Saturday, May 23, 2009

Graduating into Life

Only four wonderful years filled with dedication, hard work, friendship, frustration and sometimes tears, could culminate in a bear-hug like this one.  Between teacher and student, between mentor and grasshopper, and now finally, between friends.  So much growth.  So many changes.  So many memories...
Angel Daughter Number One, my first baby, my sweet pea, my child, and now and forever, my dear friend, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts with honors, this very morning.  Somewhere in this sea of black caps and gowns is my little girl.  The one who taught me how to be a mother.
It was her day to shine and along with her gorgeous roommates, shine she did!
First on the stage was my Angel Daughter from Oregon who belongs to another lovely family, but for whom I stand in as a surrogate momma when she crosses state lines into California.
And then my girl.  There she was, beaming her wonderful smile as she received her well-deserved, well-earned diploma.
Normally, I scream like a wild banchee when one of my Angel Daughters is being recognized for something, but today, all I could do was watch.  And snap a few blurry-eyed photos.(Not sure if it was the tears or the 5:30 am wake-up that caused that reaction.  You guess.)
And as always, my Angel Family snuggled in tight to celebrate one of our own.
Nothing could have made the day more complete...
Except for these two little angels.  My brother's Angels, who carried my beloved brother's spirit with them into this very special day.  And somehow I know that my Angel Daughter's very special uncle was there with us all today.  Smiling and cheering and absolutely beaming at what his first niece has come to accomplish in her relatively short twenty-one years on this earth.  

Congratulations, baby.  As I watch you become more and more of who you are, you teach me more and more about who I am.  The teacher becomes the student, as the student becomes the teacher.

I love you with all of my heart.  Oh yes, and that commencement speech that never really happened but should have, about always wearing sunscreen... Very, very good advice.


15 comments:

tj said...

...A most blessed day! Congrat's to Angel Daughter #1 and here's wishing her all the best that life has to offer! And as for you Angel's Mom & Dad - job well done... :o)

...Beeeautiful family!

...Blessings all...

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! to your daughter and to you for being her wonderful mother!!

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

i admire you so much. in those rare picutures you post of yourself, you look so incredibly kind, beautiful. i can not even begin to imagine your pride. look at your beautiful daughter. my deepest prayer for you - that the future is even brighter than the brilliant past - that your life will increase through grandbabies and sons-in-laws deserving of your wonderful girls.

Mickey (Michel) Johnson said...

...congratulations. the first is something special aren't they? my sweet first will be entering 10th grade and he has had to teach me so much about being a mother. i remember so many times i would see others with their wee ones and i would think to myself...my child will never do that...say that or act like that. well, my first taught me to never think like that again!!! enjoy the day and celebrations...you both deserve it. and i will tell my boys to wear sunscreen! xo, mickey

Catherine Holman said...

Congrats to Angel Daughter #1! I'm sure you are beaming with pride for this beautiful first child!
Hugs,
Cathie

Jenn-n-n said...

Congratulations to Angel Daugher #1. And Congratulations to you, her Angel Momma for raising such a beautiful daughter.

It looked like an awesome day, made even more amazing by the addition of your Angel Nieces. A truly blessed day indeed.

Thank you for sharing with us!!

Something Happened Somewhere Turning said...

:-)

Ness said...

Congratulations, Mom...from cradle to college and beyond! She is beautiful, smart and so in love with her family.

You have done your best and exceeded beyond your wildest dreams.

Congrats AD1 on your degree and may you have a wonderful, fulfilled life but never forget from whence you came with your wonderful parents and family.

Sabi Sunshine said...

Congratulations to your Angel daughter, you must be proud of her what an excitement to graduate... what is her next plan.. now

God Bless

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

ps

debbieee did you see what happened? my art is going to be in a mooovie! I'm not getting any big Hollywood bucks - yet - but still, everyone will be able to see my art next year!

Preity Angel... said...

It was amazing post congratulations to your Angel daughter# 1. I always love to see your amazing posts. Your family is sooooo goood. You are so lucky to have them in your life.

Irene Latham said...

Oh Deb, your babies are FLYING, aren't they?? Big congrats and love the leis! Gorgeous.

Debbie said...

Congratulations! She is beautiful as are all of the photos.

rivergardenstudio said...

What a beautiful day... congratulations to you and your family... when my daughter graduated from college I was very moved as well! roxanne

Joan said...

What a wonderful day for you and your family.
Congrats to AD#1.

Related Posts with Thumbnails