Graduate Thank You's

5 years. 12 semesters. 22 roommates (plus one boy roommate). 140 credit hours.

And now, graduation: the final step of my education at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

I thank YOU for:

Mom~Constant encouragement, e-mails, cards, letters. You really deserve my degree. Thank you for providing me this opportunity, this blessing, this achievement. I kept going because of you. Next to my own excitement, yours comes second in line--thank you for being my top-notch cheerleader.

Dad~Fun late night chats while writing papers. Questioning me about how school was going showed you cared. Telling me not to quit, being interested in what I was learning in English classes. Thank you for coming up for the big Graduation day.

Ben~Putting up with me during student teaching. I was quite cranky, eh? Allowing me space to type up lesson plans, suggesting fun ways to get student attention, listening to my rambles of various students, brining me lunch on days I forgot to pack one. Thanks for understanding my crazy love of the English language and desire to own every single Young Adult novel ever published, especially those dated Newbury winners. Love you.

Big Bro 1, Eric~You are so proud of me and it gives me chills when you say, "I'm proud of you, that's great." I look up to you, big bro, and appreciate your support and help throughout the whole college ordeal.

Big Bro 2, Zach~ "Zach, my computer isn't working..." Thanks for answering questions over the phone when the computer was on the fritz. If it weren't for you, I might have lost all my research for the 12 page paper. Your expertise saved me time and sanity, for without I might have chucked the whole dang thing out the window.

Grandma W~You, too, have been a cheerleader. Sending me some cash for laundry, cute cards, newspaper clippings, and letters always made my day. Thank you for being concerned, interested, and supportive. You are the very best grandma one could ask for.

Hubert Family, family #2~Though I've only been part of the fam for a short while, you've been 100% supportive of my chosen educational path from day one. Thank you, truly, for helping in all the ways you have. I am so glad you will be able to celebrate my graduation with me.

Sheena~ Dear roommate: Just want you to know I luv ur guts. Good luck with job searching and all that might come your way. I thank you for memories, all of which I will never forget. I thank you for true friendship and not judging me for all my wacky habits--"Name that Hymn" anyone?? Ciao.

And many others; THANK YOU. Many more have touched my life during these last 5 years but I find it too daunting to write down many more.

Who can believe it? Saturday is the big day. We move right after graduation so it may be a few days until another post. Thank you for reading.

Love you all.