We sat, as always, front and center, four rows from the stage so we could have that all-important perfect view of our son performing. And, of course, so I could get ideal photos of the concert.

像往常一般，我们坐在前排靠中间的座位上，和舞台隔着四排座位，这样我们就能完美捕捉到儿子表演时所有的重点。当然，我因此也能拍到这场音乐会的理想照片。

It was late May. My wife and I sat there feeling rather sentimental, thinking the same things but sitting quietly, keeping thoughts to ourselves. This was our youngest's last high school concert—and to our sad 1)disbelief it was also ours.

当时正值五月末，我和妻子坐在那儿，感觉很伤感。我们想着同样的东西，却都安静地坐着暗自思忖。这是我们小儿子念高中的最后一场音乐会……我们不禁感伤，真难以置信，这也是我们最后一次参与孩子在学校的汇报表演了。

Where had the time gone? Just yesterday, he'd been sitting next to us, watching first his sister, then his older brother perform in some music or sporting event. Now we were watching our youngest, a senior in high school, nearing graduation.

时间都溜到哪儿去了？就在昨天，他一直挨着我们坐，先是看他姐姐，而后是看他哥哥参加音乐演出或是运动赛事。现在，我们看着最小的孩子，已经在念高三，临近毕业了。

Mamaroneck High School has a wonderful ritual each year: to conclude the annual spring concert by honoring the graduating seniors, calling them each to the stage with a few words about their experience and where they are each heading off to next. College! My wife and I sat there quietly; proud, 2)beaming, but misty-eyed.

马马罗内克高中每年都有这么个极好的仪式惯例：在年度春季音乐会的最后向高三毕业生致敬，让他们逐一上台简单讲讲体会和未来目标。大学！我和妻子静静地坐在那儿，感到自豪、欣喜，却泪眼朦胧。

We were sad.

我们感到悲伤。