Another momentous occasion last week. Theo celebrated his college graduation at the University of Oklahoma, specifically the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. I don’t have that big of an ego to think he’s following in his old man’s footsteps.
We were guests at his aunt and uncle’s house the evening before. Brother-in-law Don is quite handy in the kitchen; ok, that’s an understatement. His passion in the kitchen hardly has an equal, except maybe for mine. But did they put on a feed!
My mother-in-law/landlord accompanied me on the ten-hour car trip up. Of course, she stayed with her daughter, while I secured lodging closer to the airport. My better half was flying in from Tampa and I would meet her flight at 10:15 that evening. That simple sentence cloaks a fantastic drama of jammed interstates, delayed flights and SUVs topping out at 98 mph. She arrived at midnight, and I was ready with vast amounts of alcohol to salve the anxiety of travel.
We fetched Theo at 11:00 a.m. the following morning for brunch. He looked burdened. Naturally, I recalled a time 33 years earlier where I was sitting in his seat. One of my professors asked if I were ready for graduation, and I protested “No! I don’t feel like I know anything!” He chuckled and reassured me that I had not forgotten everything; knowledge will only be available when I need it.
I wish I could have hugged him right then in the restaurant, but crazy old Dad getting emotional would have been all out of character. I hugged him in my mind.
Theo had decided to forgo the University Commencement the evening before but was certainly going to receive his diploma at the College Convocation. Pamela and I got to the venue, the McCasland Field House, about a half hour before. It would be useless to arrive earlier as another college would have been occupying the place for their ceremonies. Granny, Aunt Donna and Uncle Don would be arriving soon, but we took our seats up in the stands to afford a better view of the stage.
The grads started streaming in; a river of black flowed from the open doors; I expected crimson. And the shared question remaining unvoiced – where’s Theo? Why was I even worried. A text message arrived “Hey Man, I’m right behind the girl with the purple lei.” Shared question No. 2: Purple lei?
There she is – the purple lei! Hey, I know her. That’s Madeline. I never met her, but I watched her on the TV4OU nightly broadcasts before. She was co-anchor with Theo on Fridays. And sure enough, right there was Theo. Two well-placed yells and he spotted us in the stands.
In addition to his cap and gown Theo sported a stole indicating his status as graduate of distinction. Three straight 4.0 semesters do that for you. Could be five. Haven’t heard about this term’s grades.
His name was greeted with hurrahs from my next-door neighbor. I was trying to video the proceedings so I kept mum. Playback corrected my assumption.
Theo had his sheepskin. His goal achieved. On to the next mountaintop.
We finally found Theo among all the dark robes; well actually, he found us. He had the easier task.
The euphoria was too great. I got my hug in. There is no way I could communicate everything I felt and wanted to say in the one hug, yet I think he knew.
So Theo’s on his own. Or so he thinks. Moms and dads never let go. Never. We say we do, but if you’re honest with yourself they are always your baby.
We tend to transfer this emotion to the grandchildren. Trust me, there’s enough for everyone.
Theo, Godspeed on your journeys. You never fail to make me proud, or prouder. Somehow I know he’s going to top this.
Categories: What was I thinking?
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