That beautiful lady to my right, is my mom. She is 81 years old and is very spry...and cute! This picture was taken after graduation when we all went to a restaurant afterwards to celebrate. I was wearing the "puffy" doctoral hat, and my mom took it off and said, "I want to wear your hat...somebody take a picture!" So, that's what happened. I'm so glad I got to spend some time with my family! The other pictures are with my beautiful wife and daughter. I could not have accomplished all that I have, without their love and support.
The bottom picture is of me and both of my brothers. The one on the far right is Don, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. My mom had just gotten us all together and made us promise to always stay close and take care of each other. That's why we're crying in the photo.
Family is SO important. If you have been teaching for any amount of time, you know that your students basically become your family. Families don't just constitute blood relations, they include the people we care about and who care about and depend on us. Some days we celebrate their accomplishments, and other days we hug them tighter because they are hurting. Either way, we are there when they need us...regardless and period.
Have an awesome week!!!