Pomp and Circumstance

The month of May heralds the successful accomplishments of many collegiates. A relief to know higher education is alive and taken advantage of by intelligent and success minded young adults  . I have the privilege to be acquainted with several brilliant young people and a couple who have just finished master degrees and doctorates.

You really have to applaude the parents who have urged and encouraged their children to press on for that degree...and standing ovation to those who have funded the entire venture without any expectation of payback from their child except perhaps free medical advice, law representation or manage some mutual funds and stocks without a sur charge. Most have avoided bankruptcy and famine to ensure that their baby got the push ahead and the piece of paper to prove success is in hand!

This weekend we attended one such celebration for a family friend. A joy to see the baby grow into a wise man and wave his diploma around. The honoree was given a grad party where he was toasted and roasted,  during which he displayed 50 shades of red as his most private moments were cast out to the crowd gathered and causing him discomfort and squirming in his hot seat. Why is it so much fun to watch some  one you really like twitch and moan as intimate and private details are revealed about their past and present? I've got to admit, we jumped at the chance to add our  share of revealing secrets and piling on to the pile of  "wish you wouldn't". Mr. Man actually chuckled with delight at the opportunity even though public speaking isn't his forte.

It's a testament to good character when the "Roasted" takes the comments, is laughed at, made fun of and remains composed without shedding a drop of sweat and graciously thanks each person in attendance for being a part of  who he is and how he got there.

We are glad to have been included in the milestone and look forward to seeing what lies ahead in each of your futures. To those of you waiting for your loved ones big day, it's worth the wait to know they got there and couldn't have without the help of their tribe and village.  We congratulate you. Now go to work and pay off those student loans!