Mementos of a milestone
posted at 8:10 pm on May 3, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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I hope Hot Air readers will pardon me a little personal reflection today. My daughter-in-law Missy graduated cum laude today from Augsburg College, a fine liberal-arts college in the Twin Cities, after a difficult six-year path. When we first met our daughter-in-law, we saw her and our son off to their junior prom. We also met her wonderful family, who have all but adopted the First Mate and me over the years. The two made a cute couple, but we didn’t know then how committed they would become to each other.
I wrote earlier about their travails as young parents-to-be in their senior year in high school, so I won’t go into it again now. They chose life and they chose each other, but they also wanted to complete their education. Over the next six years, the two of them balanced marriage, parenthood, and college, working diligently at all three more than some work on any one of these. They did have some advantages others do not; they had full support from their families, but Missy and David insisted on doing for themselves as much as possible.
Today, we celebrated Missy’s success with about 400 of her classmates at a memorable commencement ceremony. It featured a speech from Dr. Jack Weatherford, who delivered a fascinating, humorous, and inspiring talk, making me wish I’d recorded it. The valedictorian — termed the “representative” in what seemed to be a little bit of PC — gave an overly earnest address about changing the world, using fair-trade coffee purchases as an example of her own virtue in this regard; it’s excusable in the context of the event, the school, and the much more worthy work she did as a volunteer in Central America. Unfortunately, the only good picture I could get at the commencement was this one above, because they kept the gymnasium dark for the entire event.
Fittingly, I think, we skipped the college’s reception afterwards as Missy wanted to go to the open house at the charter school our granddaughter attends. We ended up commandeering the gym area for a family celebration in the middle of it, rather by default, and the school’s director chatted with all of us for a while. The Little Admiral certainly had a good time:
Missy will now spend the summer looking for a job as a math teacher. Nothing has stopped her up to now, and I don’t suspect that it will take long before she starts her career as an educator. The Morrissey and McDonald families are very proud of our newest college graduate.
Next week, it’s my son’s turn. I’ll talk more about him next weekend after the celebrations have finished.
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Congrats :) Sounds like a compelling story, I wish them all the best.
Spirit of 1776 on May 3, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Congrats!
BallisticBob on May 3, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Fantastic news Capt’n! Thanks for sharing so we can celebrate with you and your beautiful family.
Weight of Glory on May 3, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Wonderful story & accomplishment! Congrats Ed!
Tim Zank on May 3, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your inspirational story with us. Here’s to smooth sailing ahead!
Buy Danish on May 3, 2008 at 8:21 PM
beautiful family - the pride is oozing through…well done
alabudboy on May 3, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Aye, sir.
SouthernGent on May 3, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Congrats :)
trailortrash on May 3, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Congratulations, Ed. May God continue to bless you and your family.
CP on May 3, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Many kudos! That little girl is beautiful with that gorgeous red hair! Parenting so young is difficult, but they seem to have pulled it off. It does take a lot of family support, but as they have that, too, along with responsibility and determination, they’ll go far.
Congratulations on raising and supporting a wonderful family.
LickyLicky on May 3, 2008 at 8:33 PM
What a precious little girl. You are lucky man.
Terrye on May 3, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Ditto. I am proud of their accomplishments.
Their committment to hard work, values, and perseverance through adversity is a reflection of their parents.
ColtsFan on May 3, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Congrats!!! I’m graduating in a couple of weeks myself so I know how excited she must feel right now=)
@nthony_the_gre@t on May 3, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Missy is lovely & your granddaughter is cute cute! You & David are blessed, Ed.
jgapinoy on May 3, 2008 at 8:42 PM
Well deserved Congrats, Ed!!!
That’s a beautiful family you’ve got there.
(Aloha from Waikiki)
AZCON
AZCON on May 3, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Are you sure that’s your daughter? She looks happy, intelligent…
Hmfff…
;-)
Mazztek on May 3, 2008 at 8:45 PM
I don’t understand this sentence? Can someone help me here?
lorien1973 on May 3, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Lovely!
bloggless on May 3, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Congratulations!!!
So you’re a grandpa!?!
DOUBLE congratulations!!!!!
ocbrat on May 3, 2008 at 8:52 PM
Congratulations to your granddaughter for having a mom and dad graduating this month!
My own son graduates from another one of those small Lutheran colleges in the upper Midwest in a couple of weeks, on my 50th birthday. This is one birthday present I don’t mind having paid for!
Say… does anybody have a high-paying position for a music teacher?
Scribbler on May 3, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Ed,
Looks as if your son and daughter-in-law took what could have been a take-down for the rest of their lives and turned it into a grand success. I’d be just as proud if that were my kids. Congrats.
Mike
Hammie on May 3, 2008 at 8:53 PM
He was Cap’n Ed at his old blog, Captains Quarters. The first mate is the missus.
As for you Cap’n…Yup.
Big John on May 3, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Oh! I always thought the first mate was his son or something LOL
lorien1973 on May 3, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Congrats to your family, Ed.
