Graduation: Latin School Class of 2014

While birthdays are annual events, It's but once a person Graduates from high school.  This fact would logically lead to a big party surrounded by all of your friends and family; or it would if the lion's share of your friends were not also graduating the same week. This is an example of logistics trumping sentiment. Friends can't attend your party because they are having their own, and like you, they too are juggling grandparents' schedules, other family members' ceremonies, and dreading any mistake that results in hurting someone's feelings. Just imagine planning your wedding in the same week that eight of your close friends have scheduled their own "Special day."

While there is a certain safety of only having a small family dinner, the desire to have at least a few of your child's friends on-hand is natural. So when the opportunity to merge our plans with the arrangements a few of Lane's friends popped-up, it seemed like a great idea. It took a bit of work (none of which I did) to pull-it-off; but I thought it went quite well. The food was good, people all got along well, even the weather cooperated.  

Now I will shut-up and post pictures.

Lane J. Lubell Graduates

Am I proud of Lane graduating High School?

No!

 

I understand if that strikes some as an odd thing to say, it's just that I never had any reason to contemplate the possibility that he would fail to graduate. As I have explained to Lane frequently, this is perhaps the downside of possessing a record of high achievement - expectations tend to get rather lofty. Sure I get that there is something inherently unfair about me suspending the hoops so high off the ground- But damn it, you keep jumping through them.

I don't want anyone to think that I'm not extraordinary proud of Lane, that I don't get how hard he works, or that I don't appreciate his accomplishments. While I am in the habit of "reminding him" of items that he, or I, put on his "To do list," I do also write him lengthy texts filled with glowing praise. When I take issue with his overly brief responses, he will reply "Dad, you're the only one that sends an 800 word text."

OK, so getting a diploma I took as a given, but I am proud of how well he did, and how that success opened the doors to Northwestern. I'm in awe of the dedication to complete, and the caliper of writing in his 3 act play. I am genuinely impressed by the laser-like focus he direct towards his films and other writing projects. I do understand the daunting task of opening Avid Media and needing to find, match and sync several hundred audio clips to an equal number of video clips, knowing that upon completion, hundreds of hours of editing await. I was thrilled watching him and his friend Hunter perform songs at Old Town School of Folk Saturday night, great job Lane finding a woman that can really sing.

But what might impresses me most is Lane's sense of empathy and loyalty, it is sincere, and I have no question that it explains his ability to surround himself with such a great group of friends.
One more thing: I cannot adequately convey how much happiness he brings to my life each and every day. He is a best friend, an artistic collaborator, a person that never disappoints and one that I know will never stop making me proud.

Now I can go home and get upset that he didn't put back my WaWa and overdrive pedals.

 Ed and Steven drove in in order to celebrate Lane's graduation, I know Lane appreciated them being able to watch him step forward to the next stage of his life.

Lane is going to miss the comfort of having an apartment to hang-out in each day after school. 

When my and dad gone most of the winter, he had the place to himself, when they were home he had the joy of their company.  

Shirley Ruzumna

I have been writing this Blog for a few years now. I'm not sure exactly why  began, nor am i sure that the most important events have necessarily gotten their fair share of space, but I am sure that the "Lubell family blog" has been decidedly up-beat. That is partially due to me having a truly fortunate life, and in part my unwillingness to share some of the "Darker moments". Today I do have to write about the sad and disturbing situation involving Shirley. 

What began as a simple ache in her arm, developed into the situation we have today. Shirley has truly been going through a living Hell. A "trial by fire" that would have caused Hercules or Oddesses to quit; yet one that Shirley has fought with courage and grace. I have watched her battle to keep her spirits up, in fact even lifting those around her. Shirley loves to cook, to make the party, to be the one serving.   All that know her can imagine how hard it must be for her to have others do for her, those things that she has always taken such joy and pride to do for others.

But Shirley is never alone, she is circled by a team of warriors fighting by her side, and of them, Ed is clearly the General. He has been unwavering in his love and support. He has been there for her in every way, made every sacrifice and asked nothing but that God would give him more time to spend with Shirley.

Steven has been a constant source of pride and happiness to Shirley.
He has been there with Ed for each piece of news. All the long days and nights both by his mom's side but also a great help to Ed.

What I  know best I know though the eyes of Ilene. It is so difficult to watch someone you love go through such pain. Throughout the years I have known Ilene she has always spoken of her relationship with her Mom as one that transcends that of just Mother and Daughter,and includes being "Best friends" I know that Ilene looks to her Mom as an inspiration and the bedrock on which her life was built. I have watched Ilene go through a personal Hell, one where she is constantly "Torn". Every moment she is here in Chicago, she feels guilty and longs to be with her family in Detroit. When in Detroit, she feels bad that she is missing Lane's first week of High School, or his Cross Country meet. It is so hard to for her, and yet it's never herself that she thinks of, instead her thoughts are just for those that Love her and need her.

I would be amiss not to mention all of those that have been by Shirley's side. Her sisters, nieces, extended family, many coming from around the country to lend there support and Love. So many that have visited in the hospital or at home. Those you have sent cards, made calls. All of Ed and Shirley's friends that have been so supportive. Friends of ours that do not go a week without calling Ilene, many offering to help drive Lane, or whatever they can do, while Ilene is out of town.

Yes today is not a "Happy post", but it is an important one. Let's all close our eyes and hope, pray and above all, close ranks and wish Shirley well.