I’m finally graduating this week! Well, maybe not actually graduating from school, but graduating just the same. I’m graduating from being the mother of a college student to the mother of a woman with a degree.
Yes, it’s all about me! (Do I sound just a bit co-dependent and narcissistic?) I’ve helped research reports, study for tests and edit papers for more than 16 years and at last I’m free. I don’t have to worry about grades, teachers being unfair or peers causing grief any more. A time slot has just opened up in my prayer schedule to be filled with other matters as well.
My daughter will graduate with a degree in elementary education on May 9th. She’s not even sure about her next move; teach immediately, go to graduate school or take some time to serve in some other capacity, but her initial college education will be complete as of that day.
Getting a kid through school is no small feat. It takes patience, encouragement, faith in the kid and in the Lord, willingness to read and learn about stupid things that hold no interest to you and a load of money. I’ve invested all those, and more.
What now? Gee, I don’t know. I’m betting that I can find some alternate ways to spend my time. I may pull the weeds from my flower bed, clear off my desk or organize my closet. I might actually read a book for pleasure while not on the Stairmaster (…multitasking is my specialty).
And I’m fully confident I can come up with something to spend the extra cash on. I’m not talking about a new car or a bigger diamond for my ring. I’m thinking more like some fun travel as well as missions travel. Either way, the money will be there if I want it now.
Still, if I’m honest, there is a bitter-sweetness to my graduation. I’ve loved being the one with all the answers, the one to find the best book for research, the one who can spot a typo in 2.3 seconds flat and the one who offers compassion, understanding and encouragement as needed on a daily basis. It has been a difficult, time-consuming job, but I will miss it just the same. I will deeply miss this season of our relationship, even as I eagerly anticipate our transition into the next. She is glorious and my dearest friend. That will never change.
Congratulations to my daughter for overcoming all the challenges she has faced and accomplishing her goal. I guess she might deserve some of the credit.
Diane Markins
4 comments:
Congratulations, mom, now you can focus those "educational prayers" toward grandkid #4!!!
I'm still patiently waiting for a future announcement of a grandkid #one, but even that requires prayer.
Congratulations! This is a great achievment, for both of you. Your daughter will someday look back on her educational carrer and praise God that he put you there as a guide and mentor. Great job Di!
Hip hip-hooray! Congratulations to both Kimmy and Diane for making it through all the madness incorporated with school. I've got to get back to studying for my finals now so I can finish soon too!
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