The Big Day

She stands with the others in her blue cap and gown. Her eyes sparkle with excitement but she also worries. “I hope I don’t trip,” she whispers to herself.

She puts a smile on her face and looks out into the auditorium. Yes, he is there, her doting boyfriend. She catches his eye and winks at him. Next to him is her father with his new wife. In front she sees her two sisters and her grandparents, but someone is missing. Mommy… her heart cries.

How I wish I could have been with my daughter for this rite of passage.