Graduation Celebration

On Saturday morning, December 16, 2023, our son Sam graduated from college. His girlfriend Halle graduated that day too. They were at two different universities 60-some miles apart. They each got a normal graduation ceremony with the usual formalities and a walk across a stage, sitting with hundreds of other graduates, in venues full of families and friends. The graduation neither got from high school in 2020.

“Pomp and Circumstance” is always a stirring number for me. I appreciated it in a new way on Saturday.

We listened to three speakers who each did a nice job of conveying a message of resilience. We are defined by what we do when life doesn’t go our way as much as when it does. Thank you speakers.

I finally got to see my son walk across a stage and get his diploma.

“Celebration” by Kool and the Gang played as the new graduates filed out to reunite with family and friends. It is a song that holds other meaningful memories for me.

This picture was taken shortly after we found each other through the crowd. Proud parents with their smiling grad, happy to be done with both the ceremony itself and college in general.

And then we drove down the road and our family joined Halle’s family for a wonderful time together, sharing in celebration of these two who not only got degrees from college, they got each other. We are thrilled, proud, and look forward to the next steps they each take on their career paths and the journey they travel together. All the best to both of you!

I got emotional at times I didn’t expect. I wrote this before commencements started, as we waited.

Your truck keys are secure in my pocket.

Your key to my mother’s heart secure the moment we met.

You in your cap and gown. Me in my proud smile and comfy shoes.

You will walk solo across a stage today, but you never walk alone.

Congratulations Sam and Halle! You have yourselves, each other, and your families celebrating your accomplishments and cheering you on in your next steps. Go forth!