Our eldest is graduating from college soon. He’s been working hard at running, school, work study and various internships. To say he’s a focused person is, well… maybe an understatement. He worked hard to walk onto his school’s division 1 cross country team when he arrived on campus and has been in high gear every since.

We are proud of him and of the accomplishments that are important to him.

We’re thankful that his energy has been directed in areas that are (mostly) positive.

But, he’s our son. He could be anything, anytime and we’ll be here to support him and love him. Even when it may be hard to do that.

As we prepare for his graduation, I’m thankful that as parents we were able to…

• Thankful that we were tough enough to provide him the limits that were never easy, but required.
• Thankful that we didn’t shower our kids in “stuff.” We’re more about the experiences. I hope that keeps them grounded.
• That we found a way to let them experience many different experiences from sports to arts to music to scouts and that we were comfortable enough to become involved so it was fun for us too.
• Thankful that even when he had “learning experiences” we talked about how he is a good person but what he did – really isn’t and why it isn’t.
• Thankful that the good lord has looked down upon us as parents and him through his life. Placed the people & experiences we each needed… along our path. Gave us a strong faith, a good constitution and a good sense of humor.

He made this milestone that isn’t right for everyone, but was the perfect path for him.

May he be equally blessed in the next chapter…