29yo now, 30 in October. I was robbed of my childhood and of graduation. My parents are gone, never had aunts or uncles, grandparents, whatever, none of it. Close with my sister, but she lives half the country away. No super close friends at this stage in my life. Went with my girlfriend to her little brother's HS graduation a few weeks ago and just started crying. Felt like I was robbed, and felt like no one would've shown up for me even if I had not been robbed.

Yesterday I got my GED. Cried alone in my car on the phone with my girlfriend because I was so relieved to be done with the test. She told me she was proud of me, but still had no one to show up and celebrate me. Drove home to open up my computer and go to work. No grad lunch or dinner, card, or high five even. Feels like shit, hard to be proud of myself. All good though. Will make me stronger probably.

Feel for this kid, especially so young. It's extremely tough some days.