The Graduation: Class of 2008

With all the graduation drama this week and last, I dug out the email I sent to my friends back in 2008 when Michelle graduated from high school...

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com>
To: Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:59 PM
Subject: Class of 2008

Michelle graduated from high school today.  As part of the graduation gift, I wrote a 70-page book for her to summarize our lives together over the past 18 years... and this is how the book starts:

May 21, 2008

Dear Chelle-chelle,

It is the big day you have been waiting for -- the day when you finally graduate from high school.  Congratulations!

Yes, this is the book I told you about.  It took me almost a year to write, edit and re-edit it to accurately capture the bumpy, fun ride we've been through together over the past 18 years.

Chelle, I must say that it's been such a rewarding experience for me to see you growing up from a cute little baby into such a beautiful young lady.  I have learned so much in the past 18 years -- everything from testing how long my one-month old baby can cry to being tested by my 16 year-old daughter on how late she can stay out at night! 

Yes, those are the precious years we've had together.  So much joy and tears mixed together with the smell of the Summer and colors of the Fall.  In the end, Chelle, as I look back on our journey together, I smile because you make me so proud!

I vividly remember the first day when we sent you to the day care center.  I took a day off from work because sending you out to the "world" was too big of a deal for me!  Well, 5,266 days have passed since then.  Sitting here today doesn't make me feel any differently -- letting you go and letting you fly still worries me tremendously.  However, deep in my heart, I know you are ready to fly far, far away.  Go for it, Chelle, the blue sky holds a bright future for you.

Love,

Mom