Friday, June 15, 2007

Graduation Weekend

Well it's official! Kirsten is a Master Journalist. She will be walking this Saturday. The family from Tucson is in town to celebrate with us, which makes it that much more special.

Kirsten has worked very hard for this day, and we've both made sacrifices to reach this goal. From the get-go we knew this wouldn't be easy. We'd be spending many nights and weeks apart, spending many dollars, and generally just wishing we could see more of each other. It was expected though, for it is clear that greatness was never achieved without struggle and sacrifice.

We have many people to thank, and I'm sure Kirsten will want to add to my list. Kirsten's family was very supportive and helped her stay mentally tough at times when she thought she was alone.

Her professors were a great resource, and she loved them all. The few I met had a great combination of intellect and humor. Oh how I miss the academic life. Maybe one day I'll go back.....maybe not :)

The students she was fortunate enough to meet and work with were some of the most talented people I've met (the few that I did meet). Group dynamics provided much synergy and energy. The crew she lived with in Washington D.C. were a tight group, watching out for each other and spending many hours watching the "Wire" seasons (yes seasons, not just episodes).

Last but not least, my family helped out as well. When times were slow and lonely at the lake house, I always had an open invitation for dinner or weekend get together. It gave me an opportunity to spend more time with them. I have to mention that this adventure would have been much harder on us, in many tangible ways, without the support of my Mother. Thanks so much for your generous gifts!

So in a couple hours I'm heading out of the office and driving down to the Second City to meet everyone that has already arrived. I'm looking forward. Please stay tuned for a trip report and pictures of the weekend.

I'll leave you with a little image of the lake until I'm back. Thanks for tuning in!