what a feeling...

...of pride

the day

your first born

.

graduates from college

i look over to the

business section

all 828 of them

knowing he's in there somewhere

and then my cell phone rings

4th row above the eleven

aisle seat

and i was able to go directly

over to where he was located

for an up close shot

i recognize immediately

that difference in 2010

from my day in 1983

then i managed to find a seat

with some breeze

i guess i kinda look like an only child

not for long though

once my family spotted me

from the other side of the stadium
the little one came a running

good thing

the graduate was so hot

he needed a snow cone break

i love watching these two share

brings warm fuzzies to my heart

.

this kid is always eating

i can't seem to fill him up

so glad they had

the regular stadium food vendors

open today

guess with a crowd this size

on a hot humid day

they would have to

after a few hours

a commencement address

by david gergen

a truly touching and tear rendering

presentation of

distinguished service awards

to chris spielman

and his late wife stefanie

my son appears in the tunnel

with diploma under arm

the pride at the moment

is chest tightening

my heart swells again

this time with gratefulness

to watch the embrace

with a woman

a momma could only dream of

for her son
a high school sweetheart

arranged by the heavens

i believe

a father son moment

now both buckeye alums
one connection that can

never be taken
away or broken

the first moment of seeing
your name in print
letting it soak in
the culmination of your
hard work
during the past four years

tj and dave
childhood friends
percussion enthusiasts
college roommates and
now fellow grads
of the fisher college of business administration

i love this quote
business is a hybrid
of dancing
and calculations

so proud of our
magna cum laude
graduate
and quite impressed that
the ohio state university
at the 392nd commencement
is able to present
the actual
diploma
to 8,652 students
the 2010 class
being the largest ever

a bittersweet day
saying goodbye
to your friends
the innocent freedom that college offers
to this beautiful complex
on the northeast corner of campus
specifically designed for
business students

tj we are so immensely proud
of your determination
your hard work
your dedication
to both the classroom
and your family

your commitment to julie
and
your genuine belief
in all things good

as you walk forward
with confidence
dad and i wish you a bright and
amazing future
we feel so blessed and honored to
be a part of it