In the end the boys made their own list.

I would sit in the front family section with my mother and Elise.

Brian, Eleanor, and Julian could attend in the general seating area.

Carla was invited only if she agreed to respect the boys’ boundaries.

She declined, saying she thought the occasion should remain simple.

That was her decision.

Both boys received academic honors, but what I remember most is the moment they crossed the stage.

Zachary stumbled slightly on the last step and laughed at himself.