Graduation Trip - Mt. St. Joseph's -- The End and The Beginning

The activities for Eric's graduation ranged from a day at the ballpark with KenGriffey Jr. and the Reds, to an evening of food, friends and dancing, as well as the commencement ceremony at the school. In addition to these fun activities and getting to meet many of Eric's classmates, we found time to pack boxes, rent a truck and load it out for a Sunday departure.

For me, the favorite activity was the ballgame. In my years at USU, I have televised and witnessed more graduations than I would care to count. But his one was special, because of the work and effort that Eric had put forth to earn his diploma, and the support of Christina to aid him and reach the goal that they both had subscribed to.

At the Great American Ball Park, we had a beautiful day with baseball,hot dogs and walking across the river and to the park. None the less, we had a good time, the Reds won and Eric and his friends were able to let their hair down.

On Friday night there was a dinner for graduates and family, and we enjoyed meeting some of the faculty and many of the graduating class. I was impressed when speaking with one of the faculty members, about her description of Eric and his talents. I was thanking her for her work with Eric and his studies, and she told me, "He has it all. He knows his stuff, and his best quality is that he cares for people. He will be alright" She was one of the most observant and applicable of the teachers, because she cared about the students and not her reputation as a tough teacher.The graduation was also good, but we had fun trying to get everyone to the campus in time. Bro. and Sis. White had taken Eric early so that he would be on time, and as Christina, Austin and Donna and I left, we were asked to go back to the apartment and get the tickets, as Eric had left them at home. Following the processional, we were all seated and enjoyed the ceremonies. The speaker was Richard K. Davis, the CEO of US Bancorp. His message to the graduates and those attending was good. He spoke of the 4:00 mile and Roger Bannister.

This record of the 4:00 mile was one that many thought would never be broken, but young Bannister was one who just kept working and finally succeeded. A message to all of us!

The remainder of the day was left to loading the truck and finalizing the packing. To celebrate, we all went to dinner at the riverfront. It was also prom night for the local high school, so we had a crowded night in the restaurant. What a fun time to spend with Dave and Nikki White, Eric and Christina and certainly with Austin. Our lives are blessed with so many good people to add to our own little circle.