His First Graduation By Terry Redlin

Fourth in the "American Portrait Sereis" - It's a proud day. We have watched this boy grow into a young man. We have experienced with him the trials and tribulations of many firsts and today, his parents could not be more pleased to announce their son's graduation from high school. The car out front is the "victory car" with the treasured teddy tied to the hood. The bear as well as Buddy, his dog, have been with him every step of the way. The graduate will soon go off to college and the preparations have already begun. His bicycle is up on the rack. Mom remembers how he mastered the art of "throwing papers" on his paper route from that very bicycle. The tree house is gone and his "Private Club" above the garage is all closed up. For this special occasion, Mom, like always, has been working to keep her yard looking its best - the greenest in the neighborhood! As Mom, Dad, our young man, and his girlfriend pose on the front porch, we see that this is a snapshot from many of our own lives.