May was a BUSY month! So many amazing milestones were reached I’m still not sure if they all happened. Every day I look at all the pictures taken over the last month & I thank the universe for allowing me to be a small part of it all.
It all began with double graduations from the University of Rochester for my son & his fiancee. We weren’t sure what would happen thanks to Covid-19 until a few months prior. It wasn’t exactly ideal but what matters was I saw them both in their caps & gowns, heard their names called & what every parent dreams of; watching them both walk the stage to receive their degrees. Well, degree covers. There were five ceremonies in all spread out over three days. The big commencement & two-degree major ceremonies for each of them. All streamed live for parents and loved ones to see.

Immediately after the pomp and circumstances, we switched into wedding mode. They chose to get married in my daughter-in-law’s home state of Oregon. I don’t know how they planned the wedding while attending their last year of college AND working. All the while not even sure it would all happen due to all the restrictions and rules for the pandemic. If it weren’t for her parents, it would have been a nightmare for both of them. When it comes to inlaws, Adam won the lottery.

They had a beautiful day weather-wise. Their ceremony and reception took place outside. Making for an ideal setting. Clear blue skies and warm temperatures all day. Actually, it was damn hot.

If it had been a contest of who cried more, Adam won. Hands down. It filled my heart to see all the emotions he was experiencing. There was no doubt just how much in love he is. The bride was stunning. She glowed with happiness as her father walked her down the aisle.
After the ceremony, there was a lovely dinner, toasts to the bride and groom, something called The Shoe Game that involved all the wedding guests and llamas. Yes, llamas.


When I returned home, I was given the all-important task of babysitting their five cats and dog. That week I was literally a cat herder. No easy task I might add.



The newlywed’s honeymooned at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. They had a fun and relaxing time. I won’t lie, I was a lil bit jealous.

When I began this blog, my biggest goal was to see Adam graduate from high school. If someone had told me I’d be there for that and so much more milestones in his life I would have laughed and laughed. I never let myself hope for anything beyond the one goal I would set for myself. I was too afraid of hoping for things I’d never be part of. Cancer forces one to not look too far into the future no matter how optimistic. I don’t say this to put anyone off or to be a downer. I say it because of how grateful I am. I must acknowledge how incredibly lucky and appreciative I am.
Which brings me to share, with gratitude this last bit…

Just in case anyone doesn’t understand the photo above, these should do the trick!


I’m going to be a *gulp* GRANDMOTHER!!
Truth be told, I’ve known for a while. This has been the HARDEST secret to keep. Those that know me, understand how physically painful this was. I was SWORN to secrecy until other family members were told. Nothing is worse than finding out about important life events than on the internet. So, how long have I known, you ask?

I have a magical new goal!
Hi Susan,
Happiness. That sums up this post. I can actually feel it coming through in your words. I’m thrilled for you all. January’s going to be pretty awesome too. Thank you for sharing and spreading happiness. Smiling here. xo
This just makes me so happy, generally and especially for you. Indeed I do remember back when high school graduation was the goal, and it didn’t seem a sure thing at all. And now here we are. As a fellow cancer person, I absolutely know how tenuous it all can seem sometimes, and thus how joyous it feels to get to these landmarks. Thanks so much for sharing, Susan. Cannot wait to see the grandbaby pics!
David
Thank you, David, for the kind words. Believe me, I can’t wait to share!
What a beautiful blog post! I could feel all the magic and know just how wonderful this has all been for you. My daughter Sarah Merchant used to dream of seeing her son graduate from high school too. I know that she was looking down on you and smiling through it all! May the magic continue and bring you more joy as you look forward to your first grandchild!
Donna…so good to hear from you. Sarah and I used to talk about our boys all the time. The hopes, worries and dreams we had for them. It makes my heart happy to know she was. Sarah is greatly missed 💙
What an excitant month – CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you!
Weeping as I take in all the MAGIC. you shared. I was hoping to hear how it went…llamas AND a grandma! WOW
The only thing that can top May is January!