Graduation-The Passing of the Hat

One of the highlights of this last trip to the states and a main reason for going when I did, was to see my only nephew, Jesse Davidson Bourgeois, graduate from Shawnee Mission South High School in Kansas on May 20.  My brother Jim and I are 2 years apart, me being the oldest of the four sibs.  There's a lot of pressure when you are the only grandchild and nephew out of the four of us.  Jim and I had hoped that if I was there in St. Louis and had plans made to come to the graduation, between him, Kat and I; we could orchestrate everything well enough to break Mom away from Dad for 24 hours so she could see Jesse graduate.  Jesse is important to her.  Ceremony and life milestones are important to her. But it wasn't meant to be. So, I was able to be the representative for the family.  More than that, when Jim and I were talking about everything on one of my phone calls from France, I could hear in his voice that it was just as important to him that I come.  The decision was made and I was pleased. We had a great time together, and crammed a lot into a little more than 24 hours.  Jim and I got some quality time on our own, which is rare, so especially special and I got some great photos of the graduation and other happenings to share with the folks and Kat.  I began this post with the photo of Jim.  I realized while I was there that I didn't have any nice, recent shots of Jim and got a few very nice ones.  My favorite of all of the graduation shots is smiling father and son, with Jesse wearing his Dad's hat and special graduation raven tie (he loves Edgar Allen Poe) from his Aunt Kathleen.  Before the ceremony, we all went out to dinner-the small photo insert is Jesse's Mom, Diane Davidson Bourgeois, brother Jim, Jim's wife, Joan Parker-Bourgeois, Joan's son, Brent and the back of Jesse.  Of course, I'm the photographer!

Comments

[Laury Bourgeois]

Mon Dieu Evelyn-lots in common here and so many "J's"! Kat found that tie on some site on the net! Have fun!

[Evelyn Jackson]

Love that tie!! Funny...I'm leaving on Wed to fly to Reno to visit my brother, Jim, and see my nephew, John, graduate from high school! I'll also get to visit my 87-year old dad who is still going strong, ornery as ever and so much fun to be with.