Charlie's Graduation

Charlie Hopkins graduates from Deerfield Academy, Sunday, May 29, 2005

It all begins with a processional. I run out and hunt for Charlie. Not in the first row. The line is endless, still no Charlie. Have I missed him? I keep snapping hoping that he's in there somewhere. Oh, those were the underclassmen leading the way. Here's the beginning of the graduating class. Charlie peels off early and watches the parade. I watch him. This is as close as I'll get to Charlie. I take advantage of it. See, his expression changed. Back to the first expression. I wonder if he's seen me yet... Here goes the seniors' procession, led by fifes and drums Charlie later told me that these are the important people at Deerfield The goings on at center stage are displayed on mulitple screens. All 186 students are called to the podium. I wait in the wings for Charlie. There he is. A man on my right wiggles in to capture his daughter on camera I shove him out of the way as Charlie approaches the podium. There he is, receiving his diploma from Mr. Louis There is someone else, receiving their diploma. The backs of four familiar heads. Random student shot. Charlie says these are juniors. Our row. Squint and you can make out the faces. Mary is looking good, as usual. Charlie says these are dorms. I don't believe him. It was all held under this tent. And this one too. This is Albany Road, which goes half a mile in the direction of Albany The recessional begins. More fifes and drums. Some people hugging. More hugging. I managed to take a picture of Charlie's roommate. Charlie's friend Marty is sad to see everyone graduate