Favorite Homecoming Tradition or Memory

I meant to write and post this blog for this past Friday but didn't get-r-done. The weekend came and went without a new blog. It's been twenty-one days since I wrote a blog, I should be ashamed. My mother would be so disappointed.

Over the summer, as her health rapidly failed, and our time was consumed with caring for her needs , I chose to put "first things first". And this was not blogging or sitting at a desk. Mom commented often, "this would be a good blog" at different things and sadly, I didn't jot them down and can't remember what those moments were. I'm sure it was the humor of me as nurse, those who know me, know this isn't my strongest characteristic yet for a parent...it was a skill I tried hard to master. It's time to get back to it, Mom told me to keep blogging, writing, speaking, and to finish the next book...she even gave me the title. An honor to follow through.

Shortly after Mom's diagnosis she made a statement and then asked me something. I listened and was humbled at her selfless love in the midst of her new battle. She said, "I'm sorry this cancer happened now. Promise you won't let the cancer or me stop you and Mary from doing all she would do during her senior year." Of course we told her not to apologize, no one chooses cancer nor do they pick the time of diagnosis...life is not a health insurance commercial after all. Then I promised to "not say no" or "not now" to things Mary wanted to do that make your senior year of high school special and memorable. None of us knew at the time that Mom would pass away four days into the school year. Only God knew that.

As homecoming weekend approached I could hear my mother's words echo in my head. I looked forward to watching the annual Homecoming Parade, to see the spectacular senior float. I smiled to know Mary and her peers are now the seniors at the Powder Puff game. I am honored to know she is part of a class that designed their last homecoming float to mirror their school and future Alma Mater while singing "Be true to your school". A final float leaving a legacy for future classes...tradition.

Due to the torrential rain, the bonfire was cancelled but the parade, dance, and football remained. A little, or a lot in the case of this past weekend, of rain can't put out the fire of school spirit and tradition. I still remember my own homecomings, decades ago. We didn't have a parade but the bonfire and football set the tone for the year. With this in mind, the class of 2016 in Mexico set the bar for future classes...stay true to your school...leave a legacy. I know my daughter's class did.

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What is, or was, your FAVORITE
part of homecoming weekend and why?