Could be rolled into one

They would shine just like the sun

For a summer day

And after it was over

We could have it back again

With credit to the editor

For striking out the rain (very clean)

And all it really needed

Was the proper point of view" -- James Taylor, lyric, "Golden Moments"

I believe that we happily go through our daily lives, blissfully unaware that we are experiencing very special times. And, if you are very lucky, sometimes you are able to awaken from this slumber and realize that special events are occurring.

These are moments of great clarity, and are very special, so special that you feel that by simply breathing you will scatter the moment.

I had one of these moments this past weekend. We held the graduation reception for Madyi, our youngest, who will graduate on Sunday from Le Mars Community. It occurred on Friday night as we were decorating the garage for the party. My oldest daughter, Lindsay, had travelled down from Minnesota to help and the three of us were putting up the poster boards with photos of Madyi from infancy through high school and the girls were relating stories about many of the photos.

The stories were quite funny, and carried the insight of the memory of a child related by someone who is now an adult. I'm sure you can find a photo of yourself as a child and remember what was going on at the instant the photo was taken. It may seem silly or stupid to you now, but from the perspective of an adult, there can be some truly touching or hilarious stories.

Laughter is a great balm for whatever ails you, and it was just what I needed this weekend. We had a wonderful visit with friends and family and enjoyed stories and laughter.

"Now I gathered up my sorrows

And I sold them all for gold

And I gathered up the gold

And I threw it all away

It all went for a good time and a song (come on)

The laughter was like music

It did float my soul along for awhile

And all it really needed was the proper point of view"

It helped having Lindsay home to put everything in perspective. We went through all of this six years ago when she graduated high school. Even held the party in the garage and the weather was cold, but dry, on that day.

The party went off without a hitch, despite the rain, and on Sunday we had a visit from a relative that had missed the party, but came for a wonderful visit.

The last of the "lasts" were this week, and I think I'm ready for Sunday. Madyi has had a wonderful run at LCS, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

I've got no words of wisdom, not even a funny anecdote to relate. A "golden moment" has passed, and I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it and be aware of it as it occurred.

That, in and of itself, is enough.

Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2008. Take a moment to savor what you have accomplished, laugh with your family and friends before heading off to the next phase of your life.

Parents, celebrate the passage. Your relationship with your child has simply changed. The ties remain strong, and hopefully always will.

And, as James Taylor says in his song, all we really need is the proper point of view.

As always, I welcome your comments. You can reach me by email at tstangl@lemarscomm.net, telephone 712-546-7031, x40 or toll free 1-800-728-0066 x40.

Thanks for reading, I'll keep in touch. Feel free to do the same.