We had an amazing weekend. Dinner at The Rossi (and yep, best burgers in town!), COSI with the kids and then a family dinner that was nothing short of fantastic. All of that leading up to the three hours we spent in the horseshoe today. It was a long three hours and we all have the sunburn to prove it. But for one second, when the graduates stood to accept their diplomas, I realized that it was possible to be happy, sad, proud and scared all at once.
People talk about that moment where their life flashes before their eyes. That was my weekend. I'm so thankful that the boys don't remember the tough times. The days when the power was shut off because I had to choose between paying daycare or paying the electric bill (it was just a little late!). They don't remember the nights of a picnic on the living room floor was because we couldn't afford that dinner out they really wanted. To this day, they don't know I occasionally turned the radio up a little louder when the ice cream truck came through because I just didn't have it. But those are the days that created memories. Not necessarily the ones I planned, but fantastic memories none the less.
But truly, the one thing they'll never remember is the nights I paced the floor...wondering if I could do it. If I could make their lives as rich and full as they deserved. Hoping the whole time that their lives would be better than my own. I prayed they'd be able to go off to college, experience all the things I didn't. Don't get me wrong...I don't regret a single decision or a single moment of my life. But you always want a little better for your kids than yourself.
And today, that came true. When President Drake asked the School of Business to rise, I wanted to melt. My heart couldn't have been more full...although it was hard to fight back the tears. We did it. Not me, not Hunter. But both of us, together. Hard work on his part and a steadfast resolve on my part to ensure he had every opportunity to excel.
Make no mistake, it took a village. Grandparents that thinks he hangs the moon. Aunts and Uncles that spoil him and promise bail money if he needs it. A brother than regularly challenges him and makes him work that much harder. And Jeff...oh, there just aren't enough words for that. The only person that loves them as much as I do.
And as we sat there today, I glanced at Will and realized we'd not only done the right thing once...but twice. Most consider themselves lucky if they experience one miracle in a lifetime. I've been blessed enough to experience two. And in just a few short years, we'll be sitting here again, just as proud.
So Hunter, congratulations on your graduation. There was never a doubt...not once, that you'd ever make it to today. Words can't possibly tell you how proud I am of you...but I promise, it'll be a lifetime of trying. Go forward, knowing that we are beside you in everything you do.
