John is now an alumus
Last night we went to the ceremony for his department. It was a neat, personal service. They announced each graduate and gave a list of their accomplishments. Today was the big ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences, of which John's school, Health and Applied Sciences, is a part.
Last night, when we rode by Cici's Pizza, where we ate our last meal with him before we left him as a freshman, we reminisced about the day we left him at UNCW. I remember the dread of leaving him... on his own. The whole family cried as we left him. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Over the past 5 years, we've seen lots of changes in John. I've always enjoyed being around him, (except for maybe a day or two between the ages of 14-16), but there is a maturity about him now that is so neat for a parent to see. He will be moving in with us for the summer, to work at the swim club, as the manager and swim coach.
While we are proud of him and his accomplishments, it is a little bittersweet. Graduating from college, in my mind, marks the beginning of really being on your own. There is a measure of relief for us, yet also a measure of sadness, in the thought that our job is basically done. From the moment they are born, they are struggling to be independent. Our job as parents is to work ourselves out of a job. Or, at least, just have the job reduced to that of advisor, not hands on parent.
So today and yesterday, we celebrated John's accomplishments and accolades. We, like him, look forward to where God will lead him, and as any Mom would say, "If it please you Lord, don't lead him too far away from home!"
Two down and four to go!!
At the School Commencement
Each graduate was congratulated by the faculty
Finally done smile
Congratulations John Jr., and of course to the parents who have "nearly worked themselves out of a job." I'm sure the summer will be fun!
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