Last weekend my brother-in-law became a college graduate. And we are proud of him. To celebrate his accomplishment... we went out for dinner at a favorite Mexican restaurant (Braveheart and Tenderheart included). We were also celebrating "Da-da's" birthday. We made a toast using our Margarita glasses. The kids used their sippy-cups. This was something new to them. And very exciting. The next morning, as I was sipping my coffee watching the morning news... a sippy cup suddenly slammed into mine. And Braveheart gave me a big smile as if to say, "Cheers, Momma!"
Then... graduation day! Thousands of people. I mean THOUSANDS. (It's the biggest event in the state). And what I am about to tell you... I am going to preface with this: DON'T JUDGE ME.
I brought leashes for our children. Yes. You heard me right. (Well, they are teddy-bear backpacks with a strap you can hold onto). But leashes, none-the-less.
Before I had children, I used to judge the people who put their children on leashes. Seriously? But now... I am humbled... oh, so humbled. And now I think they were stinkin' smart. My kids are lighting. No, faster than lightning. And they are two. And there are TWO of them. And so we brought the leashes. I don't think we used them more than 5 minutes. But let me tell you. Peace of mind. PEACE OF MIND.
Moving on...
During the ceremony, we stood beside a woman who was adorned in an elaborate purple dress, with a fabulous matching hat. It was a celebration outfit indeed. And I stood beside her closing my eyes as we listened to the benediction and blessing and thought of how wonderful it is to celebrate. I believe that she was one of the graduate's mothers. And she was bringing her best to celebrate her child's accomplishment. What a beautiful and sacred thing. Standing next to her made me feel that I was a part of something grand. And, indeed... it was grand.
And so, we took pictures with our new Graduate, and felt the breeze pass by. And we too, in our own way... brought our best in celebration. To celebrate our brother. To celebrate life. And to say that we are with him, beside him... wherever his journey goes.
Love you Brother!!!
