Graduation...

We did it - I made it. It's done. 

Well, technically I do have my boards later this month to pass but that does not affect my graduation status. Tonight, I was awarded a Master's of Science in Nursing. It was actually quite an emotional event for me. When we walked in and I heard the Pomp and Circumstance music I stated to tear up. I think it finally hit me that these past few years of hard work - juggling home life with a husband and tiny kids along with school work - are complete and I can move onto my career. 


Our keynote speaker tonight spoke of service as most of the graduates are going into professions of service. I love that I will be helping people or as my children call me - be a "healer". He simply said, "First and foremost serve - be a knight not a knave."

I was blessed to have some amazing people attend either my graduation celebrations and/or the actual ceremony. I was at the satellite campus so our ceremony is much smaller than the main campus. The actual ceremony only lasted a total of 75 minutes - thank goodness since that's about as long as the kids can sit. They earned this degree as much as I did - T Rex Dad, too. My in-laws gave me this beautiful music box as a graduation gift which they brought back from Italy. My little daughter just LOVES it. She said, "Mama, have it?" My reply, "Some day - absolutely, it is yours as you have been with me literally every step of the way." Today we arrived at the events center and T Rex said, "Mama, is this where OUR graduation ceremony is?" The kids were SO proud and would not let me go after the ceremony was all over. 

 

 

I was so happy when I marched in during the ceremony and saw my own personal cheering section - all the people who have been my support for the past three years - friends, family, neighbors. I even had a dear friend drive over from Portland for the weekend of festivities. Sadly, my dad did not make the trip up. I was pretty disappointed but actually, the folks who attended my ceremony were ones who have been with me through the journey and my dad has not. Plus, all these folks are adored by the kids so there was plenty of entertainment for them. However, they received many compliments on their excellent behavior during the ceremony.

To all my dear friends and family who have been my support these past few years - thank you. Thank you for sticking with me when I've not been able to keep up socially or just not keep up. Thank you T Rex and Lil Sister for being the best kids - understanding and patient with your mom (and being great sleepers - now). Huge thank you to my sweetheart - there is not enough room on this page to convey my feelings and thoughts but just know I know how fortunate I am. Thank you to those who read and offer their kind words and supportive statements - these have been most appreciative. 

The countdown is finally complete. Screen cap from last night...