This being the season, I’ve been revisiting important hallmark events in my life. I have been a part of several weddings, my own graduation and a few formal parties.
I was a bridesmaid on two occasions. The first saw me poised next to my sister. My gown was of a satiny fabric, Peau de soie; I think the Aegean Blue hue. I looked it up; that was close to what I recall. My sister provided the fabric, I made the dress.
A few short weeks later it became my graduation dress. I was not interested in participating but my dad wisely insisted. The large group photo was well worth the effort. Somehow I have no yearbook to return to, not that year or any other.
We had moved from Sundre when I entered Grade 11, a tough time for change. Carol was in Grade 12 and we knew almost no one. She was far more social and adapted much quicker than I did.
My second role as bridesmaid occurred a few years later. My husband was ordained by that point but he was acting as the groomsman. Again my dress was provided, a long gown with ruffles and topped with a summery straw hat, a light pretty thing. I remember that hat specifically as I had never owned one. We were the attendants for Norman and Denise, friends from college. She was a beauty. I was far more nervous than she. I’m certain that the bouquet I clutched shook throughout the ceremony.
Years later my eldest son did not attend his graduation and refused to have his photo taken. I understood his sentiments in that regard. My youngest was more willing to be involved. He even selected a new suit, something he had never considered. He wore it often although I had to rescue it from the general clutter accumulated on his bedroom carpet.
I had these events in mind when I was invited to attend the graduation of my sister’s granddaughter. I was taken aback. I really have nothing special to wear and did not find anything suitable over the course of time. The event was about Carolynn’s achievement and I was pleased to be included. We joined a mass of honourees and guests at the Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton.
We took our positions in a line of photo shoots and watched as many more were snapped over the afternoon. Carolynn was gorgeous, suddenly an adult. Her choice of gown was floor-length, slim sheath of soft ivory with a lacy bodice. She worked on it herself with a little help from her grandmother. With hair professionally styled and a little baby’s breath tucked in, she was radiant.
We watched the procession as over 300 students entered and were seated. After several encouraging speeches and congratulations, row upon row entered the stage. Each entered alone, under the arch, down the stretch of carpet. Each received a personal greeting from the principal and had the tassel of the mortarboard readjusted. They proceeded to receive their diploma, an official photo and were escorted down the stairs by an RCMP member in full red serge uniform.
Carolynn was among the first dozen in line. We had ample time to observe the rest. Many of the gowns were of vivid colours with exaggerated poofy skirts. I was seated near the aisle and was able to watch with interest as many of the young women walked the carpet. Cowboy boots, flip flops, a few of the old school black and white high top sneakers. Many tottered on their first pair of heels. The ones with platform style had better balance. One pranced through in bare feet. Another gave up trying and flounced past with her huge skirt bunched up in her arms like a child. I felt like I was watching a parade.
It was an afternoon of music; one student played accordion coaxing beautiful classical notes in a haunting melody. Two students played guitar and sang their own composition. The ceremony was beautiful. I could imagine the students about to launch out into the next phase of their lives.
– Hoey is a longtime Gazette columnist
