Pseudo-semi-regular excretions from Bill's Brain. Professional driver on closed road - do not attempt!

 
...'cause I'm as free as a bird now...

"If you were born after this date:
JUNE 5 1985
it is illegal for you to purchase cigarettes."

This is what the take-a-penny tray tells me at the convenience store near my office.

June 5, 1985. Why does this date stand out in my head?

Oh yeah. It was the day I graduated high school.

Kids who were born on the day I graduated high school are eighteen now.


*sigh*

It was very hot that day, and very green. Our ceremony was under the massive pine trees on the grassy front lawn of the school, facing State Street. We wore emerald green caps and gowns. Dad was there. I miss him a lot.

Dave Lawson got just about every special award that there was. I was so happy for him. I got a special award for excellence in Creative Writing. That was unexpected, and cool.

Then we got our diplomas. When I sat back down, I opened mine very slowly and peeked inside. It was in there. I exhaled. I had passed. Thank God.

At the end, we were handed white and green helium balloons, which we were supposed to set loose into the sky. Mine was green. I hesitated for a few moments after everyone else set theirs free. I wanted to watch mine as it ascended. This was important. Watching this balloon fly skyward would be a symbol of my life from this day, June 5th, 1985, onward.

Then, I let go, when most of the other balloons were well on their way to heaven...

...and watched it get stuck in a tree.



The grassy lawn is mostly gone now. Holy Cross chopped most of the pines down, built a new church out front, and paved over most of the lawn for parking. But the tree that my balloon got stuck in is still standing. I pass by there most every day to drop Paula off at work or pick her up. When I do, I wonder if that balloon is still up there.


posted by Dr. Awkward at 1:23 PM