The last of our four daughters graduated from Duxbury High School on June 2. As the three before her did, the youngest handed Dad the little green square book. Dad opened cautiously to see that, yes, confirmation of her achievement was signed sealed and delivered with a diploma. As Dad got home and placed it in a safe place with her sisters’ diplomas, he could not help but reflect on the journey:

The first day of school for each starting in 1997, mom crying, sending her babies off. Bus driver continues to wave to us when passing by, heading up the street all these years later.

Our first parent/teacher meeting at Chandler watching hundreds of parents walking the halls admiring all the art on the walls, and getting to know the administrators and teachers. The sigh of relief when the teacher says we have a wonderful daughter.

The weekend soccer jubilees at Chandler School, which seem even bigger today.

The musical instrument rentals, the eighth grade solo, “Will you Remember Me.”

All the great days at Duxbury Beach and Farfars.

All the skills and games we drove to for ice hockey, field hockey camps and golf tournaments.

The 11 prom dresses and the hair styles, manicures, pedicures and, of course, tanning expenses.

The five high school state championships and south sectional wins.

The four college searches and subsequent 32 move in/move out days.

We have met many in Duxbury, mostly through our kids and their respective activities. Some have stayed close, others moved on; however, each has been an integral part of our children’s lives at one time or another. We would like to thank all the teachers, administrators, coaches, families and friends who have helped shaped our daughters. Duxbury has been a fine place to raise a family. We wonder if our daughters will do as many Duxbury alumni do, and come back to raise their families?

We are done, but hopefully not forgotten.