June 18, 2013

On a Personal Note...One Proud Mom!

Oh, this was so fun!  Yep, this is all about bragging.  I just got back to Orlando tonight from attending my son's college graduation in Maryland



The graduation was at the gorgeous Gaylord National Harbor Hotel and what a graduation it was!


This was the grand finale of a long journey.  My son got his Associate of Arts degree straight out of high school, I had always hoped he would get his bachelors, but as many of you parents know, you can't make your kids do anything.

So over the years he changed majors a few times, took classes here and there, switched schools a couple times, had some great jobs and not so great jobs and well, I always hoped....One day, maybe, he would get his bachelors........Then....


Two and a half years ago when he moved to DC he found a school and a major that interested him and he went back to school full time and he started checking off the classes one by one, semester by semester and.... He was getting A's and more A's, and more A's. 


This was no easy task, here he was in a new town with a new full time job and going to school full time.  He had no time for friends and a social life, there was no time to play and explore his new city, no time for much needed vacations.  He kept his nose to the grind stone, his whole life was work and study.  The few times I visited I knew he was stressed.  There was times I thought he was in over his head, but he was a man on a mission!


Then the day came!

I knew it was coming.... He called one afternoon...Well, I'll never forget it..."Mom, I'm done, I just finished my last class"...Now, I'm not generally a crier and I have no idea where it came from so I surprised myself when...I burst out crying!   Then through my tears I heard him say "I got an A in the last class, Mom, I'm graduating with a 4.0


These are the buttons that popped right off my shirt as I puffed my chest with pride.....


 And watched him walk across the stage to get his diploma


Yep, he graduated with honors, in the top 1.8% of his class of 3248
Forever and ever he's earned the bragging rights of saying he graduated......
 Summa cum laude
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Golden Key International Honour Society
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society


(Wife Alicia, Brad, Me, Grandma)

I want to share some advice that I often tell friends who have adult children leaving home for the first time.   

You can love, guide, and encourage them, (Beg, plead), and offer advice.  But, they are adults and you will quickly find you can't live their life.  You can't make them take a certain major, choose their career path, live vicariously through them, or choose their friends and interests.....But this isn't bad, 

I'm proud to say I raised a strong child who is not easily swayed by parents and peers, one that has a plan and follows through, that has strong convictions, sticks to them, and charts his own life's course....... You have to let them fly and ......They may just  surprise you!

...Congratulations Bradley!!!!

Ok, the bragging has officially ended, barf, barf, gag, gag......I just couldn't help myself, this was a really, really, big event in our lives!

Carol



55 comments:

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Wow! Bragging rights totally earned! Graduating Summa cum laude is such an amazing achievement! I could tell right away that he was decorated quite well! Great job! Great advice!
Karen

shari said...

Congratulations to you (for raising such a great man) and Bradley for graduating with honors. I would be bragging too. My daughter is currently a Junior in college and doing well. It was so hard to let her go, she goes to U of M which is 1 1/2 hr. drive from home. Now this summer she went out of state to work a summer internship in D.C. That was even tougher on me, but you are right, you have to let them go. And it is getting a little easier. Congratulations!

Maureen Wyatt said...

You have every right to brag about your son's achievements. He has done amazing well and doing it while he was working full time makes it mean all the more. It took me a long time to accept that my daughters had their own lives to live and didn't necessarily want the same things I wanted for them. When I GOT IT, life went along just fine for all of us!

Maureen Wyatt said...

ps - You are one fine mama to raise that boy!

Harvest Moon said...

You are right Carol. The best thing we can give our kids are roots and wings!

Nilgün Komar said...

Congratulations to your son
I wish you success in your life always
I appreciate your support for

Debbie said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! You have every right to be a proud mom, and he has earned the strutting rights with a 4.0. That's just plain amazing. This is definitely his "time" between finding the perfect girl and finishing school. If I were you, I would be walking on a cloud too.

I loved what you said at the end, too. You are so right about that, and I had to learn it the hard way, by experience. I have a friend with a recent HS graduate whom I am going to send this way to read this for encouragement.

(Any news about relocation yet?)

Betty Sneeringer said...

Congratulations! You did your part early on and he has developed into an outstanding individual! Now, go "do" something crafty with those buttons you popped!

Betty

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Congratulations to your son, Carol! He {and you} should be very proud of his achievements. We are headed to NY next week for my son's college graduation. He was also very nose-to-the-grindstone and serious about his studies once he chose his major. The morning of his graduation there is an honor society induction breakfast, so it will be a full day. I guess I should make sure I bring tissues!

By Neymes said...

