Tissues Galore

Who knew I would need an entire box of tissue for one college graduation? My heart was filled with pride and I burst into tears when Lindsey walked past us in the procession on Husky field. Thank goodness she was carrying her huge "fishy purse" with blue and white stripes that were impossible to miss. And next to her was her roommate, Shannon, wearing a lavendar halo on her mortar board. That being said, the efforts of our fashionistas weren't quite as noticeable as the ones carrying huge signs reading, "HIRE ME NOW!!" And not even the fishy purse, signs or people demonstrating against the presence of commencement speaker Robert Gates, US Defense Secretary, could stop my personal waterworks. Yesterday, I learned that the college graduation celebration of a beloved child one has supported in realizing a dream is indeed emotionally compelling.

My mom paid the out-of-state tuition for Lindsey for the first three years of her studies at the University of Washington. When Mom's college fund for Lindsey ran out, Lindsey's mom and her family, plus Gary and I, did everything we could to help her finish school because by then she was totally hooked on staying at UW. We took out loans and Lindsey went to work at two different jobs - one at the university's event ticket office and the second at Nordstrom. Carrying a full load of classes, playing in the Husky band and working more than part-time, Lindsey learned to be extraordinarily disciplined because she wanted to finish in four years. And she did it!! With her degree in Anthropology (and minor in Music), she is equipped to do almost anything in terms of a lifelong career. And she's tired of people asking her if she's going to be like Indiana Jones. She wants to work in sales, marketing, communications, the travel industry (think Expedia) or human resources. We are so proud.

In this last year of college, Lindsey also learned the power of networking. She loves her work at Nordstrom and would like to stay with the company and move into management. One of her customers in the childrens' shoe department is a woman who works in management. Lindsey has enjoyed talking with her whenever she shops for her children. Long story short, Lindsey will be making good money this summer working as a five-days per week nanny for this woman, who has pledged to support Lindsey in seeking a better job in Nordstrom corporate. And Lindsey will also continue working part-time in children's shoes; however most of that money will no doubt go to paying for her own weakness - designer shoes, the occasional frou-frou purse, like the now famous fishy one.

Lindsey and her boyfriend of two years, Nels, whom Gary has nicknamed "Thor" because he's "the Norse god of thunder," graduated together. And they are staying together, too - planning to share the same address now. And although no one is pressuring them with talk of a wedding, we had a great time partying as a group. Gary and I had a marvelous time getting to know Nels' parents, Kim and Larry, their daughter, Lizzie and son-in-law, Adam. The weekend was like a big happy family reunion!

Shoes, purses, Nordstrom, boyfriend....I'm so proud of our Lindsey Lou. Excuse me while I go get more tissue!