Melina's Graduation

Two days ago, on 29 May 2011, the day before Memorial Day, our youngest daughter Melina Blue Gotera graduated from Cedar Falls High School. There's Melina on the right, with her eyes squinched tight in joy, hugging her BFF Sarah . . . don't the two of them look just ecstatic and glorious? It was a wonderful graduation commencement. An English teacher was up there at the podium and represented the tribe in excellent fashion, with a funny and uplifting address . . . Ms. Marguerite DeMoss, one of Melina's favorite teachers. Just yesterday Melina showed me the fabulous Hemingway parody she wrote in Ms. DeMoss's "great books" class, where incidentally they read Dante. Faithful readers of the blog know of my longstanding obsession with The Divine Comedy. Gotta love it! It's been an interesting four years for all of us in the Blue Gotera family &mdash rewarding, challenging, full of joys. Now Melina goes on to pursue her many interests: teaching, psychology, art, literature, music, and her great love, writing. These will be lifelong pursuits, I'm sure. Melina has numerous talents, but most of all she wants to be of service. She wants ultimately to help people and the world as much as she can. I know I'm her dad and all that, but I am certain Melina will lead a life that will be fulfilling not only for her but also for everyone around her. And now, of course, you gotta look at pictures. There are also a couple of videos, but I won't put you through that. Many thanks to Melina's older sister Amelia, who was a most excellent photographer and videographer for the event. Okay, here goes. That's the happy-graduate-holding-her-diploma shot. Ain't she just beautiful? (Remember, just click on any image to see it larger.) This is Melina's other BFF, Jordyn. She's been a real rock for Melina, just a wellspring of support. (I know, mixed metaphor . . . proud Dad syndrome.) The kids: Amanda, Gabe, Melina, and Amelia. Yup, Melina's wearing really high heels. My older son Marty and our lovely daughter-in-law Grace live in Germany and couldn't be here. We love and miss you guys! Mary Ann and I . . . happy, proud parents with our baby all grown up. And finally the picture from the top of the post, this time without all that Photoshop schmotoshop. Congratulations, dear Melina. Her name comes from the Greek for "honey" and that's what she's been all her life. Sweet. Melina, your Mom and I couldn't be prouder. We wish you all the best, ALL THE BEST, in life and love . . . laugh, laugh, laugh, that's the secret. We all love you! Dear readers, I hope you will comment below. Let's talk. And thanks.