Graduation, Commencement, Parties, Hooding, OH MY

The great journey of graduate school culminated in two ceremonies on June 11 and 12th. On the 11th my department hosted a 'departmental hooding' where faculty 'hooded' their students and read a little bio about our accomplishments and directions. It was a lovely event and was a terrific opportunity to wear my 'doctor suit' (aka PhD Regalia). It was really wonderful to hear about the accomplishments of my colleagues and about their future plans. It was a really nice opportunity to thank my faculty for the important and significant contributions that they made to my experience.

The second ceremony was all pomp and circumstance as they lined up every single graduating student (BS, BA, MS, MA, MEd, MAIS, PhD, DED etc) throughout the campus. PhD students were lined up in the library quad and started the march through campus. We followed the marching bag pipes and the color guard. The remarkable sound of the bagpipes took my breath away. We walked through campus, waved at our former students all lined up throughout campus waiting for their turn to march, soaked up the last sun streaked stroll we would have at OSU before our big, bright lives take us to our new and exciting destinations. The significance of the experience was not lost on me!

The actual graduation ceremony was delightful as they allowed PhD students 1) to walk across the stage to receive our diplomas, and 2) were able to leave just after receiving our diplomas! And, as if this wasn't enough they splashed our pictures on the jumbo-tron....just like the football players!

Trina and I, accompanied by the most loving group of family and friends, spent the remainder of the day kicking up our heels and celebrating. We shared in the best sangria (ever made I think), and snacked on tiny sandwiches and tasty nibblies. The day overflowed with love, laughter and a joy that I will cherish always. It was the absolutely best way to celebrate the completion of a goal, and the beginning of new adventures and journeys.

The week since the big commencement has been emotional. Goodbyes are hard but I have been struck by a realization. The degree of my sorrow is unmatched by the amount I am loved and the amount I love. My tears are not a reflection of sadness, depression or fear. Rather these are the tears that naturally result from shift and transformation. As relationships change there is a natural occurrence of grief for what was....but I have enormous hope that this change will evolve into deeper friendships, longer lasting relationships and an extension of the love that I have for all of you.

We will begin our cross country trip very soon. What I have learned so far in this entire (and lengthy) process is that nothing will go perfectly according to our plan. AND, that when we stay in the moment, practice patience and trust, we are entirely prepared to handle whatever unfolds. Here's to the adventure!