A Proud Moment

Friday and Saturday were spent watching our older daughter get "pinned" and graduate from nursing school. We could not be more proud of her - she accomplished this while caring for six children, a husband, a home, two dogs and two cats. Her original class consisted of over 70 people, but only thirty-some of them made it to graduation. It wasn't easy; so we are doubly proud of her for studying hard and hanging onto her goals!

Here she is with Mr. kenju, the proud father.

The weather cooperated, although it was hotter than Hades - topping out in the high eighties both days. The pinning ceremony took place in a lovely interdenominational church in Pinehurst, NC, The Village Chapel. Many proud parents, children and grandparents were on hand to witness this special moment in a nurse's life.

Graduation Day started out balmy. Our son-in-law had gone to the college early to secure chairs under a large, sheltering tree and we were the envy of those who had to sit in the sun. The sky was a bit cloudy at first, but soon cleared to a brilliant Carolina blue, while light breezes caressed and cooled us. I had not been to a college graduation since the early 90's, when my youngest child got her degree. There was much pomp and circumstance here as well, as professors and various trustees marched in to the strains of the typical music reserved for important ceremonies. Before these began, the college jazz group played selections that made me want to dance and the college choir sang the National Anthem and "Lean on Me", with a few soloists who seemed ready for Broadway. After a few requisite speeches, parents watched their sons and daughters march up to receive their diplomas, all smiling broadly, snapping photos when they could.

We went back to our hotel to check out and then meet the rest of the family for lunch at Chili's, after which we drove back home. It was a perfect day, until...until.....

Mr. kenju asked if I had left his sport coat in the car, and we discovered that it had been forgotten in the closet at the hotel (90 miles away). My name is MUD, since it was my fault. When we went to the hotel on Friday night, he intended to leave his coat in the car, but I didn't know that, and I brought it into the room and hung it in the closet. When we checked out today (in a big hurry) I didn't check the closet, believing that he had it with him. Our son-in-law called the hotel, and was told that housekeeping had gone and would not be back until Monday, so we have to wait until then to see if his sportcoat has been saved/turned in. I'll ask you to keep good thoughts about it. Mr. kenju is really mad at me right now.

Update: the jacket has been found, thank Heaven!!