As the wind

19 years ago this week I earned my bachelor’s degree. I remember feeling that the commotion around this accomplishment was somewhat tempered compared to High School graduation, even though the former demanded much more effort. A lot more. And more money too. Well, not mine; my parents paid for it.

My parents were in the audience (at the Marriott Center at BYU) for the ceremony.  I remember feeling an acute sense of gratitude for them and the sacrifices they made so that I could earn this degree. I mean, I was an adult now, had been for six years, but I was still their child and they wanted to help me with this push-start. I think.  Money was tight. I was not the first child to graduate from college on their dime, nor was I the only one in college at that time. I’m not suggesting that my parents were severely impoverished or anything, but still, college is expensive, I have nine siblings, and they paid for it without question or request.  If I was the kite, they were the wind.

They have attended many commencements since then, and this week they are back on campus, at the Marriott Center again. The brother who was five when I graduated is receiving his degree.  The wind is still blowing 19 years later.

Amanda is preparing to begin school in Provo this fall.  The rationale behind (and the depth of) the sacrifice that parents make to support their children at college is starting to come into sharper focus now.

So, hats off to Jeff for graduating, but also hats off to parents for their multi-faceted support that has spanned decades.