As I am sure is true in most high schools when graduation comes – every teacher has their duty. Some read out the names of the seniors; some hand out the cap and gowns; some hold hands, pin hair and offer moral support. I work the parking lot. No, I don’t just work the parking lot – I work the VIP parking lot. I work that precious parking that is right by the door to the theatre of graduation. There are only eight slots in my parking lot. I guard them with my life. They are only for the most VIP of VIPs in the school system. I have had this particular “parking honor” for well over 20 years. This job is not for everyone – I realize what an honor it is to host these cars every year.
One thing I do notice each year that gives me a smile is that I drive a much newer, much better, more expensive car then the majority of cars that I park. I like this sense of superiority. We in the car parking business know our cars and our car values. The job does require that I get to my patch of concrete early. The concrete is key to any parker’s work. Last year I had a few parents stroll by my parking lot on the way to their child’s graduation and they stopped and chuckled at me and said, “Boy, they must be keeping you humble with this job.” It was not meant kindly.
I was not hurt. I smiled at another secret privilege of the “parkers.” When it comes 7:05pm and the curtain is up on graduation, my job is over and I am halfway home to a hammock, bag of sunflower seeds and an adult beverage. Humble indeed!