Graduation Day: Riley

Today was the day.

There is not a cloud in sight, only allowing for the sun to beat down on my face, most likely making it red for the endless pictures that were bound to be taken. A cool breeze swept throughout the crowds of people, sending chills down my spine and tangling my hair into a disarray mess.

I’ve been dreading this day for as long as I can remember. Four years is a long time to run the same routine over and over again. I am so familiar and comfortable with Ridgefield, and now I’m supposed to just let go of it all and never turn back? That seems irrational.

I admit, the thought of college life is pretty exciting, and I can’t say that it won’t be an interesting new experience, I guess.

Yet, there’s just something about high school and Ridgewood that I can’t let go of. My whole family lives in this town, how can I possibly leave them all behind? New people, new places….it all seems so overwhelming. My childhood lays within the tall oak that has been towering in my backyard for the past 18 years of my life, my initials etched into the now faded bark from what had been the most triumphant day of my life at the time: the day I learned to spell my name.

And while it seems as though things couldn’t possibly get worse, I am constantly pestered by the thought of one single thing that will never be the same.

Payton.

My best friend ever since the 1st grade. We were inseparable, as close as close gets. I know this girl like the back of my hand, and there is nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for her. It seems like just yesterday we were running around the playground together. And now, here we are, sitting next to each other on our graduation day. Hand in hand, I feel Payton’s grip loosen around my fingers.

Mr. Brady is standing at the podium, and I listen intently as he calls the names of the kids that I have known and cherished since freshman year.

“Payton Ryan”

As I watch my best friend proudly stride up to the stage, it seems as though with every step, she is moving a mile. And it is in this moment, that it hits me.

Nothing will ever be the same. It is time for me to move on.

Graduation Day: Payton

Today was the day.

There was not a cloud in the sky, and the warmth of the comforting sun gently kissed my cheeks. A light breeze carried throughout the school’s stadium, a refreshing reminder to breath in, and breathe out.

It seems like this day has taken forever to arrive; the wait felt like a lifetime. After four years of attending Ridgefield high, I was finally able to take a step forward with my life onto even bigger and better things. I can’t imagine anything better.

Sure, it will be hard adjusting to a new lifestyle when I’m off at college. I can’t even imagine what it will be like not to have my mom by my side at all times to wipe my tears, or hug me when I need the comfort, and there’s no doubt it will be hard to go on every day without seeing my best friend’s face.

But, high school is now a part of the past. I’ve made some great memories here, and I’ve definitely had my share of a good time, but there is so much in store for me in the future, I can almost taste it. New people, new places...it all seems so intriguing! I feel like I could explode just thinking about all the amazing things I’m going to experience and do within the next couple of years.

And no matter how amazing all of these things may seem, I find myself bothered by one single thing that I know will change my life forever.

Riley.

My best friend from the 1st grade. We did everything together; there was never a time you would catch us apart. This girl is like a sister to me, more meaningful than anything else I’ve ever experienced in my life. It’s crazy to think that we were once building majestic castles together in the sandbox. And now, here we are, sitting next to each other on our graduation day. Hand in hand, it feels as though Riley is hanging on for dear life.

Mr. Brady stands at the podium with the microphone pressed to his lips, as hundreds of names that barely seem recognizable pour from his mouth and breeze through my ears.

“Riley Johnson”

I watch as my best friend tentatively strolls to the stage, and there is a light inside me that glows as I think about all of the things she will accomplish in her life. And it is in this moment, that it hits me. 

The future holds so much. It is time for me to move on.