June 6

I realized this morning that it was 32 years ago this very day, on June 6, 1975, that I graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy. It seems in many ways as if my life up until my accident was an unbroken succession of accomplishments; since then, I've had to become accustomed to quite a different set of circumstances! I was particularly proud of graduating as Valedictorian from such an esteemed institution as Interlochen. I can recall standing on the large stage of Kresge Auditorium, giving my Valedictory address, and having no idea where out in that large mass of humanity my family was sitting. But then I heard my Dad clear his throat -- an unmistakable sound to me -- and I smiled and knew where they were.