20 years ago I walked the campus of Eastern Washington University for the first time. I will never forget the feeling of excitement as I moved into my tiny dorm room. It's hard to believe that 20 years later I am walking the same campus with my oldest son, a junior in high school who is also a running start freshman at EWU this fall. He had his first orientation to campus life on Wednesday and there was no way I was going to miss that moment with him. The campus looked the same and my mind was flooded with all of the wonderful memories from my freshman and sophomore year when I lived in Cheney. There were also several times during the orientation that I had tears in my eyes, not tears of sadness but tears of joy. Looking at my baby boy, who is now more of a man, I can't help but be proud of the person that he has become.
It was Christmas break my junior year at EWU when I found out I was pregnant. My carefree college life changed from that moment on. I was 21 in a little apartment where I was busy changing diapers, midnight feedings, working full time and attending school part time while my friends were enjoying the bar and dancing the night away. But honestly, I wouldn't change any of it. I look at it like this, I was able to be a mom sooner, which has allowed me to love my son longer. To get to where we are now wasn't easy but so worth it. Parker was three when I finally graduated college with my BAE in elementary education. One of my favorite pictures is of me, my mom and Parker at my graduation ceremony. He wore my graduation cap on his little head with a crooked grin that showed exactly how incredibly proud of his mommy he was. Parker was also right by my side when I graduated from Gonzaga with my masters in literacy. Without doubt Parker has been one of the reasons why I continue to have the drive and motivation in life that I do. Everyday he shows me true GRIT, passion and perseverance in life. As he embarks on this next chapter in his life I know that he will continue to amaze me with his positive, never give up drive!
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