All the Feels
Tales from Graduation
Nearly four years ago, we traveled north to deliver our baby bird to her new home at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. We set off before dawn, the borrowed van we were driving loaded to the gills, and a weeping Emma huddled in the back seat.
The apprehensive teenager we dropped off that trip has flourished into a confident, capable woman, and last week at Hummingbird Ranch was all about celebrating her accomplishments and graduation.
We arrived at HR a couple days before the extended family to settle in and prepare. On my morning walk I met some familiar friends and a new neighbor.
As we transition to the warm and dry season, the trees are still leafy green, and the golden hills are dotted with clumps of bright yellow mustard and charming, but deadly hemlock.
And while spring is definitely my favorite, summer provides its own benefits, including long days and warm evenings. The sky stays light well after 9 pm, providing amazing views of the rising moon and emerging stars.
My dad arrived first. He hadn’t been to HR since spring 2021, when the ranch was in its most fallow disrepair. I was as proud as a new parent to show him all that we’ve accomplished bringing the property up to snuff.
While Chad buzzed away whipping weeds, my dad and I drove to the top of the property where the views are jaw-dropping and the longhorn laze. I hadn’t been on the little road that leads to this area for a few weeks and I was shocked to find the road blocked in multiple places by 4-foot tall stands of thistle - easily passable in the car, but surprising nonetheless.
We were greeted at the top by the usual suspects, who were visibly annoyed when we got out of the car.
Besides appreciating the view, my dad and I had an additional purpose to our mission. We released the ashes of my grandmother, Hazel, and my uncle, Bill. To say Hazel was a bird lover would be a gross understatement; and Bill raised and trained red tail hawks - this was the perfect place to set them free. We released Bill into a gentle puff of wind, and as he floated away, a giant turkey vulture soared above casting a massive shadow across his path. Next was grandma Hazel, who in this life was a small, darling woman who ferociously loved her family. Drifting away into the bright blue heavens, she was accompanied by three little songbirds. It was an important and special moment for us.
The rest of the family eventually arrived and we had a fun and lively lunch at nearby Fableist winery.
Saturday was the main event. Cal Poly does not put on an entire-university graduation ceremony, instead it hosts separate events for each different college within the university. I prefer the smaller scale as it creates an intimate and personal way to celebrate the graduates.
After the ceremony, the whole family convened at Emma’s favorite college watering hole, Frog & Peach, for cocktails.
Emma graduated with a BS in Anthropology & Geography and minored in Religious Studies. The following day, one of the professors in her minor hosted a graduation celebration at Cal Poly’s Arboretum, a gorgeous grouping of gardens nestled against the foothills surrounding campus.
Her professor provided the homemade wine and we all toasted the graduates. It was a great experience.
The week/weekend was joyful and memorable. We are so proud of Emma and loved celebrating with her.
I think it’s time for a nap.
