Hello Rosalynna

e p i l o g u e | ✔

May 22, 2037

e p i l o g u e | ✔

everyone

"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,

May you never take one single breath for granted,

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed"

I Hope You Dance  // Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert

r o s a l y n n a

Today was the day my babies would graduate. The sun dipped low on the horizon of Lakeview High School, Lakeview High School was at the edge of town, surrounded by lush greenery overlooking a serene lake. The campus had red-brick buildings interwoven with modern architecture. Towering oak trees lined the walkways, offering shade to students as they moved between classes. The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers lingered in the air. The school colors were deep blue and emerald green to match its surroundings.  I sat in the audience with a mix of pride and sadness that Valentina's seat was now just a picture of her in her senior photos. I had taken a bunch of photos of her seat along with photos of Enrique and Ansel holding photos of her at Ricardo's home. 

Jaxon sat next to me, as the ceremony began. I straightened in my seat, my eyes fixed on the stage where Ansel and Enrique sat, clad in their cap and gowns. Ansel was holding onto the babies as he sat on the stage. Underneath the gowns, the gentlemen wore crisp emerald green shirts, navy blue almost black slacks, and polished dress shoes, with ties and accessories that held a mixture of Lakeview High school colors. The young ladies looked radiant in their emerald green dresses and deep blue heels or flats. I was proud of my boys, life had taken unexpected turns for them but in this moment, I was just proud of them for making it through it.

Principal Thompson approached the podium with his polished shoes clinking against the stage as he moved, and a gold watch adorned his wrist, he was a tall and well-groomed man in his early fifties. His salt-and-pepper hair complemented his sharp, and defined features. Today he wore a deep blue suit with an emerald green tie that was particularly tailored to his lean frame.   Principal Thompson had a warm, welcoming smile his tone was both authoritative and compassionate, "Ladies and gentlemen, parents, and esteemed guests, we gather here today to honor the graduating class of 2037. These young men and women have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, and it is with great pleasure that we celebrate their accomplishments."

The principal's words became a blur as I began to think about all the years that led us to this point. Ansel and Enrique weren't always the closest, they were always having differences in opinions but in this moment seeing them up on the stage made every hurdle they had passed worth it all. I also found myself reflecting on my marriage, despite the challenges of the divorce, I was appreciative of all the things we went through. And I was even more appreciative that my children were at peace with the divorce. Jaxon had become a sense of comfort these days, he helped me through a lot.

As the graduates' names were called, I couldn't help but steal glances at my sons. Ansel's eyes met mine, with a small grin. Enrique flashed a wide grin, a spark of mischief still present in his eyes as he gave me the thumbs up. Jaxon leaned in, his voice low and comforting. "They've come a long way, haven't they?"

I nodded, "Yes, they have. I can't believe how fast time has flown." The graduates continued to cross the stage, the applause from the audience growing louder as certain names were called. Jaxon's hand found mine, rubbing his thumb across the top of my hand.