A reference to a movie that our boys watched 857 times when they were in high school about a time traveling aircraft carrier. At this moment, it refers to the end of an era in my life: my youngest grandchild will graduate from high school this weekend. Consequently, Agatha and I are camped at a favorite spot--Johnson Sauk Trail north of Kewanee, Illinois. I love the stand of pines that covers half of the campground.
Grandson Elliot has provided plenty of entertainment in his first eighteen years, and I'm sure there will be more to come. His career plans have ranged from playing baseball for the Chicago Cubs and working for Wendy's in the off-season (because of course he would have to have a job in the winter) to underwater welding. For his eleventh birthday party, he requested that his friends bring an item for the local food pantry instead of presents.
During high school, he has pumped gas at a full-service station still in operation in Kewanee and has developed a following of older women to the point that he makes more in tips than in wages. A couple of years ago, when I was looking for a camper, he wanted me to buy a big toy hauler, he would quit school, and we could hit the road together. He ditched that idea when I told him as a former teacher, I could home school him on the road. He plays first chair trombone in the concert band and has been active in robotics. He plans to enter an Air Force technical maintenance program in August. I think he should run for office eventually, but I may be biased.
While we anticipate his future, we will have a great gathering and celebration this weekend. Daughter Kate, her husband and son are on their way from West Virginia. Son Pat from Texas will join me at the campground the next two nights. His wife Jill is unable to be here since next week is her last week of teaching fourth grade before retiring! And we are so thrilled for her. But it will be the first time, I will have all three kids together since Christmas. I'm not sure Kewanee is ready for this.
RSS Feed