Party Time

Last month I got an invitation to Jennifer's graduation party.

We've been in touch over the years, so it wasn't a complete surprise to receive it. I accepted the invite, figured out a way to creatively wrap some cash and got her a card.

I went to a local park and met the extended family today.

Jennifer (not her real name) has grown into an amazing young woman. She's confident and intelligent. Happy. I met her boyfriend. Good looking kid. They seem to be having fun together.

Met her grandparents, assorted aunts and uncles and cousins.
Her family has always adored her. She has a wonderful support system.

No surprises there.

What *was* surprising were the family members who introduced themselves to me and said they'd heard a lot about me.

Considering I stopped working for the evil empire in 2016, I was surprised I had such a reputation in the extended family of a child I worked with so long ago. Can't deny that it made me feel good, though. Like I really do make a difference.

I mean, I know I do. But to have it shown to me in that way is new.

I didn't spend a lot of time talking to a bunch of people I don't know, it's really out of my comfort zone, but I did have some conversations with several about our Jennifer.

I printed out 50 pages (yes, really) from my blog about her for her mom. Had this photo printed from Snapfish to add to it. I could have printed 50 more, I think.

I hope she enjoys reading it. Jennifer gave me great blog fodder for quite a few years.
Told her today not to forget me when she's rich and famous.

She's going off to college (has already taken a few courses) and is going to do something psychology based. She'll be good at it.

So that's what I was up to today.
What are you doing?