The third was accompanied by several relatives, including her grandmother in a wheelchair.
Every family received warm applause.
Then Mr. Halvorson looked at his next card.
“Number seventeen, four-year varsity letter winner and middle hitter, Kaylee Brandt, escorted tonight by her grandfather, Mr. Duane Ostrem!”
A murmur traveled through the bleachers.
Nearly everyone in our little town knew Dad.
Some had purchased milk from his farm. Others had attended church with him, worked alongside him, or known him since childhood.
Kaylee moved her rose into her left hand and linked her right arm through Grandpa’s.
He placed his cane carefully on the polished floor.
Then they began walking.
Slowly.
Cane.
Step.
Step.
Cane.
Step.
Step.
Each movement was deliberate.
The gym gradually became quieter as people watched the seventy-nine-year-old farmer escort his granddaughter toward center court.
Mr. Halvorson continued reading her achievements.
“Kaylee has maintained honor-roll status throughout high school, participated in the National Honor Society, and shown dairy heifers through 4-H for eight years…”
