Graduation Day
By Heather
My sister. My little, baby sister.
I can't believe my little sister is graduating from college. Where did the time go? Seems like yesterday she was running around our house in pig tails, getting into all kinds of trouble. Now, there she is, a tall, beautiful, successful woman.
I can remember so many things about our lives; family dinners, Christmas parties, the Bauer barbecues. We have so many happy memories. And sad ones too; Dad and his affairs, Michelle loosing her mother Maureen, her temporary blindness. We've been through so many things together and they've all made her so strong. She is such a wonderful, caring human being.
I'm even more proud of her for going back to school after her marriage to Danny. That was one of the hardest times of her life. Killing a man...that really upset Michelle. She wanted to save lives, not take them. Then Danny came around, and threatened the stability in her life.
I'll admit it, at first I didn't like the guy. I only saw him as a mobster. He was someone who threatened my sister's life and her very peace of mind. But his devotion to my sister these past 6 years proved to me he really cares for her. And to see her face whenever he walks into a room, the way it just lights up, she's breathtaking when she sees him. And he is such a wonderful husband to her.
I look over at him, sitting beside Abby. They are talking very enthusiastically about the graduation. He is obviously excited. He looks more excited than Michelle even. He's been so great to Abby, to all of us. He helps Meta out with the babies. He helped Abby while she was adjusting to her new sense of hearing and continues to help her around the house when he's there. He even helped me out a few times fixing things around the house. Most importantly, he helped Michelle through school. He just wouldn't let her give up.
I look down at the stage. Michelle is up next. She looks so beautiful in her cap and gown, she's smiling radiantly. Maureen would have been so proud of her. Dad sure is.
She looks up and waves to us. I wave back, smiling just as big. She looks over and waves to Danny, blowing him a kiss. He laughs and pretends to catch it.
They call her name. We all stand up, cheering for her. Danny yells the loudest of all. We all laugh and cry. Abby hugs me and smiles up at me with tears in her eyes. I look over at Danny. I hesitate, but he doesn't. He grabs me in a big bear hug and happily kisses me on the cheek, grinning a very large smile. He laughs. He has tears in his eyes and on his cheeks. I laugh too, and hug him back. He turns back to the stage, cheering his heart out for my sister. The woman he loves.
I find myself liking him more and more everyday. He's finally part of this family. And, I'm glad. Because he makes my sister happy and he is a decent man. For that, I would do anything for him. Like I said at their first wedding, I see her smile and I'm happy.