Weeeell, After what felt like a near death experience with the flu which I thought I’d never get over, I did and none too soon because my oldest “child” was graduating college at 51 years of age!!
Tina got married at 17,
and traveled with her hubby some. Knowing he would one day inherit the bicycle business started by his father, he learned German and Italian, since those were the primary manufacturing locations of their products. So, of course they got to go to Europe several times. Not having children yet, she was able to accompany him on these trips. For some time, we never thought she’d ever start her family.
When she was in her late 20’s, the business was sold and they did begin their family. At age 29 her firstborn child was born, on the same date my eldest boy was born. After that came son number two…
and sometime after that came son number three. It appeared that once the ball started to roll, they couldn’t get it stopped. Suddenly, she found herself pregnant once again. I asked her if she wished for a girl, but she said, No! “B—‘s only make boys, (her brother in law has four boys) besides if I had a girl, I don’t know what I’d do with her, I know what to do with boys.” Guess what?
She had a girl.
Unfortunately, it didn’t go well for her. Postpartum depression set in and sadly ruined the momentous occasion. When she confided in me how she believed she should be happy, but wasn’t, I suggested she see her doctor. Fortunately, I wasn’t the first person to tell her that. Her mid-wife gave her a referral and in time, she improved.
By now she was 38.
Five years ago, she decided to finish school and go to college. I shouldn’t have been surprised that she chose nursing given her own previous experience, but I was. Her whole life, she had been more into holistic healing and the organic approach to health. Yet nursing it was.
Little by little other pieces as to why have fallen into place, giving me clues as to how she came to her decision.
You see her goal is to eventually become a travel nurse. Her kids are all but gone and she’s seen the need in her travels. She’d been to Nepal for a mission trip some years back, so yes, there is definitely a need. She just returned from Tahiti with her father (a graduation gift) and she was told there was a need there. There’s always a need, regardless of her age anywhere in the world.
THE PINNING:
First came the pinning and everyone was there. Little Ally was in a wheelchair and on pain meds still since her trampoline accident had just occurred a few days earlier.
With her family’s support she completed her schooling, so of course her family was thereto support and cheer her on, with the exception of one brother. He came out earlier for his grandfather’s funeral, which took place during Spring break while his wife was on hers from teaching. As foster parents, getting away doesn’t come easy, so it was the best they could do. He did bring his oldest son with him, so it was a good visit.
We get to meet her classmates and some “bestie’s” she made while there. She made a point of not giving away her age at first, not that it ended up mattering. They loved her.
And finally graduation day:
And more family –
And then it finished off with a party at her house, which for some reason was just us… at first. It seems the graduates make a circuit run of all their friends and stopped in later. For some reason, probably because it was way past my bedtime, I didn’t get pictures. Oooops! Yea!!! She graduated with honors and much thanks to the whole family for their support.
What an amazing and uplifting story that is! I love it. Congratulations!
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Thank you. I’m so proud of her.
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very nice story and writing!!! love that first photo by the tree!!! can you send me a copy?
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Certainly!
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it’s actually the second photo…in color, in red
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Beautiful woman! You must be so proud of her!!
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I so am.
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Oh congratulations! And she is so beautiful! (You said 51, are you sure? 😉
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Thank you
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Congrats to her. She is a perfect example of it’s never too late.
Happy you are feeling better.
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Yes, thank you. No, she takes after me. Haha We always say age is just a number. Not who and how you look or are.
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What a woman! Congratulations to the happy family. Three generations of beautiful women. You look so much alike,
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Thanks! Yes, she did what I always wanted to.
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What a wonderful accomplishment! Her pinning ceremony was beautiful. ❤
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Thank you. Yes, she was a good student when she was a kid. I should have insisted she finish, as it was she had to get her GED before she could even start. We are all proud.
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We can all learn so much, when we are ready… 😊 You have a lovely family.
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Ahhh thanks! They are pretty neat.
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Great story! I love real-life stories where the heroine shows grit and determination and comes out on top at the end. Congrats to Tina!
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WONderful story! Beautiful photos. And such a joyful Heroine!! Congratulations all around.
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