Out til sun up...slept all day!

When I was younger I used to go out every night, and more times than I can remember, was still up as the sun was rising.....Last night I got to re-live my youth (sort of). Last night I had the pleasure of chaperoning NPHS (GO Bobcats!) Project Graduation! This is an annual event immediately following graduation. The kids are bussed to the YMCA where food, music, games, bounce houses, a comedian, swimming, fun, and prizes are flowing. Prizes range from gift cards, scholarships, computers, tvs, and the grand prize a gently used car! Everything is donated by local businesses, and everyone in attendance wins something. The event runs all night long (we quit at 5AM) and gives the kids a safe place to party after graduation. Great for the kids and great for the parents. As a parent of  teens, and a worrier this piece of mind is priceless!
This year I was talked into being on the committee by my friend Peaches (who happens to be my daughter's ex-boyfriend's mother and I still love them all even though it is weird to my daughter). Peaches has been volunteering with Project Graduation for a couple of years now, she is learning the ropes and now "running the show." There is so much that goes into this event, and it is a year-long process. Getting donations of food, prizes, coordinating volunteers, fundraising, securing the location and entertainment etc...although a lot of work, it was fun and rewarding. I have to say that getting together washing cars, having basketball games, and just brainstorming ideas for Project Graduation were events in and of themselves.
Last night one of my duties was to help with the prizes, guard the table, hand them out etc...In this position I got to observe these new "adults" interacting with each other, dancing, and just being themselves. It was quite an experience. I have to say that dancing has changed soooo much since I was their age! They were all so well choreographed and actually spoke to each other through their dance. I am a firm believer that music moves you, and you feel it in your soul...and although not all of the music was "my music" (and yes some of it I knew) I could feel their energy. It was also great to see them appreciating some music from my day and cranking to some Salt n Peppa and Michael Jackson. =)
Yes I was involved with giving out the prizes, but I also donated a few Tees for the event. For the most part every kid was grateful for their prizes, even if it was just a $10 gift card. I heard lots of thank yous, but seriously there are a few in every crowd that weren't appreciative, one in particular that I was trying not to take personally. Today was a day of reflection for me ( in between naps) where I did a lot of self talk telling myself that the majority were respectful, and thankful, and not to dwell on the extremely  small amount that weren't. We did a great thing, and you will never please everyone. Napping all day after being up for more than 24 hours puts many things in perspective.
So with that I will say that there a lot of ideas for next year, and we will start over for the class of 2013, my son's graduating class! Congratulations to the class of 2012 as you go out into the real world, I wish you health, success, and the love of good people around you. The future of our world, and I am proud. Peace!