Tyler’s Graduation. No, Wait.

Tyler graduates from high school soon, and Patty and I are disappointed.

Not with Tyler; we’re thrilled with Tyler, we’re proud of Tyler, and we love Tyler.

Tyler starts this fall at Missouri S&T.  You might remember that school as The University of Missouri at Rolla.

Yup,Tyler’s gonna be an engineer.  But not the kind that drives a train.  Those engineers fascinated the pre-school version of me when my dad and Fred-the-watchmaker from my parents’ jewelry store would take me to meet the men on the trains when Fred worked on their watches.  Those engineers would let me sit where they sat and pretend I was an engineer, too.

But I don’t think Tyler will let me pretend I could do his job as an engineer. Tyler’s gonna be a Petroleum Engineer, if I understand correctly.

Sweet.  Cool.  Good stuff.

Back when he graduated from 8th grade, my wife Patty and I began making plans for his high school graduation.

First, we loved the idea of bringing 10 signs to hand out to Tyler’s family and whoever sat  seated around us.  Those 10 poster boards would each have one letter.  Together they would spell his name: TYLER COZAD.   Just before his name was to be called, all 10 of us would silently stand up and display his name for all in the gym to see.  Well, all except the ones unfortunately seated behind us.

Second, as he was walking across the stage after his name had been called, we thought a chant of his name would be good.  Starting at normal speaking volume and building quickly to a crescendo. We have even practiced.  Well, at least I have.

Third — no need to go on.  Alas, even those first two ideas have already been cancelled.  And not by Tyler.  The official word is that graduation is now to be a solemn event, respectfully befitting the occasion.

Which is really a better idea.

My favorite part of graduation ceremonies?  When someone does the obligatory reminder than “Graduation is Commencement.”

We have a song in our hymnal that says, This a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on. 

May it be so.  Class of 2104, may it be so.