Atlanta Adventist Academy 2011 Senior Presentation

It's a bright, sunny, easy Saturday morning.  My husband was on his way to a fraternity meeting so it was just me and Mel hanging out at home in our pajamas, watching Yo Gabba Gabba.  We snacked on chewy peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars with our feet up on the ottoman - ahh, the life!  I noticed it was only just after eleven o'clock though the day felt much later - that's when my cell phone rang.  It was my cousin Gregory.  I answered,


"What can I do for you?"
"Uh, hello.  So, what are you doing today?"
"Uh, nothing.  Why?
"Well, you're coming to my Senior Presentation today..."  

There was a brief pause.  I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.  My ear seemed to tingle as Gregory's words became more faint to the point of incomprehension.  This was due an acute, temporary short circuit in the cerebral cortex of my brain, specifically Wernicke's Area, where auditory information and speech comprehension is processed.  Gregory then continued,

"It starts at 5:30, so we'll see you there?"

Did I just receive last minute notice of a social function?  Yes.  Finally, synaptic transmission resumed and words began to emerge from my mouth.


"Are you kidding me?  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Gregory, why are you just now telling me about this (taking the cell phone away from my ear to check the screen for a time update) at 11: 05am, SIX hours before it starts?  This is insane!"

My rant commenced.

"Here we go again with this last minute nonsense.  UNBELIEVABLE.  My hair is a mess!  Melanie's hair is a mess!  Why didn't you tell me about this two weeks ago?  Did you know you were having this event two weeks ago? I cannot believe this..."


Knowing my cousin, he was likely unfazed and more so amused by my frantic outburst.  I pictured him at that moment as his usual cool-as-a-cucumber self, smiling ear-to-ear while listening to me read him the riot act.  Anyone who knows me knows that one of my biggest pet peeves is making last minute arrangements.  It drives me nuts!  It goes against my firm belief in the concepts of organization, planning and structure.  Gregory must have put me on speaker phone for my Aunt to hear, because she soon jumped in on the conversation.


"Just start getting ready!  Bring Mel!  We'll see you there!  We'll text you the address and directions!"


Typical.  This isn't the first and I'm sure it won't be the last time this happens, so...what can you do?  Well, of course I couldn't miss this event, so Mel and I kicked it up into high gear and spent the next few hours getting ourselves ready.  As soon as we arrived, I gave Mel to my aunt so I could assume photographer duties.  It was a wonderful presentation of AAA's small (only 26 students) yet diverse class of 2011.  Oh, I almost forgot to mention - Gregory is class Vice President and his friend Raechelle is Class President. Their class motto: We've all come in different ships, but we're in Christ's boat now.  Their class aim: To make Christ the Master of our fate and the Captain of our souls.  Their class scripture:  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord our God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9.  As the ceremony proceeded with speeches, music and song, I watched parents, family and friends beam with pride.  My cousin has a really bright future ahead of him and I can't wait to see what big things he will achieve in the land of Grown-upville.  In the meantime Gregory, can you let me know by New Year's perhaps when your commencement ceremony will be? SMH


  - Monica Simone