You, your family and the rest of us prove this every day……life is worth it. You sure seem proud that your son and daughter accepted their “punishment” well. Nothing will stop them now.
P.S. The Little Admiral is adorable.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 3, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Another note……charter school, good decision.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 3, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Bien Fait!
Maquis on May 3, 2008 at 9:14 PM
There, fixed that.
malan89 on May 3, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Congratulations to all. Augsburg is no Dinky school. Looking forward to making a similar post next week for your son.
ATB,
chsw
chsw on May 3, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Congrats Cap. You all must be so proud.
WOW! The Little Admiral has grown SO MUCH!
LL
Lady Logician on May 3, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Thanks!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 3, 2008 at 9:25 PM
FAMILY. Says it all. I feel sorry for these young people who are loathe to marry and have kids. They really don’t know how to grow up and what they are missing.
thatcher on May 3, 2008 at 9:35 PM
What a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing, Ed. Congrats to you and your beautiful, loving family!
shibumiglass on May 3, 2008 at 9:37 PM
These are the stories we all love to hear. Well done to all!
Life, what a beautiful choice! The above picture certainly underscores that sentiment.
sheesh on May 3, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Congrats Ed! I get to feel old in 3 weeks!
dmann on May 3, 2008 at 9:42 PM
way to go Ed
all the best wishes for you and your family
windansea on May 3, 2008 at 9:46 PM
Many blessings.
I’ll be darned if I don’t have something in my eye again.
:)
Bob's Kid on May 3, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Many congrats, sir. Really nice to see the good guys win one.
irongrampa on May 3, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Congrats. My daughter will graduate college next year and I am so looking forward to it, being not college educated myself. It’s a thrill for me, and it’s not even happened yet.
Hog Wild on May 3, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Gives a whole new meaning to “yes we can” because “yes they did” Congratulations!
KennyR on May 3, 2008 at 10:11 PM
It takes a
villagefamily to raise a child.Nice work with the family.
Corsair on May 3, 2008 at 10:18 PM
My parents had a similar history to your daughter and son-in-law. My mom didn’t finish her college education until I was in high school. Yer girl’s amazing, Cap’n. Personal indulgement forgiven. :)
Tuning Spork on May 3, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Congratulations and best wishes. May she take the world by the horns and have success and happiness in the rest of her journey.
Well done, dad & dad-n-law. Well done indeed.
Limerick on May 3, 2008 at 10:24 PM
I take that back. No forgiveness… Thanks.
Tuning Spork on May 3, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Captain Ed,inspiring and a true story of the Real America.
congratulations to your family,and a beautiful granddaughter
You must feel very proud!
canopfor on May 3, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Life, there is no substitute! God bless them for their “choice.”
Charles Martel on May 3, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Congratulations to Missy, David, and the entire family.
slp on May 3, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Congrats to the entire family, Captain Ed.
Mindfists on May 3, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Good for her!
I remember you, Ed, saying that your son will be graduating with his B.S. and will move on to post graduate in math.
I, on the other hand, am on the 14 year plan. It’s more fun to choose the career you want to take, physics, when you’re in your late 20’s! Yay!
Weebork on May 3, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Good on you and yours Ed!
BL@KBIRD on May 3, 2008 at 10:50 PM
im glad she graduated
its touching my heart because we had a fellow student here at SUNY stony brook die yesterday at an event on campus. freak health accident.
great kid, didnt know him, but he is from the same hometown and ive heard nothing but amazing things about him. didnt even get to finish his first year.
did not get to complete freshman finals…
im glad missy is successful. im glad your son is successful. i really am
blatantblue on May 3, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Fine job!
People with this kind of mettle are the backbone of civilization. Kudos!
LimeyGeek on May 3, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Something happy and satisfying amidst all the muck and mire.
Please enjoy and don’t feel bad - we can all use good news about good people any time.
Mommynator on May 3, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Family, fortitude, hard work and love = success!
Well done…
D2Boston on May 3, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Congratulations! A special day for your whole family. :)
inviolet on May 3, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care.
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any
you’ll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you’ll head straight out of town.
It’s opener there
in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen,
don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll start happening too.
OH!
THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t
Because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so
but, sadly, it’s true
and hang-ups
can happen to you.
You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump,
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked.
A place you could sprain both you elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And IF you go in, should you turn left or right…
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused
that you’ll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…
…for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.
NO!
That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You’ll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.
With banner flip-flapping,
once more you’ll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!
Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Except when they don’t.
Because, sometimes, they won’t.
I’m afraid that some times
you’ll play lonely games too.
Games you can’t win
’cause you’ll play against you.
All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you’ll be quite a lot.
And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance
you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.
But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike
and I know you’ll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.
You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!
Dr. Seuss
F15Mech on May 3, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Thanks Cap’n Ed. This is the one part of your blogging I missed the most. My very best wishes to you, the First Mate, the Admiral Emeritus, the Little Admiral, and your son and daughter-in-law. “May the road rise up to meet them…”
YankeeinCA on May 3, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Congratulations, what a wonderful day to celebrate!
