Day 89-Graduation

Dear Scot,

The day is here! It was only two years ago (right now) that you started talking about going back to school. I remember you were standing out back, talking to Mike on the phone. Mike had just finished his program at UC Irvine and was encouraging you to go for it. "You'll be done before you know it, " he said.

130 4-hour night classes and 12 8-hour Saturdays later, you've reached the end. On the surface, you've paid 40K for a piece of paper that announces you know a thing or two about business. You did go into the program feeling skeptical, not sure of gaining anything other than debt. But you have been surprised at what you've learned and how it truly applies to your daily living (the same does NOT hold true for algebra though, okay? ) The renewed confidence and wisdom you have amassed is immeasurable. It's evident. Together, we now know what it means to sacrifice, and the kids and I learned what an intrinsic part you play in our family bond.

You managed this devilish dance with little hardship to the family. You studied at work, and on your own time. You persevered when you were sick, and just sick of it. I have never felt so sorry for you as I did on August 26, 2008. It was the day you were laid off, and coincidentally your first day back to class after summer break. It was one of the saddest days of my life. You came home from work, boxes in hand. We then cried together, ate dinner together, and you rode off, alone, to school. We recognized immediately that school was a saving grace. It gave you the stability you needed in a tumultuous time, and a place to channel your energy and thoughts when you didn't have a job to report for. Now, here you are with TWO jobs, juggling it all as never before. I've always marveled at your brain, and this school experiment has made me realize how smart, clever, and resourceful you are. I know it wasn't easy; but you made it look like it was.

A fast 21 months later, and here we are. Mike was right. It's all over before you have time to think about how much it sucks. But that doesn't surprise me. The older I get, this whole ride of life just keeps speeding along. I wish we could just slow down today so we can appreciate what you've done for yourself and our family.

I am so proud of you and your accomplishment.

I love you,

Toni