This past Saturday was the big day: Tim's graduation from college!
It was so exciting to be sitting in this stadium, anticipating all the graduates soon to be marching in and filling those empty seats. It seemed not too long ago that I was sitting in the bleachers of Tim's high school, heart thumping with excitement and pride that my youngest son was graduating and would be going on to college.
In my post on May 9th, I had said that Tim overcame some major life obstacles in pursuing his degree and that I would talk about it after his graduation ceremony. First and foremost was his brother's death in September 2009. Tim was in community college when Phil passed away. Tim wanted to quit school. He didn't know how he was going to go on. After a lot of discussion and Tim's own perseverance, he stayed in school. It took him four years to complete community college due to a host of factors, but he never gave up.
During the few years Tim was away at university, he experienced job loss; major car troubles; spraining his ankle twice - the second time so severe that he ended up in a "boot"; a severe case of tinnitus; and...a burglary! I don't want to give too many personal details on that, but long story short, the front door on his rental house was not locked, Tim was not home, and the burglar broke into his bedroom (his bedroom door was locked) and stole his TV, his PS3 game station (which wasn't worth much but was very sentimental - it had been Phil's), and worst of all, his beautiful camera and all the contents in his camera bag: lenses, memory cards, hard drive with all his photos, and some other very expensive photography equipment. We are very thankful Tim was not hurt and that his professor was understanding and worked with him so that he could finish his projects and graduate on time.
To say that I'm proud of my son for what he has achieved - a BFA in Photography - is an understatement. I know that he can accomplish anything he puts his mind to, even in the face of adversity. As I have said to Tim since he was little, "The world is your oyster and you are the pearl."
I know that Phil would've been very proud of his brother, too.
How wonderful! I'm so happy for all of you. Tim seems like a very nice young man with a great future. You should be very proud!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I applaud Tim. Gosh, when you add up the trials and tribulations he's faced in the past 6 years, he is truly a hero! What more can you prepare you for life after dealing with loss, physical pain and losing major possessions in your life?
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had great day. Wonderful family photo! I can't wait to see what the future holds for Tim.
Jane xxx
Congratulations to all of you! You all look so proud and happy. I'm happy for you and Tim.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for Tim. Despite all the challenges, he kept going and that is so important. Congratulations to you all. I know you must have been bubbling over with joy. Yusef's graduation will be delayed because they are changing the requirements next year for student teaching so that means he will need to do an extra semester. I'm proud of him for all he is accomplishing now on his own. His high school years were quite questionable to say the least. At one point I wasn't sure he would graduate at all. But he's done far better in college, along with some curve balls and learning moments, of course. Today Zack has his last IB World Exam in French, and then he graduates high school the end of the month and in August will be heading out into the world, 29 hours driving distance from his brother. Yikes! Makes travel plans a little more complicated. Good luck to Tim in this next stage of his life. I'm sure he'll be successful whatever he chooses to do. Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteWatching each of our children graduate from college was a major moment for me. We watched our son graduate twice, BA and MA and I was never prouder.
ReplyDeleteI think Tim's success means even more because of the problems he overcame.
So, what's next for Tim?
Congratulations Melanie! Completing college is a huge accomplishment and you must be so proud! What a beautiful photos. Best of luck to Tim!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Tim - and to you and your husband. He's been through so much, and your strength as a family is echoed by Tim's inner strength.
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
So happy for all of you!!
ReplyDeleteYou put into words what I cannot except to say I am so proud and so privileged to be his grandmother. What a gem he is.
ReplyDeleteMom
I love that first picture and when I saw it the first time, I said out loud to myself, "Yea! Tim's graduating!". I know I've already said congratulations, so I'll wish Tim the best for the future as life for you all goes on to the next chapter. ♥
ReplyDeletecongratulations to an obviously fine young man.
ReplyDeletep.s., the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. ;)
Congratulations! It is very satisfying for parents to know that they have raised a child who can press on through the hard times and come out on top. I once read that the best thing that we can do for our children is to help them become independent. Looks like you have done that; you've raise a boy who is strong, smart and ready to take his place in the adult world and I know that you are both so very proud . . . and that Phil is smiling down on you all.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Tim! He overcame obstacles to reach his goal and has two parents who are very proud of him. I say Phil is proud of his brother too.
ReplyDeleteLove that picture of the three of you ~ FlowerLady
That is wonderful! I'm sharing in the pride and happiness you feel for Tim! He will continue to press on in anything he does.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Tim!!!! A wonderful achievement for anyone to complete a degree, but even more so when so many adversities have had to be overcome along the way. I hope that whatever comes next it is great fun and that you enjoy it!!
ReplyDeleteHuge congratulations Melanie - your handsome Tim appears to be a hardworking and fine young man. I wish him well as he follows his dream - and love that he is so creative and talented.
ReplyDeleteHugs from Ireland - Mary
Congratulations, Tim.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You must be so proud of him...all of his accomplishments and sticking to his goals in face of adversity!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! And what a nice shot of the proud parents with their handsome son! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Tim, well done overcoming so much and getting that fabulous degree. He is a fighter, well a fighter with incredible talent. Your family photo is the best, you can see all the love between you.
ReplyDeleteMeredith