I believe that she wanted more than anything to prove how smart she was. A ridiculous notion that I will never understand, but she did it anyway. When a woman is married to a smart man, she begins to believe one of two things: that she is his equal, or she will never compare. For 38 years, perhaps she believed she was the latter...today, she proved the former.
My mother, at the age of 59, walked across the stage as a college graduate. But what benefit was it? For the worlds! I never thought my mother to be an overly intelligent person. I never thought her dumb, but I thought her more like me...someone who was smart in certain areas not overall. And, this may still be the truth, but it doesn't negate the fact that I watched this woman, with head head held high and diploma in hand prove to the world that sometimes we underestimate ourselves and others.
My mother is the first in her immediate family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. She also is the final puzzle for our family of college graduates. I can't explain how proud of her I am. For the last week, when asked what I was doing this weekend, I responded, "I am going to my mother's graduation." On more than one occasion, I got funny looks. When I told people she was graduating with her bachelor's degree in social science, I got looks of awe. And, I want to formerly apologize to her...I don't think that I have told her enough how incredible this truly is.
Also, for the last week, I could help think back to every time she would start a new class. She would get anxious and worried that she couldn't do it. On more than one occasion, I would want to strangle her! How could she go through every class, pass, and then think she couldn't do the next one! If she could only realize how smart she was, or at least realize that if she showed up it would be half the battle. See, that is the difference between me and her. I am the average one who got the grade, enjoyed it, and moved on. She is the kind of person who would stress and stress and stress and then realize that she could do it, and when she did get a B for whatever reason (and it was rare) that it wasn't the end of the world.
We all learn differently. My father is a naturally smart man. My brother took after him. I was the one who didn't care as much and did what I could enjoying the education when I felt it benefited me (but always hating homework) and she is the kind that works hard enough to sweat blood...and yet, she is the only one of us who has graduated with "summa cum laude" (with highest honors) But, it is because she deserves it.
She may have set out only to prove that she could do it, or that she was smart enough. But, today, she proved to the world that they better watch out because when it comes down to it...she is a woman with passion, intelligence, and a spark that will set the world on fire.
-Mom, I am so proud of you. I couldn't ask for a better role model of what perseverance and intelligence is. I am honored to be your daughter and even more to be your friend. May you find your security in the fact that you are a brilliant woman who will do amazing things. I love you more than yesterday and not as much as tomorrow. Be blessed as much as you are a blessing. I love you!
My mother, at the age of 59, walked across the stage as a college graduate. But what benefit was it? For the worlds! I never thought my mother to be an overly intelligent person. I never thought her dumb, but I thought her more like me...someone who was smart in certain areas not overall. And, this may still be the truth, but it doesn't negate the fact that I watched this woman, with head head held high and diploma in hand prove to the world that sometimes we underestimate ourselves and others.
My mother is the first in her immediate family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. She also is the final puzzle for our family of college graduates. I can't explain how proud of her I am. For the last week, when asked what I was doing this weekend, I responded, "I am going to my mother's graduation." On more than one occasion, I got funny looks. When I told people she was graduating with her bachelor's degree in social science, I got looks of awe. And, I want to formerly apologize to her...I don't think that I have told her enough how incredible this truly is.
Also, for the last week, I could help think back to every time she would start a new class. She would get anxious and worried that she couldn't do it. On more than one occasion, I would want to strangle her! How could she go through every class, pass, and then think she couldn't do the next one! If she could only realize how smart she was, or at least realize that if she showed up it would be half the battle. See, that is the difference between me and her. I am the average one who got the grade, enjoyed it, and moved on. She is the kind of person who would stress and stress and stress and then realize that she could do it, and when she did get a B for whatever reason (and it was rare) that it wasn't the end of the world.
We all learn differently. My father is a naturally smart man. My brother took after him. I was the one who didn't care as much and did what I could enjoying the education when I felt it benefited me (but always hating homework) and she is the kind that works hard enough to sweat blood...and yet, she is the only one of us who has graduated with "summa cum laude" (with highest honors) But, it is because she deserves it.
She may have set out only to prove that she could do it, or that she was smart enough. But, today, she proved to the world that they better watch out because when it comes down to it...she is a woman with passion, intelligence, and a spark that will set the world on fire.
-Mom, I am so proud of you. I couldn't ask for a better role model of what perseverance and intelligence is. I am honored to be your daughter and even more to be your friend. May you find your security in the fact that you are a brilliant woman who will do amazing things. I love you more than yesterday and not as much as tomorrow. Be blessed as much as you are a blessing. I love you!
You deserve the highest of honors...the summa cum laude!
Comments
Post a Comment