Debby's Graduation

On Friday, June 15, I got up in the morning not knowing what I was going to do. My granddaughter, Debby, was going to graduate from high school, but I was not going to attend because I had no way of getting there. We were all going on the 17th, when Ann and Dick were giving her a large party. At 11:00 a.m. I received a phone call from my son-in-law.

He said, “Mom, Ann wants me to come and pick you up about three o'clock, then you can be here to see Debby graduate and stay for her party.”

I said, “Please come at four. I'm having my hair done and I won't be able to leave until four o'clock.”

He said, “Fine.”

A neighbor gave me a ride to Mario's beauty shop, and Lorraine gave me a ride home.

Lorraine said, “Mom, I saw a lovely dress in your size in Dumont. I would like you to try it on.”

We had a little time. When we got to the store she couldn't find the dress, so I tried on a different one. It fit and I liked it, so I bought the dress. Lorraine wouldn't give up. She went around looking again. This time she found the dress. I liked it also. Lorraine bought me that one.

I said, “Lorraine, it's not Christmas or Mother's Day. Why are you buying me a dress?”

She said, “I just feel like it. There are going to be weddings, showers and different affairs, you will need a few new dresses.”

I went home with two new dresses.

Dick picked me up at four o'clock. When we got to Mountain Lakes we had a light supper and went to the graduation. I have not missed any yet, eighth grade, high school or college.

My granddaughter looked beautiful. She was smiling and very happy. Walking back after the ceremony Debby was clutching the diploma she had worked four hard years to receive. She received an award for being four years in the school band and orchestra. Then she went to a few parties and came home later.

The next morning, June 16, we all got up and started to work around like bees. Ann wrote out a chart and gave us all our own jobs to do to get ready for the party. My job was KP in the kitchen. I had to peel nine pounds of potatoes, clean and cook peppers and onions, make carrot and celery sticks. I also helped clean pots and pans.

About 50 people were invited for 2:00 p.m. They had fancy finger sandwiches, cheeses, pretzels, crackers and punch for the early birds. About five o'clock the main meal was served; cherry clams, baked ziti, sausage with peppers and onions in tomato sauce. Rolls, bread, hamburgers, cold cuts, cheeses, coffee and cake were also served. The guests all said the food was good. They all mingled and enjoyed themselves.

Debby's high school friends were also at the party. I ended up going to bed at midnight. Carmela and Mario also slept at Ann's house that night.