comfort.
Yawn… lol, I’d better start packing. Starting with this computer. UIUC, here we come!