TOPIC: Another Graduation

Another update!  My oldest daughter, Michal Beth, invited me to attend her graduation last week.  It was a quick trip!  I was in and out.  A quick visit was probably good for all there.  Franklin said that guests and fish begin to stink after three days.  In my case, it may be much less than that, well, it is much less than that.  But I digress...

Michal was named after the Old Testament David's first wife.  The name means, "a little stream of water."  Interestingly, a nearly five years ago, she married a wonderful young man named...  David!

Michal has worked for years in various pediatric offices, doing triage, nursing, all the hands-on stuff.  She enjoyed it, but wanted to earn a degree, and move on.  After much study, much effort and while working, she earned a B.S. in Community Health from Utah Valley University.  During that time, she was published more than once (VERY good articles), slipped up not once (okay, she did get a couple of A minuses) and finished Summa Cum Laude.

We, Michal's entourage, were all packed into a large auditorium with thousands of other parents and students.  It was a very proud moment!  As I watched her file in with the other students I remembered the moment she was born.  There was no mirror which allowed me to see what was happening and as she was born my view was blocked by some blue-green fabric carefully placed, I think, to prevent me from seeing what was happening.  I did not know if she was a boy or a girl!  In those days, we did not want to know.  We could have known in advance, but opted for the Christmas morning gift opening excitement instead.  As she was born, I asked, "What is it?  A boy or a girl?"  A nurse answered that the baby was a girl.  Coming around to the front one of my typical cracks slipped out, "Gee, you mean they're born without diapers?"  The nurse looked at me like I had four eyes...

I'm used to that.

As I watched her walk to her seat and as that memory flashed through my mind, we all looked forward to the Commencement speech.  It was offered by Thomas S. Monson (go ahead, google him or check this link:  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_S._Monson ).  His talk was wonderful.  He suggested that commencements give us three things to think about:

1.  Looking back, briefly, to see where we have come from.
2.  Embracing the present, reaching outward with our new-found knowledge and skills, to serve others.
3.  Pressing forward toward a brighter future.

Great talk.  Great send off.  Great advice.

There were so many in that convocation that we all afterward separated to smaller groups from the different schools to hear the student names and degrees.  It was a terrific morning!  The morning was followed by an afternoon of barbeque and get together with family and friends.

I had fun.  I felt proud.  I was, as I always am with my oldest daughter, impressed.

A packed in advance and very prepared Dad left his camera right by the door so he would not forget it.  He left it sitting right by the door, having forgotten it.  So, attached are some pictures shared with me by others!

Picture explanations:

Photo 1 - she is nearly as tall as I so I don't have to bend over much, but you can readily see where she does not get her looks, and where she likely does not get her brains...
Photo 2 - the graduate.  Wow, that's summa medal!  You should know, very few of those medals were awarded!  Her college colors are the same as my college colors!
Photo 3 - you are looking at a bright future.

Prior to graduating Michal was hired as an instructor at Fordis College.  She will remain in the medical field and offer what she can to others.  Knowing her as I do, she will offer her all.  Education is worth very little if it is not shared.  She will share quite a bit.

As one door closes, another opens.  I am sure many more will open from here.

Man that is sooooo cool.  Tell er I said congrats.  Good luck with her future!  Always nice to see someone succeed at the things they try so hard for.

Congratulations Jay. Looks like you're kids are doing quite well!