This week we were supposed to be in Idaho, celebrating Gabe and Shannon’s graduations from BYU Idaho.
Sadly, with the pandemic, the graduation was cancelled, and travel was not possible for us due to the restrictions, required quarantines etc.
It kind of seems surreal that Gabe has graduated! It really does seem like yesterday we were checking him into his house, setting him up, and wishing him luck. Like every new endeavour, there is often a transition, some bumps along the way and a lot of life lessons. It has been an experience!
It is so cool as parents to watch your kids start to bloom and grow. Over the years you know that seeds are planted and you try to nourish them with water, fertilizer and sunshine, but it often takes a long time before you see a sprout.
I think many times over the years Gabe was not the happiest with us pushing him to explore his potential, to put the efforts in to become who we knew he could become. And being the oldest, he had to endure so many of our mistakes too. So it was learning for us all….
But here he is. A University graduate. With an amazing GPA, a head full of knowledge and wisdom, experience from multiple jobs he held over the years and a mind full of good memories with roommates and friends. I hope that this was a time that he will cherish and look back on recognizing all his growth
And… what a special memory he will always have of this being where he found his beautiful, smart, kind, loving wife. They were able to support each other through a lot of schooling and we love watching them together build a happy and healthy relationship and now continue supporting each other in pursuing their dreams.
I think university life – which included married life for some of it – has really suited Gabe. He really has blossomed and I love seeing him transition his relationship with his Dad to not only one of parent and child, but to also one of confidant, friend, supporter, peers and even advisor.
A couple of years ago Gabe decided that post his undergrad he wanted to pursue going to law school. He knew it was a big commitment and he was up for the challenge. We have watched him over the past couple of years start thinking about more than just the immediate, but really thinking down the road to what future Gabe will need and what he could do now to create the future that he wanted. Getting the grades, studying for the LSAT, setting himself to get the best experiences. It was not always easy, and was often discouraging, but he kept at it. Kept on moving forward, and picking himself up after every fall.
And today, he is reaping the rewards – the delayed gratification for the sacrifices and effort he has put in. He has had a multitude of offers to law school – many with substantial scholarships! In the past few weeks, he has called with updates on who has accepted him and with how much scholarship money! It is such a joy to see that HE can now see how much he has accomplished over the years!
We are excited for him to go wherever he and Shannon feel that they are meant to start this new phase in life. They have some amazing opportunities that lie ahead of them. In the near future, more school for Gabe, starting a career for Shannon, and then lots of adventures – and hopefully travel lol! We can’t wait to see them again!
Congrats you two! We are so proud of all your dedication, sacrifice, commitment and hard work. Go celebrate and enjoy this time together!
xoxo
