Jason Segel on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | On meeting the president
(Source: hazyrecollections)
I kept picturing each kid walking across the stage as their younger self. Like I saw all the Isham kids’ faces. That was sad.
I walked up the steps and was greeted by Mrs. Jones. I got my diploma and shook her hand. She’s such a sweetheart, and she was so genuine.
Next was Mr. Fortner (or I guess “Dr. Fortner”). He told me something like, Congratulations, Meganne. Good luck.” STUD. Said my name and everything.
Then came Jerry Parsons. He said, “Congratulations, Meganne. Best of luck in your future career.” Then I got a hug from Mrs. Gilbert. It may sound dumb, but it felt good to get personal recognition from each person on the stage.
Not like I’m Jack Snowball or anything, who got three extra handshakes. Whatever. I’m satisfied.
The thing that got me the most during the ceremony is when Mr. Parsons said, “Please refrain from giving hugs or handshakes as the graduates proceed to the East Gym to throw their caps.” He said graduates, not seniors, for the first time. It was the first time that I wasn’t a student. I am now WHS alumni.
I remember at the football games when I wouldn’t even aknowledge the fact that one day I would be a WHS alumni. I wouldn’t sway to the Alma Mater, even though Mommy and Daddy would tell me that I would be one someday. I think I was scared even then. I wish Little Meganne could see me now; I’ve fairly sure that she’d be proud.
Also, this was probably the last time that I’ll ever walk through the high school. Ever. I don’t even want to think about that. During the ceremony, I was remembering each of my old lunch tables, the times that I spent on the track during summer school gym, my individual schedules from the year before. It seems like I’m always on the verge of tears these days.
After the ceremony, I took a bazillion pictures with all different people, and that was nice. But I had no idea that Papa was being taken to the hospital at that very minute.
I just got done visiting him in the ICU. He looked fine, and his heartbeat was back to normal. I hope he didn’t feel as though he was taking away from my graduation day. I didn’t mind. I think I like visiting hospitals a little bit too much… I have a feeling that this will change very soon.
Grammy gave me my graduation card on our way out of the hospital, and inside was a very kind message. I’ve always felt an extremely close bond with Grammy that I think is stronger than her bond with the other grandkids. Maybe it’s selfish, and I know that’ll change as we grow apart. Anyway, they gave me a $500 check, which is huge. Oh how I love them.
My relationships with all of my friends are going to vastly change in the next year, and I want to remember exactly how everything is right now. I feel so loved and important. Let the summer before college begin!