"Hope is the anchor of the soul, the stimulus to action, and the incentive to achievement."

Author unknown

I had hope and visions for my son, John ,four years ago when We dropped him off at his college, a 14 hour drive from home.  He was 18...looking oohh so young and scared.. I even went as far to tell the head of the music department  to take  good care of him, he nodded and promised he would...and he did!

The young man who walked towards me from across the room Saturday afternoon.... long blonde hair flying, sparkling blue eyes, and a goatee, certainly seemed so much older, wiser and happier. He hugged the heck out of me, whispering in my ear, "Mom I love you and I am soo proud of what you have done."

We had a hectic schedule, started with my son's band's last concert ever..as graduation was causing the parting of their ways.  It was followed by dinner out Saturday night ( and yes I ate and drank whatever I wanted the whole weekend, willing to pay the consequences and will return to my swbmo plan on Tuesday morning with no regrets.)

Sunday morning got up at my usual five am and decided to hit the workout club in the hotel, I did nautilus and weight lifting for about half an hour, followed by 45 min walking on the treadmill and then I swam 20 laps in the pool. Then went to a brunch with my family and was thankful that I had exercised as I made some"delicious" choices of food.

Graduation was spectacular.. I started to cry as John and Becky(his girlfriend whom we love like a daughter) proceeded in with all the other graduates... Let's just say the tissue clenched in my hand was quite wet by the time the ceremony was over.

 I watched him get handed his degree....he walked across the stage, and as he was stepping down the stairs he caught my eye and simply mouthed I love you.. well talk about flood gates...

We celebrated last evening by taking John and Becky, some of thier friends, my inlaws, and Becky parents  to dinner... Again the food and drink was wonderful.... the company superb... 

Today is Monday,graduation, but NOT its glory is over. I am sitting in the airport in West Virginia with my family waiting for our flight home. Wow, it has been a busy four days, full of excitement and emotion. Yes 2002 is"the year of Annie".

How fortunate I am to be so blessed.

Here is a link to a few graduation pictures:

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