OLÁ MINHA QUERIDA AMIGA E MÃE,(SORRIR).EU QUERER TE DAR PARABÉNS PELA VITÓRIA DE SEU FILHO,PORQUE A VITÓRIA DE NOSSOS FILHOS, SER A NOSSA VITÓRIA.UM FORTE ABRAÇO A TODOS.VALÉRIA.(BRASIL).

Jane said...

You can brag all you want and you deserve to!!! Congratulations to your son for all of his hard work and graduating with such honors, no easy task for sure. And congratulations to you for raising such an accomplished son!! You both should be very, very proud!
Jane

FabShabbyRoses said...

Congratulations to your son and to you! It's so heartwarming to see our children succeed! They work so hard and they deserve everything they have coming to them! Congrats to you to Mom for raising a wonderful son! You can be proud! And.....what was his Major after all??????

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Carol,

Cogratulations to you and your son! I am happy you got your day to brag lol.... I don't blame you one bit.

xoxo,
Amy Jo

Marilyn said...

So, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Your son must have many of your best traits that you let us see when you share your creativity and work ethic. Congratulations to you for having a fine son and to him for getting high honors at his graduation! You all should be very proud!♥♫

Stacey said...

How awesome for your son!! Graduating with Honors is something to be so proud of.

I appreciated your message about grown kids too. Actually I really needed to read that today. :)

Melodee said...

awesome! congrats to you, mamma, to your son, and to his wife! that's an amazing feat with all of those honors! something to be soooo proud of!!!!!

DownTheLaneWithDaisy said...

You have every right to brag. Terrific accomplishment for him and a credit to you!!

Heart Vintage Design said...

Congrats to you and your son! I also graduated Summa Cum Laude so I totally know the work involved.You are a lucky mom!

farmhouse-story said...

brag away, carol--that's awesome! wishing him a wonderful, new future!

Anonymous said...

You have every reason to be proud! Congratulations. I would tell the WORLD!!

robin :-)

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Carol,
CONGRATS to all!!! You should be very proud...so scream it out! My oldest went back and got her masters and walked back in May. I was really proud of her too...she got an award and when the teacher was talking about my grown child...this mom had tears (they might be grown but they are still your babies).

Blessings,
Linda

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol, Congrats to your son on his achievements. What a grand day and you have every right to be the proud mom. You raised a wonderful son with the staying power to success. What a gorgeous pic of you all together. You look gorgeous beaming with joy next to your handsome son and daughter in law with your sweet mom.
Best wishes always for a wonderful future for Brad and his beautiful wife Alicia.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

What an awesome story, Carol! I had tears in my eyes and a knot in my throat! Not only does he find the resolve to go back, but he graduates with honors. You have every right to be proud and happy. Congratulations to both of you--he did it, but you laid the foundation, I'm sure, and congratulations to his wife--that wasn't easy on her either, and to his grandmother, who more than likely played a role in his getting there too! Joy to the whole family! ~Zuni

Cece said...

This was a wonderful post. And......he made it through getting married to boot, and still made all those honors. I am glad you wore a medallion of sorts on your necklace. Call that your honor award for raising such a fine son. You both have come full circle. I wish him and his wife all good days ahead.

Createology said...

A very proud and beautiful Mom! Your son is handsome wise and smart. Congratulations on such huge accomplishments. Honors and a full time job are not easy at all. Proud, Happy, and Secure...

pipigirl said...

congrats proud mama:) gonna go far in life.....and thats.... a good thing. happy for your family.

Unknown said...

congrgulations to you and your son ,I'm beaming for you, there is no better feeling than a mothers pride, my guys are still so little, but every mile stone we hit makes me a better mom, I cant wait to see my boy's and little kailey make their stide accross that gradation stage, my hats off to you and your boy xo Elle @sweetpeaschicnshabbies.blogspot.com

Cynthia said...

Congrats to your son and to you, how great that he stuck with it. Honors, how awesome is that. I am very happy for you and the family.

Cynthia

Acorn to Oak said...

What an awesome story! After all the years of stress, worry and frustration I can understand how proud and happy you must be. All the best to your son as he pursues his new career and future with his new degree! :-)

Rhissanna said...

Congratulations, to him and to you. It sounds like he knew what he wanted and waited until he found it, and then gave it his all. If he does that with everything, he's a star and he probably has you to thank for that. Well done both of you!

Teresa said...

So Happy for you and him. And I know your silent support and watchful love encouraged him to make this amazing job.
Brad brings you so much joy. I hope it keeps being the case. I'll be praying that he keeps on his path - whatever he chooses - and giving you plenty to cry about... of happiness.
What a wonderful last picture!!! I hope you're already dreaming of a lovely vintage, blingy creation, to have it alwats on sight.
Embracing you, both, for the Job Well done.
Teresa

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Congratulations to Brad for sticking with it and accomplishing his goal. You have earned bragging rights and I'm so happy you shared this. I couldn't agree more that we just have to let them make their own decisions and then pray that they're the right ones. Your pictures are priceless!!

