In 2000, our oldest child graduated from high school. It was exciting to see Rose bloom, and her mom and dad were ecstatic. One down, two to go.

In 2004, our middle child walked across the Civic Center of Anderson stage in a cap and gown. It was wonderful to see Paige turn to the next chapter in her life, and her mom and dad were so pleased. Two down, one to go.

In two days, our “baby” will receive his diploma from T.L. Hanna High School. We are so proud of Donald, and we will be filled with so many emotions. Fulfillment. Satisfaction. …

Sadness?

I’m not sure if I will beam or bawl. Maybe both. One small step for this son is a giant leap for parents who have spent exactly half a lifetime raising children.

Can you say “empty nest”?

Donald won’t fly away immediately, but his days at home are numbered. I’m a little down about that right now.

I’ve been down since Saturday morning. On the way to a favorite place to walk the dog, I turned on the radio and heard a song that was a hit during my senior year in high school: “Cat’s in the Cradle.”

Harry Chapin’s melancholy folk song is about a workaholic father, and it hits home every time I hear it, because I’m a workaholic father. I’m already seeing signs of workaholism in our oldest daughter, and that troubles me. What kind of example have I set?

The example could be better. It could be worse.

Some people say I don’t have a life. My vocation is my avocation; my job isn’t work. But my career is not my life. My family is my life.

I have made career moves because of family, and each time I have been rewarded. When I was single, I was living a dream as a sports reporter, covering major league baseball, traveling to my heart’s content. Then someone captured my heart, and I changed jobs so I wasn’t on the road so often.

But when a baby came along, I still was on the road some, and baby, the thrill was gone. So I changed jobs again, becoming a sports editor so I could stay home more. The hours were extreme, but I came home for dinner and slept in my own bed after tucking the kids into theirs with a story and a prayer.

I changed jobs again and “graduated” from writing and reporting to focus on editing and management. After three job changes in six years, it was time to settle down before the kids started school. It was time to make time to help with homework and coach soccer and do things that good dads do.

I stayed put for nearly 15 years, and during that time I graduated from the sports department. Then I moved here. No telling what I’d be doing or where I’d be if I didn’t have a family. Now I’m blessed with this great job in a great place. What more could I want?

I want to get Harry Chapin’s voice out of my mind. I need to change the radio dial, perhaps to Donald’s hip-hop station.

On second thought, cue “Pomp and Circumstance.” Sniff. I’m ready to watch my youngest child walk.