Orlando, Thomas, BMW, and Graduation

August 31.

My turn to fly again, down to sunny, hot Orlando.

It was Thomas' turn to pick me up from the airport, and drive me to my hotel!  I couldn't believe he had been down there for four months, and that graduation was the next day.

After we dumped my suitcase at the hotel, we seriously needed dinner.  Thomas asked me if I'd like Puerto Rican food, because he knew this food truck (one of his instructors is Puerto Rican, and turned on half the class to his native food!).  I said sure, and he said it was a 45-minute drive.  I said, "I don't care; let's go!"

It was amazing, and so much food for the price.  They didn't speak English, but Thomas was a seasoned pro at this food truck so he ordered tripletas for us.  Yum!

Our view from the parking lot where the food truck was located.

Friday, September 1.

Thomas stayed the night in the hotel with me, and then we got ready and headed to UTI Orlando for his graduation ceremony.

Thomas, Eddie, and Juan.

1986 BMW, on display for Class #FL86. 

Thomas and Micah.

 Proud, happy mama!

Micah grabbed several of us, and we headed out for celebration drinks.  No food, since they catered a huge meal for us after the ceremony!

We celebrated a little too much, but we managed to make it back to the hotel.  Both of us took a nap--does three hours qualify as a nap??  I woke up, and realized we needed to head to the airport to pick up Fernando!  Which we did, then spent the evening talking before going to bed and getting ready to help Thomas pack up and move out of his apartment.


Back to life,
Christine

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Congratulations, Thomas!

Thomas,

You did it.  You stuck it out, you persevered.  And you did it with flying colors.  We're so blessed by you!

A few days before your last day, we borrowed the car, then picked you up at the end of your day.  We knew that would be the last time we sat out in the parking lot in the car, waiting for you to finish up inside and come through the door to hop in and ride home with us.

A few days later--which was this morning--I rode with you as you drove back to school for the ceremony.  You looked so purposeful and determined, and I had a hard time believing this would be our last ride in to school.  But it was.

Even though the ceremony was much smaller than Jake's and Dan's, I was just as excited at this step in your life.  And I gotta tell you, I almost cried--just choked up, but I held it.  After all, you're my baby, and this moment in your life was huge.

Look at all those Student of the Course Awards!  And your last course was your tenth award, after the fact (you had taken the final tests just this morning).

You were also a student peer tutor.  What an honor to see you receive this recognition!

You excelled, and you exceeded all expectations.  We're so glad you stayed the course and finished well.

Students, please move your tassels from the passenger side to the driver's side!

Now the hard work begins.  We know the Lord will lead you, as He has throughout these past two years.  I can't believe my baby boy grew up so fast!  I love you, son.

All my love,
Mom


Back to life,
Christine

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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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Music Times Two

Danny was asked to sing a duet with his friend Andy, who takes voice lessons from Thomas Seidel.  So past Saturday morning, Fernando and I attended the recital to hear them sing.

Andy sang a solo first.

A little bit later in the program, Andy and Dan sang The Lord is My Shepherd.

They sounded wonderful!  We were so blessed to hear them sing.

We had to sneak out of the recital early, race back home, get ready and drive out west for Aelsa's graduation celebration.  Aelsa is daughter of the B. family, whose church is Grace Church, which Allie attends (I'm so sure you're keeping track of all our friends and their connections!).

As part of Aelsa's celebration, she planned a musical program for us!

Aelsa and her brothers perform a trio.

Allie accompanied Aelsa on the piano.

After the music portion, we shared refreshments (of course!) then retired to the field across the street to watch some of the attendees play volleyball.  And we sat and chatted with each other for quiet a while.  We talked away the afternoon, and everyone was invited back to the B. family's home for pizza and more fellowship, which we happily did.

Today was a great day for celebrating the accomplishments of our young people--these guys and girls who grew up and are living their lives for Jesus.  I thank the Lord when I see how He has worked in each of their lives, whether academically, musically, or spiritually.


Back to life,
Christine

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