Happy Graduation Weekend!
I had the great honor of watching my niece graduate from college last night, and tomorrow my nephew will mark the end of his high school career.
It is bittersweet to watch these two amazing kids in their cap and gowns, each going out into the world to start their lives. We threw my niece an amazing party because she was one of the 2020 graduate victims who was robbed of her high school graduation, her prom, everything special about her senior year, thanks to the covid lockdown scare tactics. She has busted her butt through so many obstacles to get her degree last night. I could not be more proud of the amazing healthcare professional she is going to be. She has a good head on her shoulders, and is able to discern more than several adults I know that are 2-3x her age. In 6 short months, she will be a married woman as well. I just love her to pieces and it has been a privilege watching her grow up.
My nephew is my spirit animal. He is going into the work force after choosing the vocational school route during high school. He has more hustle and hard work in his little finger than most kids do at his age. He was a state wrestler, worked full time, and has this sweet kind soul that reminds me so much of my grandfather. He is also a really badass racecar driver, who won rookie of the year at age 16. His wit, humor, and his kind sweet heart are going to take him so far in life. I love him to pieces and it was a privilege watching him grow up.
These two amazing kids also have an older brother who has two masters degrees under his belt, an adorable wife, and was the first kiddo to make me an aunt. And he will probably be the first one to make me a great aunt. Spending time with him this weekend and watching the smart and savvy adult he has become fills my heart with pride. He lives 17 hours away so any time we get with him is such a gift. I also love him to pieces and it was a privilege watching him grow up.
Sitting with all 3 of them, laughing and joking last night, made me reflect on the gift of these 3 kids in my life and how it has been one of the greatest blessings ever. I realized that all 3 of them are such unique adults, each have foraged their own path, and all 3 of them are just as amazing as they could be. I always thank my sister for giving me the greatest brother in law and these 3 kiddos!
I will be back on Monday morning with more Holding the Line. We have a big weekend of celebrating to do!
Stay safe, take care of each other, speak truth. ♥️
I suspect all three of these amazing people realize how special you are also.
Have a wonderful weekend and get some riding in. 😍
It always amazes me how important family is to all of us. Outside of our public life we have our family with whom we truly can be ourselves and, while we may have different opinions on many issues, there is unconditional love. We are a big, loud, Italian family. My wife, her sisters, brother and parents came to the US in the 1960's. My wife remembers coming into New York aboard ship and seeing the lights of New York and asking if there was a festival going on because the only time that she saw so many lights in her home town was during festival time. She was awe struck. My parents were 1st generation Italian and so I was raised in the culture but, compared to my wife's family, we were much more quiet. Yelling is just a normal conversation in the Italian home. I was really struck by this when I first met my wife. I would ask her why everyone was so upset and she would tell me. No ones upset, they are just discussing something. Anyhow, I digress. To all the families of all of you out there who enjoy Jennifer's heart felt postings and to you, Jennifer and your wonderful family - fatti una bella giornatta.