Primsandroses said...

wonderful, wonderful, so happy for him, what an accomplishment. I cried when one of my sons got his HS diploma (after a lot of years in between). Roots and Wings for children.
karan
primsandroses.com

Debbiedoos said...

Whoot whoot. Congrats indeed. I sure would be bragging to there Momma!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Carol, I would be bragging too!
Bragg on proud Mom! Congrats to your son and to you.

hugs
sissie

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Double congratulations to your son!!! This is worthy of bragging and lots of joyful tears! You have done a good job in letting him fly. Having adult children I know it is hard to let them find their way. Best of wishes to you all! Nancy

Gina said...

You have every right to brag! You're a proud Mom who has obviously done one heck of a job as a Mom.

A big congratulations to your son!!! Wishing him all the best!

Trisha said...

Wow, what a great accomplishment. He looks so successful already. You have every reason to be proud.
Have a Blessed day, Trisha

fixitfaerie said...

You have a right to brag. Kids have their own ideas, and then one day they wake up and have an 'ah ha' moment. So happy for you and your family. And thanks for sharing! Blessings Paula

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Wow! Very impressive! You (and he) deserve to brag all you want to! He really worked hard! Congratulations to all! Wonderful that you and your mother could attend!

Katherine

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I'm so Happy for you and your son!What a moment for all! Great photos!
Now, put your buttons back on your shirt!
CONGRAT'S to your son!
Warmly,
deb

Melody said...

Congratulations, Carol! Mamas are allowed to brag about wonderful sons & their accomplishments.
Thank you for the bit of parenting advice! Our oldest finished his freshman year as an engineering student (hates math) and decided to change his major to poly/sci (loves history & war anthologies make his heart beat...) It's hard not to be a "helicopter parent" even when they're 19! ;)

Anonymous said...

Brag away proud mama!!! You deserve to do so! Wow I bet he had an extra 10 pounds on him with all those gorgeous honors!!!

You look beautiful friend!

bee blessed
mary

Angelina- JoJo & Eloise said...

OH!!!!! Auntie Carol, I am so so so HAPPY!!! What a wonderful accomplishment! I can only imagine the Momma Pride you have!!! Can't wait to talk and hear all about it!!!
xoxo
Angelina

Irene Helms Designs said...

Congratulations to your son on a job well done. And congratulations to you for raising such a strong young man! Best of wishes!
Irene

Simply Lokal said...

Congratulations to your son - and you - Carol! Never be ashamed of bragging...it's one of our rights as Moms, grandMoms etc, isn't it? - Revis

Unknown said...

Yee Haw!!! :)

Mimi Sue said...

Since I am the mother of 4 adult children I know absolutely what you say is true. No matter how much you beg, if they don't want to do it they won't. Congratulations to your handsome son. Mimi

Ivy and Elephants said...

Congratulations! What a smart boy.
See, Mama is always right!
You deserve to puff right up :)
Hugs,
Patti

Bluebirdbasketry said...

Oh Carol, how wonderful! I do appreciate all of your comments about wanting the best for your kids and your advice on how they have to find their own way. This is an amazing achievement in so many ways - not only did he go back to school while working (extremely hard and stressful), he excelled and exceeded expectations. Wow, you have every tight to be proud and so does he. Good job to both of you!!

Sue

Savannah Granny said...

Carol, I am so proud of you and your son. Him for his awesome achievements and dedication and to you for letting him find his own dream and achieve it at his pace. Finding that lovely wife in the meantime was too bad either.
LOL, When it came into my in box, I thought a wee one might be on its way! Plenty of time for that.
Blessings to all,
Oh, all of you look GREAT

Unknown said...

You have every reason to brag! Congratulations on a job well done... both to your son and yourself....great advise!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Carol,
You have every right to brag about your wonderful son!! Congrats to him and your entire family. What an accomplishment!!
When my Joey decided not to go to college after high school, I almost had a stroke but on the advice of a friend who is a teacher who said not to push him or he would quit and never go back, I let him go but told him he would have to work full time. That lasted for 2 years and finally, he said he wanted to go to college. He did and is now an IT specialist with a great job.
They have to chose their own path and make their own life.....I had a friend who had 4 kids and she always said that you raise your children to grow up and leave you...

Hugs,
Deb

Little Miss Maggie said...

Wow, you have every right to be proud of your son. He had a lot on his plate and he achieved his goal. I bet he is thrilled too that it is all behind him. All those honors he received are really such an accomplishment. I'm so happy for both of you.

FredaB said...

Carol

This is a wonderful story and I can see how proud you are. Congratulations to you both.

Hugs
FredaB
Mt. Dora, FL