graduation

I've kind of abandoned ship this last month.  Between a heavy workload, an unexpected trip to Durham, and a highly anticipated trip to Utah, April left me completely off the social media grid.  It was kind of liberating, to just live in the moment and enjoy time with my favorite people.  Siga siga I am getting back in the swing of things and trying to find my way through a pile of commissions.  (All of which are VERY cool and I can't wait to show you!)

Until then, I thought I'd share a few of our adventures from April, beginning with my brother's university graduation.  (Does anyone else call it university?  Mr. F is convinced I'm not American because I use terms like "University" rather than "College."  He might be on to something...but I still love me some apple pie and baseball, daggumit!)

Anyway.  Graduation.  My brother is a pilot.  A good one, according to everyone else in my family.  I'm the only person who hasn't flown with him, more from an exceedingly weak stomach than lack of trust in his skills.  Him I trust.  My stomach?  Not ever.  Well, to be a pilot you don't technically have to go to school, at least a formal university setting.  Piloting is based off licensing and hours.  But my brother wanted a degree as well.  So he's been flying, teaching flying, going to school, and being an amazing husband for the past several years all at the same time.  It's been chaos, but HE DID IT!  And with an amazing GPA ta boot!

There were two convocation ceremonies, the first being the large university commencement, the second the smaller college celebration.  While the college ceremony boasted a plane in the courtyard, I think we will all remember his university celebration for years to come.  The school president, Matthew Holland addressed the graduates with a brief but remarkably powerful speech.  He told the students that as they embark on their careers, they should not focus on monetary rewards or possessions, but on moments and people.  To cherish joy and happiness in worthwhile pursuits rather than chasing wealth.  It was truly awesome and I'm not doing it any justice.  Just trust me.  It was good.

It was strengthened by an address by Mitt Romney.  Politics aside, this was one of the best commencement addresses I have ever heard!  He was kind, sincere, and offered such intimate insights into living a full life.  Much like Holland, Romney emphasized the strength of relationships, familial, marital, and lifelong friendships.  He spoke of the value of service, parenthood, and enjoying small moments.  He didn't speak of making money, starting a company, or buying a big house.  He spoke of the simple things that make life full.

We all left that night feeling buoyed and strengthened.  The themes were valuable for all of us, no matter what state of life we were in and made us feel like there was plenty of good left for us to do.

The college convocation was boring beyond reason.  But we had Jamba Juices during that one, so it made up for a lot.  But The Stud crossed the stage and we screamed as loud as well could in celebration before heading outside for photos with airplanes.

I've been thinking so much about my brother and the man he has turned into.  There are four years between us in age, not a huge gap, but big enough that as children, there was always a bit of a cultural gap between us.  When I left for college, he was just starting high school.  As I was finishing college, he was heading off on his mission.  Since I left home, we have rarely been in the same place at the same time.  I missed watching him grow up and turn into a man.  But I got to see him over that weekend and basked in who he is.  He's intelligent, unbelievably hardworking, gracious, loving, kind, a caring husband, a sweet brother, and devoted son.  He's not the kid I watched playing baseball, but now a good man.  I am so proud of him and the life he and his sweet wife are creating!