The Piece of Paper that Really Means Something

He got the thick envelope and started opening it. "I was beginning to think I had never graduated," he said, as he pried the envelope apart to reveal a very shiny, thick piece of paper.

I remember thinking exactly the same thing in 1970, some 37 years ago, when I received my diploma from San Diego State College (later San Diego State University). I wondered, after all that time, if it had just been an illusion.

But, no, there it was. For him. His proud mother stood there, beaming, a tear in her eye. And, for once, insisting that photos be taken.

And she laughingly pointed out that his was signed by Arnold Schwarzennegger, while mine had been signed by Ronald Reagan. Two acting Republicans.