There was a period of time in the life of my family when graduations came in quick succession. The oldest completed graduate school as the youngest finished elementary school. In between there were years when high school graduations came back to back, which meant college graduations happened the same way four years later.

But this year is quiet. No graduation --- in one way a relief, yet also bittersweet. Some people cry at weddings; I get choked up at the sound of Pomp and Circumstance, seeing the line of graduates and hearing the music as they march in procession --- students smiling broadly, whispering to each other and laughing, happy to be moving on in life.

Proud parents and grandparents do the same, while wiping away tears of joy but also tears that recognize the passing of an era. They understand how quickly their child or grandchild has grown up.

So much goes into completing an education. Beginning in kindergarten, child and parent slowly move to a point where the child begins to take control of his or her own life. Children grow from uncertainty and self-consciousness into young men and women, developing skills they need to be successful in the world.

College graduations, I think, are the most fun but they are also the most poignant. They celebrate a tremendous amount of time and work, accomplishment and perseverance. They represent the beginning of true adulthood for many young people. It is also the end of an era for parents. Years of paying attention to school matters, observing school holidays and summer vacations are over. While wonderful and exciting, it also can be an adjustment.

If you are celebrating a graduation this year do it with gusto. Enjoy your child's accomplishments and thank God for the experience. Take lots of pictures so you can revel in the moment for years to come and take some time to relax before moving on to the next stage.

Anne Hansen is a parent education consultant and a parishioner at Blessed Junípero Serra Church, Camarillo. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.