Well, it has been busy a couple of days in my world.  On Friday,  we celebrated our family Christmas since my son Noah is only able to be here the week before Christmas.  That was a day full of preparations, cooking, eating, opening presents, laughing, remembering and general fun.  In addition to all the gifts Cheyenne made personalized Christmas cards for everyone and also let each family member pick one of the cinnamon ornaments she made – thanks Far Side for the recipe we had a blast making those.  Below are some of the creations (and one of my special creations holding one of her creations).

This morning was graduation.  As predicted, the grad attire was not flattering. But at least I was not alone in my puffy clothes.  We got a number of photos, daughter Sarah has the bulk on her camera.  On my camera I have this one with my advisor, chair, and now colleague, Dr. George Youngs, and his lovely wife, Dr. Cheryl Youngs.  I refer to Cheryl as the kinder, gentler Dr. Youngs.  They are both lovely souls.

And in case you had doubted my accuracy in describing the haircolor – there it is a week later in its toned-down state (I bet you thought I was exaggerating).  After graduation we went out to lunch and then it was back home to grade papers.  They say there is no rest for the weary or wicked or the wearily wicked or the wickedly weary. 

One of my friends asked if the new title and status has sunk in.  Oddly, I don’t feel much different.  Nothing that matters to me has changed.  The only notable difference I can point to is that I am satisfied that I finished what I started despite the major life event that all but derailed me in the middle of it.  I am also deeply reflective of the many people that contributed to my successes over the years.  Below is an excerpt from the acknowledgements section in my dissertation…I think it sums up the way I feel about who I owe for all the accomplishments attributed to me in life.  And yes, this is only an excerpt even though it is quite long.  What can I say – I am a bit chatty. 😉

"This is my favorite part of this little book called a dissertation. And the truth be told, this was written in my mind long before I put the words to paper. I have been mulling over this piece for quite awhile wondering how to express with an appropriate amount of emphasis the gratitude that is due to others at the moment that my success is being noted. It is true what all those Academy Award winning actors and actresses say about success, it is not a singular effort, but instead a collaborative one. Oh, and what a collaborative it is, woven through years of experiences with a rich cast of characters and moments of joy and sadness, success and failure, pride and humility – all to arrive here.

When faced with the challenge of crediting those who have influenced your success, I have concluded it is better to be young and have led a less colorful and fascinating life. Having recently arrived at the milestone birthday of fifty, I have been reflecting on the person that I am today and I am reminded of how far I have come as a result of the kindness, support and love of so many others. I know I have been blessed, and I mean that recognition to include both the good and the not so good experiences which have very much formed this life that I have had thus far.

I have studied others’ acknowledgements with great interest. Folks thank parents, grandparents, spouses, children, teachers, friends, and so many others who have contributed to their success. Thanking everyone – it’s daunting. What if I forget someone important? And what is the measure of importance? Is it relative to time contributed or relationship or impact? I get a headache just thinking about it. I have pondered a possible grouping system – family, friends, co-workers, mentors, inspirations, motivators, et cetera. Oh, and do not forget ex-husbands, they have contributed as well. Really, it should be enough to say that my success is analogous to a penny drive wherein everybody brings a few pennies. At the end there is a mountain of pennies, but it was all those folks’ small contributions that made the mountain. So too am I, nothing more than a mountain of pennies.

So who are my contributors? Well, start with all the kids (and even some adults) who were mean to me all the years that I suffered with painful shyness…they made me want to be an advocate. All the educators in my life that empowered me to learn and excel…they made me want to champion excellence in others. All the folks that have crossed my path over the years that have taught me powerful lessons about honesty, integrity, dignity, patience and kindness…they made me want to live to my highest level of humanity. My family, from grandparents to grandchildren, who have loved me unconditionally even though I am so perfectly imperfect…they made me want to create a legacy of strength and achievement. My friends (the whole crazy, eclectic lot of them) who have lifted me up, kept me grounded, brought me to laughter and to tears…they made me understand the power of commitment and the importance of chosen family. And what of the many mentors that have invested in me in the belief that I have something worth nurturing…they made me aware that one of the greatest gifts you can give another person is your faith in their abilities."

Day one hundred and sixty-seven of the new forty – obla di obla da

CC