My Very Own Graduation Ceremony!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

December Highlights

       Down in Arizona for the next month, my husband and I are stuck in an “in-between” stage waiting to begin our adventure in China. Fortunately for me, my old job called in desperate need of a trained server.  Three of their employees had recently quit. So, they were willing to take me on even though it’s for so short a time. I am grateful because we do need the funds! We’re planning to be completely broke by the time we return home in June.
        I didn’t get the “pomp and circumstance” graduation ceremony at BYU, but my dad and my sisters planned a spectacular surprise for me. My dad reserved a room for 30 people at the Brick Oven in Provo. In my mind, it was going to be a simple family dinner. Well, to my delight I got the graduation ceremony I could never have imagined! My dad asked around for a graduation cap and gown and my sisters crafted a diploma with pink paper, markers, and stickers! They presented it to me after dressing me in my proper graduation attire. Dad was so proud. He also graduated from the Y and I’m the first of 5 kids to acquire a BS and probably the only one to get it from BYU.   
        My family decided that instead of doing presents this year for Christmas, we would do a simple service project together. My dad found an assisted living home nearby and I put together a 30-minute music program with solos, duets, and group numbers. It was simple, but wonderful. I remember one old lady named Pat who sat next to my grandmother during our presentation. She was smiling so big and sang along with us for several numbers. Another older gentleman spoke softly to my dad saying “You don’t know how much this means to us.”
        May the spirit of Christmas remain with us always!