On Friday, when I said that sometimes life is about the big stuff, I don’t think I realized how big the stuff was I would be experiencing this weekend.
I’ve had lots of proud moments since I became Hannah’s mom. On Saturday, though, when I saw her name printed in the commencement ceremony booklet and it said majoring in Special Education and also English, graduating magna cum laude, well, my pride hit the highest it’s ever been.
It was a beautiful ceremony with lots of meaningful moments – the President’s speech was great, the family of Martin Richard was in attendance and they got a standing ovation, our dear friend Bob was part of the musical group that provided music for the processional and recessional, and all of this happened in the biggest tent I have ever seen.
Of course, the highlight for us was this moment:
We took a whole bunch of photos after the ceremony and, while I still have bunches to edit, I did get a few ready to show you today.
Here’s the graduate with her flowers and her diploma. Which is not, actually a diploma at all but just an empty folder. Diplomas will be mailed at a later date.
And here she is with her mama. I seriously look at this photo and can’t believe she’s mine. There has to be a bigger word than love to describe what I’m feeling about her accomplishment.
Here she is with her dad. The phrase bursting with pride comes to mind when I look at Dale’s face in this photo.
And one with all of us – the ones who have loved and supported this girl from birth (that would be me) and from the age of 4 (that would be Jess and Dale) and from birth again (that would be Patrick). We have a big, noisy, fun family but that little group right there is the heart of it for me and I’m so glad that Jess and Patrick could be with us for this really big occasion.
Finally, here she is with the entire world at her feet. Because it certainly is.
After the ceremony, we all went out to lunch together, Dale and I, Hannah and her friend Mike, Jess and Patrick, Hannah’s dad Rick and his girlfriend Stacy and also Hannah’s grandmother, Janice. I have to say, the relationship that Dale and Rick and I have is pretty amazing. We all put aside any petty jealousies or bad feelings a long time ago and have managed to always focus on what was best for Hannah. And the thing we all believe the most is that the very best thing for Hannah is having 3 parents who love her and support her, and also love and support each other. Raising this girlie has been a team effort and co-parenting with Dale and Rick has been a true blessing. So it was perfectly natural for us to go out together, to sit and chat, to reminisce about Hannah’s accomplishments, to tell stories from when she was little, and to just enjoy some quiet time as a family before the big shindig on Sunday.
More on that later this week.
In the meantime just know that my heart was filled with joy this entire weekend.
I’m so happy for Hannah. What an accomplishment. And I’m happy that you are all co-parenting so well. It takes a lot to get over your own “stuff” and focus on what’s important sometimes.
Congratulations to Hannah and her family. After all, it takes a village.
Wow. Congratulations to Hannah (and her supportive family) on great achievement!
Well-deserved congratulations to Hannah and the whole wonderful and loving family she’s got supporting her! You’re right; there does need to be a better word to express the pride and love parents feel about their children’s accomplishments. I don’t know what that word might be, but I certainly had plenty of pride and love trickling from my tear ducts on Saturday, and I bet you did, too!
Congratulations Hannah! You’ve made your family proud!
What a great day, and what a beautiful testament to a wonderful family relationship. I feel your joy!
Congratulations to Hannah, I just know that she is going to accomplish great things while following her dreams. It surely takes a village, and I’m so glad to be a part of yours!
Congratulations to Hannah! You all are such a wonderful, supportive family. I’m sure she will do terrific things.
What a wonderful post and a wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations to Hannah and to all of you as well!
Congrats to Hannah! I texted her on Saturday, but I didn’t hear back from her, so maybe it was an old number? 4166?
We also went out as our blended family to celebrate Stephanie’s graduation last weekend, and I agree that these days are about the child.
I look forward to more pictures. Love to all of you. 🙂
Hannah can’t help being awesome with such a great family supporting her! Congratulations to her for graduating in style!
You’ll be on cloud nine for a long time as that kind of accomplishment is huge for your girl. She DOES have the whole world before her and she knows her mind. Congratulations to your whole extended family!!
Gah! I’m crying! Congratulations, Hannah AND family!
xoxox
Congratulations to you all!! Job(s) well done! (And I’m sure that Hannah won’t have any difficulty finding one of those, either!) 😉
A beautiful post and a beautiful family! Congratulations all around.
Two smart cookies up there in the second still photo! Congratulations all around. (Part of graduation was on the news when a swain highjacked proceedings to propose.) I’m glad your party was on Sunday when the weather was stellar.
Oh, Carole! What a beautiful day. I’m so proud of you and Hannah and everyone else in your wonderful, extended family. (And . . . I got a bit teary just reading your post, too.) I think having your kid graduate from college is just WAY bigger and more amazing than when they graduate from high school (and that’s big, too). Such an accomplishment! Congratulations! XO
I am so happy for all of you!
Hannah was really lucky to have all that love and support. Obviously, she has flourished. Nice work.
my heart is bursting…and my cheeks are wet. so very happy for all of you. celebrating our children’s big accomplishments is the best it gets as a parent. (and p.s. I LOVE Hannah’s blue sandals 🙂
A very big congratulations to Hannah! I knew she could do it and a very big congratulation to you and Dale for giving her the encouragement and love to get there.
She is adorable!
xoxo
Woooo! Congratulations, Hannah! Brilliant accomplishment and brilliant future ahead of you!
I’m having an “I can’t believe she’s all grown up” moment.