The Biochemist, by Degree

Sunday, May 10.

Danny graduated today.  I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day gift.

He was allowed four tickets to the ceremony, so Fernando (who just made it home the night before in Arctek Purple--read the back story here) and I, along with my dad and mom, made the trip downtown Chicago with Danny.

Since seating was general admission, we texted Danny our location as soon as we were seated, and we got a good look at him--and he at us!

Cheryl Underwood--host of CBS' The Talk--was the commencement speaker.

Mortarboards sported a variety of messages, including this humorous one...

Danny isn't sure if he'll graduate magna cum laude or cum laude, but the school gave him the bronze tassel for cum laude.  He'll know in a few weeks what his final grade is, and that'll be the determination.

My baby walking the stage!

Afterwards, Harrison Street was closed as thousands of graduates and parents flooded the area.  I held up my camera and shot to get the below image of the chaos.

We finally found Danny, then took the standard posed shots.  :)

Well, Danny, you did it.  You worked your tail off, knuckled down, and finished the task before you.  Dad and I are so blessed to be your parents, and are so thankful the Lord decided to bless us with you.

You are an amazing young man!


Back to life,
Christine

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Danny Sings!!

Danny signed up for the UIC University Choir this semester, but something funny happened.  The choir director, Dr. Anderson, emailed his name over to the Chamber Choir director, Mr. Lewis, for consideration.  Danny sang a few scales and he was in the smaller, exclusive choir!

Another exciting fact:  Danny was singing a solo!  There is his name, in the program:

The first concert was held at Notre Dame de Chicago Church, a beautiful setting for what I thought was the best UIC concert I had ever heard.

The church's dome.

The combined choirs entered the sanctuary and ringed the seats with music before moving to the front.

If you want to hear the Danny and the UIC Chamber Choir sing, click on the link below!

UIC Chamber Choir Sings "Dark Night of the Soul" 

We took pictures afterwards to commemorate the evening.  We met Mr. Lewis, who praised Danny's talents and singing ability.  We are so thankful that Danny was able to sing with this group, which Mr. Lewis said was the best in all his years leading the Chamber Choir!

Back to life,
Christine

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Honored on His Birthday

April 16.

Happy birthday, Danny!

Danny turned 22 today, and Fernando and I headed downtown with him to UIC.  Not for his birthday, though--he was being inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, UIC's chapter of the National Honor Society.

Danny's University Choir director Dr. Anderson presented him with his certificate and pin!

Danny posed with the president of UIC's NHS chapter.

Danny obligingly posed for photos with his dad and mom.  We were happy in the Lord for our son's hard work which brought him this special achievement!

In the parking lot, I couldn't resist taking a picture of the skyline, even if there were parking lot lights in the picture.  It was a beautiful sight with the blue, blue sky!

Happy birthday, Danny, and congratulations on your special achievement!


Back to life,
Christine

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UIC Christmas concert

December 6.

In his semester singing with the UIC University Choir, Danny sang in three concerts.  This was the last of those three--a Christmas concert (although they called it a "holiday" concert...)!  This was also held at a beautiful church, inside a regular-looking office-type building/skyscraper in downtown Chicago.

The UIC Jazz Ensemble played in the foyer before the concert began; they were really, really good!

Just as the University Choir was about to enter the sanctuary, I spotted Danny through the glass of the door.

After all the different choirs, ensembles, bands, and orchestras played, it was time for the sing-along!  Various instrumentalists were stationed throughout the sanctuary, since there was minimal room at the front to hold all the performers.

You better believe I was getting my picture taken with my amazing son!

When we left the building, I realized that we were directly across the street from Daley Plaza, and the huge Christmas tree lit up there!  What a perfect place to wait while Fernando and Danny walked to the parking garage and got the car for the rest of us.

I'm filled with thankfulness for having the opportunity to see and hear Danny singing in the choir.  The extra-special night was added to my treasure chest of cherished memories.


Back to life,
Christine

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