I was seventeen, going on eighteen and one of 400 grads walking across the stage in 1975. I guess everyone remembers some feeling of excitement about their graduation . . . for the first time having a choice about further education, a job or moving on to other things.
Unbeknown to my parents, my boyfriend and I had talked about marriage for quite some time . . . so to me this top of the world feeling had everything to do with those plans. Kind of crazy, but true.
He bought the dress for me . . . I think it was Sweet Sixteen on Fraser St. in Vancouver . . . forty-five dollars, is what I remember. Floral print, empire waist, fully lined (except for the sleeves), a lace overlay on the cross-over bodice and a ruffled hemline.
So, upon graduation, I entered the school of life . . . a job and marriage in the Fall . . . learning about relationships and all that is involved in keeping a home. I hit the domestic scene early, but it has freed me up on this end . . . to go back to school, to travel or just to enjoy the freedom of an empty nest.
Since my own graduation 35 years ago, I’ve had the chance to attend various graduations and observed nieces and daughters as they have made decisions on what to do after high school. But, before that . . . there is always the grad or prom dress to choose . . . isn’t there? I thought I’d go down memory lane and have a look at just a few of these dresses.
My beautiful sister, Monika, in 1979 (she also married her escort)
My niece, Linda, (Grad 1986) was the cutest smiley pigtailed little girl when I was introduced to the family in 1973.
My niece, Pauline (Grad 1990) - I was with her when she bought the dress and she came to our house for pictures. She is a mom of five kids now!
Julene (Grad 1996) - Our first. She won an Acting Award and received a District Scholarship in Music.
Kristal (Grad 1998 ) - our second daughter followed suit ... also chosen for a scholarship in music, which she used toward further education in Oregon.
My niece, Larissa (Grad 2005) is the oldest niece on my side of the family. She is working at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast on the Island.
My niece, Rosalynn (Grad 2007) has travelled overseas a few times and is working in a touristy coffee shop/restaurant.
My youngest niece, Carmen (Grad 2008) is engaged to be married and continuing with her education.
These are just a few . . . some mentioned their dresses being out of style etc. Isn’t that the way it goes? You all look beautiful and have still become more beautiful over the years. I just want to say thank you to those of you who were brave enough to allow me to use your pictures.
“Courage is not the absence of fear but the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Donna Parton
