Half Time Report

Thomas received his Master's Degree on Friday, June 7. I was excited about this accomplishment but it wasn't until we were participating in the graduation ceremonies that I really GOT EXCITED. I'll explain why in more detail below.

The Master's Degree is really just a half-time "Good job...but we still want more money" degree. We still have two more years to go with course work and then a year long internship. So we're really three years away before Thomas gets his PhD. But it's attainable and doable, and those next two years will probably go by just as fast as the first two have.

The day started out in typical Seattle fashion with grey skies and rain. We first went to the hooding ceremony, where Thomas graduate advisor, Dr. Bikos, "hooded" him.
We then went to the Ivy Cutting Ceremony, which is a tradition at SPU. Back in the 1920's some sophomore students planted a few ivy plants as a gift to the school. When they graduated two years later...and not realizing how quickly ivy grows here in the Northwest...those same students had an official "ivy cutting" ceremony and had to cut back the ivy plants they had planted two years earlier because the ivy had completely taken over the building.

The school now holds a symbolic ceremony every year and graduating students stand in a circle holding long vines of ivy. Professors go around and cut off pieces of ivy and give to each graduating student as they are "cut away" from the University and leave campus to "grow" and contribute out in the world.

On Saturday, we attended the main graduation ceremony at Qwest Field where the Seahawks play football. I must admit, I did not want to go to this. It was going to be a four-hour ordeal where you watch hundreds of students march across the stage to get a diploma, it was outside and cold and rainy. Being the selfish person that I sometimes can be I tried to talk Thomas out of it.

But by darn, he's worked hard to wear that graduation robe and he was going to use it! I couldn't not change his mind. So, I had to go.

To make a long story short, I got lost trying to find a house where I was meeting the babysitter who was going to watch Aiden. So late in fact, Thomas had to meet me at the baby sitter's house and I didn't have time to go home and get a jacket, snacks, or anything to keep me entertained for several hours. I was a little grumpy to say the least.

We arrived at the stadium just in time to hear horns heardling in the graduates. The best way to describe the music was completely triumphant. All the graduates filed in and when I saw Thomas out there all of the sudden my eyes filled with tears and I conveniently forgot that I didn't want to be there.

Instead, all I could think about was how proud I was of him. His determination and dedication to go the long haul and get an advanced education. How incredibly blessed we are to be able to attend graduate school. How worth it it's going to be when he is finished and is able to help people and make their lives better. And then our eyes found each other. I could see a big smile on his face. I was totally overwhelmed with gratitude and the tears just kept on coming.


It was a very happy moment and that's when I felt guilty about putting up such a stink about going to the graduation. I was glad we were there. I needed it, because half time is better than starting at the beginning and it helped me see that two more years is definitely doable.

So now I'm focused on the goal, on the prize. I'm ready to keep going...even if I hate it that my washer and dryer are in a yucky basement. Even if I really hate not having a dishwasher. The ending is going to be a happy story and for now, we'll just enjoy the journey and make the best of every day.

Congratulations, Thomas on a job well done. The next three years will be even more intense than the first two, but I know you have been blessed with gifts that will help you be successful in your educational goals. I'm proud of you. Now, let's finish the game. :)