Graduation Day

What can I say, sometimes the desires of the heart change. I have done more soul-searching and decision making in the past year, than I have collectively in the other twenty-nine of my life. One of these decisions has involved finally finishing High School. I dropped out when I was seventeen[partly because I was so far behind in credits that I didn't care anymore, and partly because I thought an amazing music career was right around the corner waiting to fall into my lap, along with gobs of money that would rain down magically while Sinatra's "My Way" played in the background....]and never really thought I would graduate. Actually in my foolish immaturity, I kind of prided myself on the fact that I would never play "by the rules" and "give in to the system". Boy was I cool.....and by "cool" I mean stupid. The truth is, I had a hard time paying attention when I was younger and instead of buckling down and putting in the hard work, I gave up and walked away. Well, the love of a good woman, along with age and encouragement, can do amazing things to a man. I've been fortunate enough to experience these things, and it helped me make up my mind that going back to get my diploma was something that needed to be done. In fact, it was something that I WANTED to do. And, I'm glad to say that I did. I really only had a couple of weeks to study, and was sweating it a little when it actually came time to test[especially the math part!]but I went in and did my best. Turns out, my best was more than good enough, and I passed with flying colors[honestly, I was a little surprised!]. I now have my GED, and will never have to refer to myself as a "dropout" ever again. I should've just done it back in 1996, and wish I'd had the perspective then that I do now, but I guess it's better late then never, right? Anyway, thank God for second chances, for new life, and for tomorrow. Today, is my Graduation Day.