Graduation...All I Ever Wanted

So I Lyfted over to MIA and had a light breakfast in the Centurion, and then boarded a non-Max 737 for Reagan National.

Barry and Donna had arrived earlier at Thurgood Marshall, and Barry insisted on fetching me, which he did, and then we were off to lunch at a neat place called Busboys and Poets. We walked around the 'hood a bit, and then checked into our hotel, the Grand Hyatt, which lived up to its name, with an enormous covered courtyard in the style of the big corporate hotels of the 80s...

After some nice naps, we reconvened at the hotel's Club -- Josh, a skilled lay travel agent, had booked us rooms on the concierge floor, which came with some free drinks, which we enjoyed. We were joined by Scott, the man of the weekend, and made our way to the 'hood where Obama lives, and a great Middle Eastern place called Mama Ayeesha's, where we met Scott's lady, Samantha, and feasted on shish kabob and other like foods.

The young couple were beaming. Sam graduated Maryland last year, and works for CNN. She has become the chief assistant to Wolf Blitzer, their superstar reporter. Scott has a job, too -- working for a company that owns sports radio stations across the nation, including the top ones here in Miami. It was great to be among their enthusiasm. Young folks are where its at for me -- I'm over the complaints and pains and annoyances of the old. Ageist, I know, but too bad...

The next am we met with the balance of our party, staying at a hotel up the street: Barry's mom Beverly, and sister Phyllis, and brother in law Marty. Marty's mother also came along -- a testament to the closeness of their family. Josh, ever the organizer, led the way.

We went inside the older auditorium, where the Journalism School held their ceremony. We all beamed. Scott was the only male to be among the J School honors grads, and we heard inspirational talks about how important writers are.

Outside, during pictures, Scott pointed out a Miami family I knew -- my GI's partner Seth, who I watched the Presidential returns with at Kenny and Joelle's house, was there with his graduation daughter, also Samantha, and I congratulated them as well.

We then drove to Georgetown, and a place called Bakers, Farmers, and I forget the last name -- but it had terrific pub food and great drinks. We toasted and laughed, and stayed a bit longer due to a tornado warning -- I brought the restaurant's own vodka, which was excellent, and made folks share some shots...

Sam said goodbye -- she had family duties to attend to, and later Barry, Donna, and Scott and I wandered to DC's small Chinatown for a lovely dinner. Josh was with his aunt and grandmother.

We talked of days to come for Barry's family. In the immediate future there is a cruise to the Maritimes, followed by a NYC trip. They have an anniversary and Donna's 60th to celebrate. I told Barry it's not too scary. He asked what. I told him sleeping with a 60 year old woman -- it's a little shocking at first, but you get very used to it. Donna graciously refrained from pouring her won ton soup in my lap...

Friday the gang headed off the the general Maryland graduation, and I begged off. I had plans to meet my friend John, a retired CIA agent and writer, who I had last seen in '11.  We almost missed our meeting -- he wrote to me the details on FB messenger, which I don't get on my phone, but I texted him and jumped into a Lyft to Arlington, and a terrific reunion.

We met in kindergarten, and John took a circuitous route to an ultimately heroic job -- law librarian in LA, grad school , and then the Company, as they call it.  We both realized that 1992 was a highlight year for us -- he knew he was going to Georgetown for a Master's degree, and D2 joined our band, and I made my first big money in the law biz...

The 2 hours flew by. The same team that made the RBG movie, "On the Basis of Sex," is making a movie of John's book, and he'll be a major consultant. They'll film in LA, DC, and Morocco, which will fill in for Iraq. I can't wait to see it.

I left saying I hoped it would be far less then 8 years until we met again. John said his long term plans include a move to South Florida -- so hopefully that will be so.

Then came the final celebration -- a dinner for 9 at BLT Steak in DC. The martinis flowed, the steaks sizzled, and we truly feasted. We also celebrated Beverly's birthday, which was the next day, and it was wonderful to see how proud she was and thrilled to be included.

Barry and Donna and I said our goodbyes in the hotel lobby. They had to be up early for a three hour drive to Port Liberty in Jersey for their cruise. I had a later flight home.

Saturday I said goodbye to the Club, and Lyfted to Reagan, and flew home uneventfully. Wifey was there, dogs in tow, and we came home to a quiet and clean house. It was terrific.

I had missed a concert I really wanted to see -- Joe Jackson at the Gusman Theater Downtown. But, alas, Norman had attended, and posted some highlights, so even that miss wasn't a miss.

And more importantly, I was privileged to share in a major milestone for an awesome young man. Scott is now equipped and on his way to adulthood. I am thrilled to watch him soar.