Graduation - A Time for Celebration!

Graduate one, graduate all! What an emotional ride these past 2 weeks have been!

First, my mom. For the past 34 weeks she has been enveloped in descipleship classes at her church, St. Andrew's United Methodist. It was a comittment she made to herself and to God to learn more about the Holy Bible. Through the 34 week course she made many revelations about herself and her beliefs, and learned so much more about Jesus.

St. Andrew's has 5 levels of these descipleship classes, and each one takes almost a year to complete. An amazing 200+ people each year sign up to begin the journey. And the end of each course is cause for celebration.

Mom graduated from Desciple 1 and from there can take any of the next 4 courses in whatever order she chooses... and at whatever time. Her class instructor was her dear friend, Schawn, a fellow ER nurse we both know from work. How proud we are that she made this comittment and that she held true to it! Congratulations to my inspiration, my mentor, my friend... my mom!

Second, my baby girl Paige. I know it sounds ridiculous to say that one "graduates" from Kindergarten... but the year of Kindergarten is the first year of school, the foundation from which all other education is built upon. And for Paige, it was a magical year!

Buffalo Trail Elementary does not allow a typical graduation ceremony with caps, gowns, and diploma's. So the teachers got together and with the students, put on a little program that was just perfect! Paige had written a few words about what she enjoyed most about this past year and what she learned, as did all the other students. Each one, when called upon, stood up, and read to us their little story. The kids followed that tear jerking presentation by passing out donuts and juice for everyone to enjoy while we watched a very nice slideshow of pictures collected throughout this year. Mrs. Christy was kind enough to supply multiple boxes of kleenex and I am not sure there was a dry eye in the room. Except maybe some of the "men."

So my little girl is off to become a 1st grader! She is so very excited to get moved over to the new school and esspecially to ride the bus! With her calendar, she has 2 months off this summer before starting back... and when I told her this... she said... "SWEET!" Congratulations to my #1 girl, my darling daughter, the light of my life... Paige!

Third, and probably the most proud moment in my marriage is watching my dear husband graduate from Webster University with his MASTER'S DEGREE!! My entire relationship, both before and during our marriage has seen the likes of Robert, the student. His life long goal has to been to complete his Master's Degree! And finally - time... money... energy... sleepless and countless nights of writing papers, studying, worrying... hours away from the kids and I... it has all paid off.

Over the years you might have heard me say that I will not allow Robert to go back for his PhD. Some might think that it's harsh when I joke about divorcing him if he goes back to school again... but please don't take that to heart. I am VERY proud of my husband for all he has accomplished and wishes to accomplish in the future, and I support him 100% in the efforts he has and will continue to make! Congratulations to my love, my rock, the one who completes me... Robert.

**Also, I would like to send a shout of congratulations out to Hilary Brenneman, a previous youth group member of mine... who is graduating COLLEGE this month!! And to Anna Barba, a friend's daughter, who graduated high school this week!! And to Patrick Snyder, another previous youth group member, who also graduated high school this week!! CONGRATS TO ALL THE GRADUATES! GOOD LUCK!!**