In 1976, Gerald Ford was president, the U.S. celebrated its bicen - tennial, 50 Cent was born and the Pittsburgh Steelers won Superbowl X. But more importantly, I graduated high school.Barely.
As Fate would have it, 30 years later, my fourth and final child also graduated. Alayna Michelle Duran. Isn't she a beauty? She always promised she'd be the "best teenager ever." Well, let's just say she took a good cut at it. She maintained mid- 3's grade point average, was one of the stars of the varsity soccer squad, being selected to the county all-star team, all the while holding down a job at the local Stater Bros. And to top it off, she can text-message faster than anyone alive. Way to go girl!
Maybe, more important than all this, Alayna's got a heart for the Lord. She's fun, chatty, tough, friendly and a total scatter-brain. And we love her bunches. Congratulations Class of '06...especially Alayna!
20 comments:
Congratulations to Alayana and her happy dad. She's lovely and obviously a gem.
Meanwhile, I graduated in '76, too! I knew I sensed a kindred vibe in you. Rock.
We had our 30 yr reunion last weekend. I've thought about posting some stories on my blog, but I'm afraid some of the "characters" might show up and read it. And honestly, I can't write about the girl who belly danced to "Wipe Out" without traces of mockery slipping in, so I'll just refrain.
She's lovely Mike! Wow 4 grads. Time flies and all that. Congrats to both of you.
WOW! Congratulations to both of you! She is beautiful, Mike, and I love the pic of the two of you together.
The years fly by so fast ... we're holding these tiny newborns in our arms for the first time ... and we turn around and we're letting them fly ... all the while hoping that, in the turning around, we've imprinted solid, lasting truths on their hearts and minds and souls that will last a lifetime :)
I'm sure you have ... I'm sure they will ...
Congrats Alayna!
You've every right to be proud, Mike, and us pennies'll offer you all the therapuetic support we can as you young'ns fly the coop.
Gina, weren't you and I both like five years old in 76?
Har, har. Obviously you're still acting like a five year old.
Am not.
Wow, she's so pretty!
And Mike, I didn't know you were such a hunkypoo. Your other pictures aren't anywhere near as nice a this one. I say it's time to update the Duran Pic Files!
The best to your lovely, lovely, fair-haired girl. How nice to be young and have so much ahead. :)
Mir--who thinks it must be some Blogger joke that the word verification down below right now is "osama" YIKES
Alayna,
Congratulation on your graduation. I know that your future is bright and that God has a plan for your life. He has made you the way he wanted. I know that you will find fulfillment as you serve him in the way he has created you.
Love, Jacob
Alayna – Wow! You finally did it. What a great accomplishment, ya right! It’s just high school. I’m glad you graduated and did a lot of fun stuff in school but I hope college is a lot more challenging for you. Congrats.
Love, Me-Me
Being that this blogsite is visited daily by millions and that the audience here is the smartest group of people on the web, you should have done Alayna a favor and also announced that she is single too. It's not everyday the stuffy Decompose staff allows you to appear on their premier page. Nevertheless, I'm proud of you Alayna, and I enjoy being around you all the time.
"...stuffy Decompose staff"? Why, the nerve!
Well hello all blogers out there, this is the famous high school graduate AlaYnA DuRaN!! Yes, thats me in those pics, next to my stud father michael. I guess you can say I get my good looks from him, but dont tell my mom I said that. Thanks dad for all the compliments,especially the text messaging one, what can I say I try my best. I am truly blessed and appreciative. Thanks to all my family for the advice you guys give me about life, this youngster is listening. I have no idea what my future holds but I'm going to keep putting God first and let him lead my way. As I enter into "the real world" I will hope for the best and expect the worst. With God my leader I know everything is going to be ok. I'll be back one love one peace. Adizzle Class of 2006 Im Out!
Alayna, it's "prepare for the worst and hope for the best," not "hope for the best and expect the worst." There's a big difference. Obviously I haven't taught you well enough!
Yup, that's her dad, all right. heh.
Mir
Happy Father's Day, Mike!!!!!
You have great reasons to be proud!!! DaddyX4!!!
Congrats to you both! Woohoo Grad and Dad! :-)
Congrats to Dad and daughter! This must be a good year for high school grads -- one of my sons graduated from high school a few weeks ago (five down, one to go!). It's really only the beginning of great things ahead -- for kid and parents. My prayers go with you Alayna.
And you're just a kid, Mike.
Linda (Class of '75)
Mike,
Another 1976 graduate! Who knew?
You must be so proud, Mike. She's a beaut.
Blessings to you and your lovely family.
Wow Mike evryone thinks your daughter is so beautiful. Shoot just wait till they see your son!
Hey evryone why don't you tell the old fart to put a true player on his page and post his son.
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