This Just In

On Saturday April 30, 2011 the older of my two sons graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State University.  I had never been to a college graduation ceremony before, other than my dad’s when I was a kid.  This was some pretty fancy business.

The ceremony was held in the Norris Center on the LSSU campus. The stage was nice, and there were flowers every where (which I loved.) My son and his friends received their degrees in the presence of family and friends, and I have to confess, I did cry some.  Okay, I cried a lot.  I experienced feelings I didn’t know I would.

As I walked around the upper level of the Norris Center with my mom,  it occurred to me that had I done things differently, I would have had the same experience that Toadie was having that day.  Of course, if I had done things differently, I might not have had Toadie.  Things happened the way they did for a reason, and I am thankful for the results of the choices I did make.

There was gratitude in my heart to the girl who flew all the way from Texas with her boyfriend just to be with Carl on his graduation day.  What a truly special person and genuine friend my son has.

There were other thoughts and feelings as well, but that could take all day and I want to get to the pictures:)

This is the stage area, lined with beautiful flowers:

In all fairness to Toadie, I took this picture from the audience and I was quite far away–he had no idea I was testing my zoom and snapping pictures.  They don’t always turn out clearly when I max out the zoom, so I was kinda happy with this one.  It did look like he was looking right at me though, doesn’t it?

The distinguished speaker was a brilliant young lady from Zimbabwe named Sophie Chandauka.  She came to be a graduate of LSSU via a student exchange in Canada.  She gave a brilliant speech on the American Dream as a state of mind.

After all the introductions, formalities and speeches, it was TIME. Carl was number 44 in a graduating class of about 500 students, so his turn came pretty quickly.

Have you ever seen such a huge smile? I seriously think someone was thrilled to get his degree! Way to go Carl Todd, you’ve worked so hard, and your mother is incredibly proud of you!  I am so glad you achieved this, and that I could help you along the way!

I did it! I did it! Happy dance!

Carl’s special day was made all the more special by this sweet girl, who flew all the way in from Texas with her boyfriend just for the occasion.  Jenelle, you are the sweetest girl ever and you have a heart of gold.  It’s easy to see why Carl loves you so much, and I do too.  You are everything a person could want in a best friend, and I’m so glad Toadie met you!

I don’t really want to post this picture because I look like a cow in it…but since I’m on the journey to a lighter body and better health, I thought it would be a good thing to post so I can look back and see how far I’ve come at the end of the process. My face looks fat and my hair isn’t the best it’s ever been, but well, that’s life.  I sure as heck don’t look fabulous all the time, just most of the time;)  Just kidding.

Another constant friend throughout Toad’s college career and now an exceptional elementary school teacher is Carl’s friend Dan.  It was really nice that they graduated together.  Dan was a student teacher this year in Little Man’s classroom and I just loved him.  So did Little Man.  Which ever school district hires this young man is getting an exceptional find.

So where did the time go? The day before this momentous occasion I turned 42…I don’t feel like I’m old enough to have a college graduate, but here we are!  I put together the little collage below because it really sums up the entirety of the situation, you know?

Carl, I am more proud of you than you will ever know.  I wish you the best in life, and I truly hope your college experience and your degree will open many doors for you along the way.  The future is wide open kid, grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride.

All my love,

Mom