July 7 -Tonight was the Commencement ceremony, and I went up the stage to collect my Masters degree scroll. I wasn't planning on going, but thought that it would probably be the last time I would graduate with a degree of some kind.
As I sat there in the hall with hundreds of others clad in our gowns, waiting for the time to get up to the stage, I reflected on the journey that led up to this night. I'd applied to do my Masters before I knew I was pregnant, got accepted to start the program just a few months after Chris was born, and 3 years later, with 2 pre-schoolers and a baby-in-the-tummy, I completed the program. It still baffles me how I managed to complete 10 modules, 20 assignments, and pass 10 exams, while taking care of 2 toddlers on my own. That's when I know I couldn't have done it without the grace and wisdom of God, and the support of my family and loved ones.
Tonight is really not about me. It's the culmination of the efforts and sacrfices of dh and my parents. When I asked my Dad if I should do it, he said, " I will do my best to support you." And he did that by babysitting my kids when I went to class, even when he was going through chemo- therapy. My Mom meal planned and made sure everyone was fed. Dh took leave, and came home early to help take care of the kids when I had to go to classes or take exams. He allowed me to do my assignments after the kids slept at night and did the chores and did not complain ( too much) about me neglecting his needs.
I still remember rushing into night class late, almost every time, because I would have to nurse the baby, and then dashing out once the prof said, " I think we're done for tonight." I missed mostof the announcments made in class, only to find out when I missed a reading the following week.
Thank you, God, dh, Dad, Mom.