JustTruth101 on May 3, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Congratulations to the new graduate. Best wishes to her and your son, Ed. You should be very, very proud for their dedication to family and their future.
BacaDog on May 3, 2008 at 11:29 PM
The power of strong values, hard work, commitment, faith, determination, relationships and love.
Great story and congratulations to you all, Ed!
pbundy on May 3, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Oh,The Places You’ll Go!
F15Mech on May 3,2008 at 11:24PM.
F15Mech: Hey F15(Strike Eagle),your gonna give
MB4 some competion on the phrase game!
Ha Ha Ha.
canopfor on May 3, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Shouldn’t Allahpundit be giving her an iPhone as a graduation gift?
(And no mortarboarding terrorists, now!)
profitsbeard on May 3, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I wont but Dr. Seuss will.
Every graduation should consist of the graduates reading that book (I still have my copy 10+ years later).
Congrats ED/Family
F15Mech on May 3, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Perfect!
Congratulations to all. As my late Grandmother would say on these occasions, God Bless America.
Zorro on May 3, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Congrats, Cap!
Best of luck and Godspeed to your two ensigns and The Little Admiral towards a happy, healthy, and prosperous future.
SuperCool on May 4, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Ed, I am your neighbor to the west (in South Dakota) and I would love, someday, to raise a glass with you to the health and success of you and yours.
Incidentally, I have family throughout the greater Twin Cities metro area, so perhaps the idea isn’t so pie-in-the-sky.
gryphon202 on May 4, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Mazel Tov Ed and to your family
Defector01 on May 4, 2008 at 12:07 AM
It’s Ed’s daughter in law :)
On a serious note, congratulations to the entire family!
Entelechy on May 4, 2008 at 12:20 AM
The best HotAir post in a long time.
Congrats, Ed.
Professor Blather on May 4, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Yes - congratulations, absolutely!
And especially on the parenting thing. I got pregnant (and married - yes, unfortunately in that order) my LAST semester in college and there were times that my fellow classmates had to drag me to school because I was miserable (I also had broken my foot when I was 9 weeks pregnant and (please pardon the run-on sentence) I was taking quantum mechanics with pregnancy-brain. I had absolutely no focus whatsoever, but I managed to do it. I can’t imagine redoing my bachelor’s with a toddler. I have one now (20 months) and she’s very taxing at times (but also the most beautiful girl in the entire world - I think all parents/grandparents say that :)).
Again, congrats and sorry for my ramble - it’s time for me to sleep :)
kippras on May 4, 2008 at 1:01 AM
That’s a wonderful story.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
gatewaypundit on May 4, 2008 at 1:58 AM
Congratulations to the PARENTS of these hardworking young adults who made some hard choices and decisions in life and to have things work out so beautifully. So many parents would not have helped young adults continue with school after marrying and starting a family so young, but your family looked at the bigger picture. What you have now is a successful young family and an absolutely beautiful grandaughter that brings enrichment into your lives.
Wow, a math teacher to boot. I barely got through calculus in my engineering studies. I thought the math majors were nuts to continue on with math once I was done with differential equations!!!
KUDOS to all and many happy years ahead.
karenhasfreedom on May 4, 2008 at 3:06 AM
Kudos to all of you!
ggoofer on May 4, 2008 at 7:20 AM
Congrats!
Mr. Bingley on May 4, 2008 at 8:14 AM
(and I won’t tell Allah you bought her an iPhone as a graduation gift)
Mr. Bingley on May 4, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Congratulations!
With all the garbage we see in the news, it’s easy to forget that young people like this are also out there, working hard and succeeding, and somehow they never make the news. Except for today!
NeighborhoodCatLady on May 4, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Congratulations!
Don’t ever stop sharing these personal moments with us Ed. Just as you shared the moment with us when my son got his Eagle Scout award; these are special moments that bring us all together as a community.
Keemo on May 4, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Mr. Morrissey..
An absolute honor to be on the same planet with you and your family.
frizzbee on May 4, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Congrats, Ed! You are rightfully proud.
But will she join the teachers’ union?
petefrt on May 4, 2008 at 10:57 AM
If you like Dr. Seuss, you’ll probably love Seussical: The Musical (Original Cast Recording)
I listen often, especially when Happy Hour wine puts me in an extra jubilant mood. In my view, Seussical ranks up there with classics like Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, My Fair Lady and such.
petefrt on May 4, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Missy,
Thank you for choosing life for your daughter. Congratulations on your graduation, and may God bless you in your new career!
Red Pill on May 4, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Wow - what an inspiration Missy is. Congratulations to you all for being such a warm, loving, supportive family. I see a solidy, happy future in the eyes of that way too adorable Little Admiral.
KrisinNE on May 4, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Congratulations! What a wonderful high note in a wonderful story - and it’s still going!
Rosmerta on May 4, 2008 at 7:49 PM
I love stories like this. How exciting for Missy and David. Congratulations to them for working so hard in spite of the challenges. And I must say job well done to you, the First Mate, and the McDonald family for raising such hard working kids with character and integrity.
kimpriestap on May 5, 2008 at 7:29 AM