Kane's graduating from high school next week. "Today's my last day, really... then exams." His eyes grew wide with excitement, but then he quickly averted them. As I nibbled on my Cabana Salad and he shoved an entire brisket taco in his mouth,we sat there with this reality. Kane's graduating from high school.He left the table, and in an attempt to keep the mood light, he pulled a picture off of the fridge.
We were perched atop a ladder, awaiting Mardi Gras trucks on St. Charles Ave. Both of our faces were rounder, softer. His teeth were tiny, his dimples large.
As he teasingly waved the picture in front of my face, he sang, "I'm graduating from high school, Mommy." "Stop! That's not funny!" We laughed for two seconds. Then, I spoke very calmly, very plainly to him while large tears plopped onto my blouse.
"Are you ready?"
"To be done with high school? Yes!"
"To start this next stage in your life...?"
He shrugged his shoulders, eyes averted again. 
This is not sadness. It's not joy.
It's transition.
It's hard.
Kane's graduating from high school.
I knew someday I'd say those words.
I just didn't realize...