Graduation Night at Byrd High School Closes a Chapter

My youngest son is now a graduate of C.E. Byrd High School.

He doesn't realize the significance of this today; he's just glad it's over. I understand that from the point of view of a 19-year-old, but it's something he will be so proud of in the years to come.

Several speakers talked about "Jacket Pride" during the poignant ceremony, but it won't hit home until later in life.

John Justin will often be asked where he went to high school and I'm sure there will come a day when he will eagerly say CE Byrd.

He's off to the US Marines in a few weeks and I know he will be proud of that boot camp graduation, but he will carry "the City of Byrd" with him.

He's such a wonderful, calm soul always willing to help his Momma. My little fix-it man will be off into the big world and I ask you to keep him in your prayers. He makes me laugh so much and is so sweet and gentle.

He's my shy son, so he won't like all this gushing about him. When I take a photo of him, he says "no Facebook"!

He has not been a big fan of being talked about on the radio all these years, but he would not say much. And he won't be thrilled to know I'm talking about his Marine service, but he indulges his Mom.

He's ready to be a Marine and will do us all proud. You should know that for the past year, he's been going to Marine PT (physical training) twice a week on his own time so he will be ready! I know he's ready, but as his Mom, I pray that God watches out over hIm when that DI is in his face!

Please keep my special man in your prayers. He'll forever be my baby!