Graduation

On May 16th we hurried ourselves to get dressed and out of the door so we could wait at the Meyerhoff for Jim's Graduation ceremony. Jim was not really inclined to go but I insisted. Getting a college degree is the kind of accomplishment that should be marked in an official way. It shouldn't just be the freeing up of a schedule. He had worked for this degree for years and kept at it even when he really wanted to quit. Jim did it for himself but also for us. He stuck with it all of those nights and even through a newborn and ankle reconstruction. He did it!

The girls and I got pretty good seats, near the bathroom, and on the main level. When the graduates finally processed in, I was so relieved that Jim was on our side, and I was elated when he sat on the isle. Emma spotted him first and we all took turns trying to get his attention. I stood Megan up on the back of a chair and we finally we got his attention. Rep. Elijah Cummings was the Guest speaker. He was quite good and spoke with much emphasis but Megan kept asking why he was yelling. The girls struggled with the length but Bridget busied herself with 3 trips to the bathroom, snacks and the big girls kept busy with video games.

When Jim's name was called Emma yelled out, "We love you Papa!" She was loud and everyone heard it. Jim waved his diploma to us as he crossed the stage. They were so proud of him and so was I. We enjoyed the crush of happy family and graduates as we went to find Jim at the end and took pictures. Jim handed out his flower, "diploma", mortar board and stole to the girls to try on and pass around.

Afterward we went to Dimitri's for lunch and then we got ready for the party the next day. It was time to celebrate. We rented the Knights of Columbus hall, and got a caterer since to 70 plus crowd wouldn't fit well at our house nor did I want to clean for it.

MarySue came down with the kids on Sunday and helped me set up the hall. We had lots of friends come from way back that we don't see very often. I think Jim was really honored that so many people came. Our guests were almost half children so we had a corner of games set up for them, but really they loved the balloons the best. Jim spoke at the blessing and reflected what Elijah Cummings had said in his address, that this wasn't really about him but that it was about... and Megan who was laying on the floor says "Me?". Jim also thanked me very sweetly. We had a wonderful time and lots of leftovers. We even had friends stop by afterward who couldn't make it and helped us clean up.