Graduation Day: Happy and Sad

I can vividly see my little blond niece running on a soccer field... she was six or seven... and not really into kicking the ball or really having much to do with the game.Nevertheless, my husband and I were there to cheer her on, along with my parents, sitting out on some hot Fairfax County field near Centreville.
Friday, we watched Rachel receive her diploma from Centreville High School. It's hard to believe that milestone is here already. And I was surprised my throat tighted and my eyes got teary as the graduates entered the Patriot Center.
It's the pride we feel watching someone we love reach that first great achievement. But I think my emotions were also somewhat selfish. I'm really going to miss my niece, and I regret not spending more time with her. Quick... there's still the summer! There's no time like now to make some more memories. Maybe we'll got kick the soccer ball around