This afternoon, I will be attending graduation rehearsal at Otterbein University. As the big weekend nears, the excitement level is certainly increasing.
Other than finally making that ceremonial walk, I’m most looking forward to both of my children and their spouses attending the ceremony with my husband and then all of us enjoying a lovely dinner together.
As much as this weekend will be about “me” as the college graduate, today, I am extraordinarily thankful for my husband’s love and his support that pushed, pulled, and ultimately carried me here.
My husband, Ken, more than anyone, knows how much work has gone into this milestone. He knows because he has also worked hard to get me to this point. He essentially parted the seas of life, clearing a path for me to simply focus on work and school.
Over the recent years, while I worked and went to school, my time was often accounted for. I had class two or three nights a week. The alternating evenings would be spent late at the office trying to stay on top of my job requirements. The weekends were spent reading, writing, and studying. Often, there was more time spent at the office.
Ken essentially took over the household. While he also worked a fulltime job, Ken took care of laundry, shopping, and cleaning. He planted, mowed and trimmed. We’ve moved twice during this time and he took care of all the related paperwork, inspections and other appointments. He helped pack and unpack. I’m not sure either of us could remember when I last cooked dinner on a weeknight – or maybe any night! Yet, there was never a complaint.
My husband encouraged me to reach my goal. When I was tired, he said keep going. When I was exhausted, he said rest a while…and then keep going. When I was stressed out during finals week, he would suggest going to the movies or for a walk together, anything to calm down and refocus. When I got an “A” on a paper or exam, he was as happy as I was. When I cried after nearly every single session of my Algebra class, he felt my anxiety and kept telling me I could do it.
My husband listened to my ramblings. I absolutely loved my major and minor program classes (leadership and communication). When I would come home from class all fired up about some discussion in class, or a new author I was swooning over, or had an Aha! moment while applying my learning to my work, Ken would never stifle my excitement.
There really aren’t enough words to describe the many ways Ken has encouraged my pursuit of a college degree and what his support has meant to me.
Ken’s name won’t be on the diploma; but, my name wouldn’t be there either, without him.
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