Friday, June 11, 2010

Pomp and Circumstance

It was a proud day in our family this past Tuesday. We attended the Convocation for our oldest son as he graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University! It was such an emotional and proud moment for us, knowing that he diligently and successfully completed his years of study and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Business with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Global Studies.

It was a very impressive ceremony as we watched the procession of the faculty and students and listened to the Chancellor as he announced that the Convocation was in session.

After a couple of speeches, it was time for the Conferring of Degrees. Each candidate was announced, they received a hood (an outward sign of their new status) and was acknowledged by the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Science.

It was all very formal. It was also very emotional. My heart just swelled as I watched my first-born receive his degree. I wanted to run up to him and give him the biggest hug I could... instead I choked back the tears as I sat in my seat. I had flashbacks of the day he was born, his first steps, his first day of Kindergarten and his graduation from High School. I could also imagine his future - bright with promise!

When the ceremony was over, we met outside. That's when the hugs and handshakes and pictures took place.

We ended our day with celebratory dinner at a nice restaurant.

It was a day that I will always remember. I also know that there will be many other proud moments in Tyler's life. He is a gentle, kind, intelligent, hard-working young man. I know the future holds great promise for him.

Congratulations my son.


19 comments:

  1. Congratualtions to Tyler and Mom and Dad! The reason why he is such a great person is because he has a great family keeping him company on his journey through life. You must be so proud of him!

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  2. Nice. Tyler has done you and Wayne – and himself – proud. Brian

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  3. I think I’m going to cry too. As you talked about flashbacks of Tyler some were coming to my mind as well…Crossing the street to his friends house when he was about 5 years old. How long did it take him? And, the other memory of when he asked you what would happen if you made it to “3”? As you would do when he was to stop doing what he was doing…One! Two! Three! Unlike Spence for who you would have to count up to “Fifty!”. I so love your boys, too!

    All kidding aside, my heart feels good thinking about Tyler’s achievements. We’re all proud of him.

    Mary

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  4. Very nice Joanne- you should be very proud!!

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  5. Great shots …and congratulations to the grad, and you and Wayne for fostering his accomplishment – you should be very proud of Tyler and yourselves.

    The backside silhouette of Wayne and his son’s is a classic shot and freezes in time a milestone model of a father and his son’s shared journey this side of eternity – one for the scrapbook. David

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  6. Congratulations to Tyler and the Burton family.You have had two huge family events in a short time and all happy ones.All the best to Tyler as he joins the working class full time.Let the money roll in.

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  7. How wonderful Joanne, you all must be so proud!

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  8. Congratulations to Tyler, yourself and Wayne. Great job.

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  9. aaaawe.....that is fantastic...proud momma!!

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  10. Wow, what an achievement. Congratulations to all of you!

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  11. Thanks for sharing this with us on your blog. I am not there yet, but I am sure that I will feel much like you described. I attended Amanda's parent graduation dinner tonight and at times I felt a little tear trying to squeak out. I guess that is how we know we did a good job. Congratulations to Tyler and to you.

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  12. Very nice, Joanne. Thanks so much for sharing. This is the first graduation ceremony I’ve ever missed in the family. We so wish we could have been there. Please pass on our congratulations to Tyler. It is such a huge accomplishment and he did it with steady diligence and grace. I have no doubt he will be successful!

    Love to All, Ann

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  13. Okay, so I'm choking up too! I am sooo proud of Tyler...what an accomplishment! Truly, the hard work, dedication and commitment he has shown is admirable. I recall times up north and all the boys playing together...quite a young man he has grown in to. Job well done faithful parents, Joanne and Wayne!

    Love,
    Dianne

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  14. Oh wow I am feeling emotional for you! How proud you must be!! Congratulations to Tyler!

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  15. Congratulations Tyler!!! What a wonderful accomplishment!!! Thanks for sharing this with us Joanne -- congratulations to the proud parents :)

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  16. Congratulations to Tyler!! That is fantastic!!

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  17. What a wonderful post Joanne!! And a HUGE congratulations to Tyler! That is such an amazing accomplishment. Here's to a bright, beautiful future ahead!

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Thank you for your lovely comments!

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