Proud parent moment officially begins here…

December 19, 2014

I have never taken credit for the amazing young ladies that our daughters have become. In fact, I likely deserve credit for any/all of their shortcomings. BUT I will not shy away from promoting who they are. They are both truly fine, impressive women that we are proud to call our daughters. They are not without fault (they think the Kardashians are role models and that Prada is something you don’t mock in fiction). AND yet they still come through with a critical understanding of the important things in life (God and Church. Springsteen. Long-term investments. James Taylor & Carol King. A good job with health insurance and 401K.  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Fine dining at Bluestem.)

Fortunately for us, they both have boyfriends that want to love them, honor them, and treat them with respect. For all of this, we are truly blessed. (And if any of that last statement proves to be incorrect, Mr. Springfield and Mr. Colt are prepared to defend their honor. But I digress... )  And now on to what all of today and tomorrow is meant to celebrate…

Today our baby girl graduates from college. The proud parents can’t resist the need to announce that she’s graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Strategic Communications degree from the #1 College of Journalism in the US (maybe the world?) AND with minor in Spanish.  

Wait, did I mention that she’s been selected to join Kappa Tau Alpha honor society (founded at Mizzou) and that she will receive a multi-cultural studies certificate? If I haven't bragged enough, I'll simplify it. She graduates in the top 10% from the #1 Journalism school in the US one semester early. This is no surprise to me as I've always known what a great student she is. 

She was not selected for the "gifted" programs in middle and high school. I've always asked "why the heck not?" The fact that she graduated in the top 10 (number, not percent) from what is arguably the best academic high school in the state of Kansas, and now all of this collegiate recognition? I'm overwhelmed with pride. And I cannot contain myself. Sorry if all of this wears on you. I personally love to hear and see other parents celebrate their kids successes. Today I get that pleasure. Time to move on.

And so to our graduating baby girl I feel the need to say…

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“AH-HEM. Excuse me.”  (in a dramatic public announcer tone that feels the need to garner attention)

“This is your Dad. And this is a I SERIOUSLY need your attention moment...”

Is it weird, that in a house full of women, I feel the need to clear my throat, clap my hands, and maybe stomp my feet to get attention?

In the next few days, you WILL have A LOT of people telling you how proud they are of you (cause you are awesome). For the record, NONE will be more proud than the super-hero (to your super-heroine), sideline coaching (to your soccer-ball crowding, volleyball crushing, softball smashing), front-row cheering (to your Queen Bee Channeling, Idol-Fan-Favorite singing), proud parent glowing (of the academia award-gathering), ALWAYS knew you WOULD do it (because you make me proud EVERYDAY) dad that has watched/experience/enjoyed/(and "maybe" when the allergies act up) shed a tear of joy over the young lady that you have become.

When you graduated from high school, I shared with you how, on the day you were born, I was pretty much sure that I created fatherhood. I walked on air as I carried you over clouds. Since then, perhaps, you have carried me over the clouds.

Now you take the next step. Oh, but for the countless many times that I have watched you take that next step. You have always tested the waters by dipping your toe in first. Sometimes you watched the tide to see how others faired. But you NEVER stopped and you NEVER faltered. You may have briefly paused, but you ALWAYS attacked. You persevered. You conquered. Admittedly I sometimes wondered if you are holding back. Do you?  Nope! You do not hold back. You achieve. You excel. 

You are one strong woman, and you are every bit (well, almost every bit except that for that Imelda Marcos thing for shoes) of the role model that I would hope from a big sister. You definitely have your mother's “get it done attitude” amongst the oh-so-many other traits of hers that I dreamt that you would have. When you act like yourself, you have the sensitivity, caring, and the ability to galvanize friends and colleagues that your Grandma Lee always had. I think that the last year or two has taught you that you can harvest many opportunities when you are not afraid to let the seeds sow. Let them fly!

Finally you have the strength, courage and determination of your T. She has always held you close. She has always expected you to soar. Not too far. But always fly. And grow. And show others what it is to be strong, smart, courageous, studious, intelligent, brave, funny, curious, challenging, adventurous, and more. You have not failed her. You have exceeded.

You are one amazing woman.

You are EXACTLY what I would want my oldest daughter to be. I love you to the moon and back. I love you so much more than that.

This is most definitely not the end. It is far from the end. It may be, at worst, the end of scene one. But you know that.

Now go and act out scene two. We’ll be in the front row. Clapping. Cheering. We are your biggest fans.

You make us proud.

EVERY day….

I love you Boo!

Dad

 (In a cheesy announcer tone) “That is all.”

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Keep moving.









Move along now.

That's all there is.

Why are you still here?

Seriously, go home.

Order chinese.

With a coke.

Or pizza.

With a Pepsi.

Pepsi is better than Coke.

Yes. It is.

Hamburger?

Cheeseburger!













Make it a double. It's better.













No fries!














Cheeps.















And Pepsi!
















What's a Maroon?

The end....