What happened to the last four years? In fact, what happened to the last 22 years? It is just super hard to believe that Jarrod is already finished with college and ready to enter the world of being a real grown-up.
Over the years, Jarrod and I have grown so close. He and I have a wonderful relationship and one that I pray will continue through the rest of his life. He has brought so much joy and laughter to my world. Yesterday at ACU graduation, I had the privilege of escorting him. At ACU, they have a tradition where the graduates, wearing black robes, are escorted by someone special to them, wearing white robes. During the ceremony, the escort "hoods" the graduate and then the graduate will walk across the stage to accept their diploma. It was a wonderful honor for Darren when Nathan asked him to be his escort and it was a wonderful honor for me when Jarrod asked me to escort him.
As I was sitting in Moody Coliseum yesterday during graduation, I began to think of all of the love that was in that room. Each student had someone there who had encouraged him/her along the way. There were audience members that were whooping and hollering for each of the graduates as they walked across the stage. When the graduates returned to their seats, their escort was there to high five them or give them a pat on the back or a squeeze. I hope those graduates realize how much love was there for them that day. I know as a 22 year old, I probably didn't appreciate my family as much as I do now. We just tend to take each other for granted. Jarrod was a fortunate young man as he had lots of people to cheer him on. Of course, his Dad and I were there. He also had my parents, Darren's dad, Aunt Denise, Nathan & Alyson and his girlfriend, Bri. Bri's grandparents also came to cheer him on. I hope he realizes how lucky he is that he has so much support in his life.
After graduation, the processional led us outside where there were signs posted all over the "mall" for family members to meet us at. It reminded me of when he was in kindergarten and was told to go stand at a certain spot after school until his momma came to pick him up. In just a snap of the fingers, we have gone from kindergarten graduation to college graduation. It seems so impossible.
Now that Jarrod has graduated, I want him to know a couple of things:
1. Always keep your faith. God has brought you to it and now He'll bring you through it. No matter what else happens in life, remember that God loves you more than even your momma does and he has your whole life planned. Jeremiah 29:11.
2. Remember where you came from. You will never be too old or too big to come home and cry with your mom and dad, laugh with us, share your secrets with us or celebrate your joys with us. We will always be your #1 fans!
3. Remember who you are. Don't let the world tell you who you are, you tell the world. You have a wonderful personality, a great sense of humor and a terrific head on your shoulders. Don't let discouragement and frustration take any of this away from you. You will be faced with disappointments in life, but you will come out of it on the better side because of who you are and Who's you are!
4. Remember love! Your dad and I love you so much and am so proud of who you are. In the end, love is what is most important. Love your God, love your family....
5. Success is only measured in the eyes of God.
Congrats, Jarrod! We are so proud of you!
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