There are a few moments in life when the heart swells with overwhelming joy, and words aren’t enough. This weekend will be one of those rare and beautiful moments as we watch two of HHH’s grandchildren graduate from college. HHH is many thing to many people, but to them he’s just Papa.
Walking across the stage in caps and gowns, tassels swinging, smiles wide, and futures bright, they’ve met a huge milestone. These cousins have stepped into bright new chapters they’ve worked so hard to reach. Seems like yesterday, I graduated from my own Alma Mater. At 21, I had the world on a string as I prepared to leave for Moldavia, Russia as a new bride. Little did I know all the adventures life had waiting for me.
Life sped ahead, and in the blink of an eye, I was celebrating the graduation of my own children. How quickly they grew from inquisitive kids to successful adults with graduates of their own. Looking back, it hardly seems possible the years passed so quickly, but, indeed they have.
I’ve heard many stories about these graduates as babies. Back then, HHH wondered what their lives would look like. We’ve both dreamed, as all grandparents do, of happiness, love, and purpose for all our grandchildren. But dreams pale in comparison to the reality of witnessing them shape their own paths with grace and determination.
College isn’t easy. It’s a time of challenge, change, self-discovery, and growth. These two have navigated all of it through long nights, tough exams, new friendships, and moments of doubt with admirable resilience. One has earned a degree in education driven by her love of learning. The other studied business, while planning for success. Two different dreams, equally beautiful.
The best part isn’t just the degrees or accolades, but the kind of people they’ve become. They are kind and thoughtful. They care about their communities. They ask big questions and aren’t afraid to search for answers. They love deeply. They show up. Two beautiful reflections of their parents’ love and care throughout the years.
As a grandparent, you always hope your grandchildren will be happy. But seeing them grow into compassionate, capable adults who carry those values into the world is a gift HHH and I will treasure forever.
To these beloved graduates: thank you for letting me be part of your journey. Thank you for letting me see you shine. The world is waiting for you, and it is already better because you are in it.
