Cheering for Others by Alisha Machalica

The stands were crowded, but somehow all of our extended family had managed to find seats together at Vincent's graduation. Even Grandma and Grandpa were there to cheer for cousin Vincent. Today was a big day, and we were prepared to be the loudest family there. 

When Vincent's name was called, the noise from our section of the bleachers exploded. Everyone had whistles and air horns, and Grandma even waved an ancient cowbell. The announcer paused, annoyed, before continuing with the next name on his paper. And a security guard hastened toward us to confiscate the air horns. We willingly surrendered our contraband, but Grandma tucked her antique cowbell under her cardigan and looked innocent. We were happy Vincent had been properly celebrated.

A woman sitting in the bleachers in front of us turned around and asked softly, “Would you all mind cheering for my daughter? I’m the only one here for her today.”

           Of course we said, “Sure thing, what’s her name?” And we quickly passed the plan up and down the line of relatives. We even told others sitting around us, “Cheer like we did for Vincent, but this time, let's bring down the house!”

           When the young girls name was called the noise around us was deafening. More air horns appeared, more whistles, and the cowbell. We all stood on our feet, yelling for all we were worth. The girl receiving her diploma stopped and looked up at us in surprise. The announcer tried to continue, but couldn’t be heard over the noise. As the noise continued, the announcer shrugged, shook his head, and waited until it died down. The girl returned to her seat, beaming.

           As we all sat down and surrendered another round of goods to the persistent security guard, the woman in front of us turned around. Her eyes were streaming with tears as she clasped her hands over her heart. “Thank you,” she said through her tears. “Thank you for cheering for my girl.”

           That day Grandma managed to bring home her cowbell, and I brought home the realization that cheering for someone else will bring a handful of cheer to my own heart as well. 

Alisha is a homeschool mom of two living in North Texas. She is studying nature on their land, reading very old books, and writing down her thoughts to stay sane.