Graduation Day

This morning got off to a bit of a rocky start with my Mom calling frantic because of the weather; she was unable to babysit. Now, it might sound like I'm kissing his ass right now, but Todd truly jumped into action and saved the morning for me. He got Holly, came home before Melissa was set to pick me up at nine. He told me to dress the kids because he and Holly were going to take them...I didn't know if it was the best idea, but I knew Todd knew what he was doing. He wanted me to have my family there because graduations in my past haven't been all that...special...and this one was off to the same beginning.

It was freezing out, windy and slushy. Melissa picks me up and we get to campus, nearly blown across the field of course in SUNY Oswego style as we walked to the campus center. It was nice to do this with her, one of my best friends. And did I mention I convinced her to start this program six and a half years ago? We both earned our Master's in Education, she in childhood education and mine in English. Typical Oswego, there wasn't a place set aside to put our hats on or get ready and they kind of had the graduate students in a hallway. And we started late.

Melissa's Mom took these photos...here is my family watching me! Makes my heart smile when I see this. And by the way, I saw Holly walking around but for the longest time I couldn't spot them. That's because I thought they'd be on the top row or in and out but apparently my kids sat AND behaved. Every time we heard a kid, I was like hey that's not one of mine! Like this shot of us walking out. The speaker was the author Bruce Coville and my old undergraduate advisor Dr. Weiner read my name which was a nice surprise and Dr. Greg Parson of Hart Hall seemed shocked to see me in line. President Stanley wished me luck with a blank look in her eyes, no recognition or hug like in 1998 when she hugged me and wished me well. The more things change the more they stay the same. Or is it the other way around? LOVE this picture. Mrs. Garwol said that when she saw Todd walk in with these curly headed kids and KNEW they were mine. Right after...Melissa insisted on photos and I'm glad she did. Notice those gorgeous roses? A gift from the lovely Jackie who surprised us on our way out, taking a break from her ushering duties. And I insisted on this one of course! Such a long and winding trip to earn this degree. I'm so glad I finished and I'm glad I went today...it was good closure for an educational goal that I had long held. It was amazing that the A-team were so good and when I walked up to them afterwards little Abbey came running to me with her arms out and her curls bouncy and it was the true icing on the cake.