We recently flew to Adelaide to attend the graduation of our daughter upon completion of her Master’s Degree at the University of Adelaide. We had a fantastic few days together, basking in an extended moment of shared achievement.
A few weeks ago when I was organising my photos I came across another graduation. It was just as special but from a different perspective. My 76 year old Dad graduated with his GED (General Education Development), or High School equivalency degree in 2001. I couldn’t be there for that one, but I was proud of him, just the same. Dad had joined the army when he was 17 and had never finished High School. He spent five years in the army during WWII and afterward life moved on and somehow he just never returned for his secondary diploma. I realised many years later this had always bothered him. But it hadn’t kept him from encouraging his children to seek higher education. He was very proud the day he walked across the stage and collected that diploma.
Wonderful as that is, he did not do it alone. He had our Mother, helping him study, and beside him on the day. Our parents are often beside us when we achieve great things, if not physically, certainly meta-physically! I am hopeful that our daughter feels our Presence beside her as she reaches goals in her life. (God knows we all hear our Mother’s voices in our heads, often at times when we wish we didn’t!)
The day after our graduation celebrations, I received an early Mother’s Day surprise. She had booked us for a Mother/Daughter pedicure session! It was so fun, and so special. I couldn’t help but reflect, when I was growing up we had no such luxuries, which I could have shared with my Mother. But I know, that she knows, she is loved. We still exchange emails every single day. For a few minutes each day, I focus on her, to share my day with her and she shares with me what transpired in her day. Often it includes our tender thoughts and love for each other.
Even if we are half a world away from our Mothers, the gift of time creates a Presence that supersedes the need for a present, though, when it is in the form of pampered toes, is very much appreciated!
-Ardys
ardysez 
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