Saturday was a cold, rainy, dreary day. Mattie, my seventh of 15

grandchildren, chose that day to graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University. Leave it to Mattie to pick such a day so she and I would have something to complain about.

The ceremony was to begin at 10 a.m., which meant that Jeanne and

I would have to leave at 8:30. Jeanne started the morning by looking

at the weather channel. After 45 minutes of the same weather report and being a little aggravated, I

told her that looking at the weather channel won’t change anything. “Mattie’s graduating,” I said, “and we’re going regardless of

the weather, so please turn off the TV.”

Mattie graduated with a degree in general studies. When asked what she was going to do with that degree, she answered in a way that only a sarcastic Keller could, “Get a general

job!”

Mattie’s parents, Matt and Monica, were as proud as parents could be.

The ceremony lasted 2 1/2 hours, but it was worth it just to hear Mattie’s name and to see the excitement and satisfaction of her other grandmother, Judy “Granny” Martinez. Being with her anywhere is always an experience but especially at a graduation exercise or a basketball game that involves her grandchildren.

Also in attendance was Mattie’s fiancé, Ben Canizaro. (A good deal for Ben, but I don’t know about Mattie.) He enjoyed the part of the ceremony in which he wasn’t asleep.

Mattie was seated with her back to us and after she received her diploma, I noticed Granny waving. “Is Mattie looking?” I asked. “No,” she answered. “I’m just trying to get her attention.” (You figure that one out.)

The evening ended with a celebration at the Keller home in Reserve.

To top off the day, Mattie’s other (and probably favorite) grandfather, “Papa John” Martinez of St. Bernard showed up. A perfect ending to what God wouldn’t let the weather spoil.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.