Tuesday, May 19, 2009

We are done! .......... Not.

"One out of four marriages do not survive law school." So said the Dean of Dedman School of Law to my husband's first year class at Southern Methodist University four years ago. (He took the four year night school route.) Brad never told me that until a few months ago when a group of guys went out for a beer. All of them, except his Chinese buddies, had divorced while in law school. Sobering.

Three days ago Brad graduated cum laude. I've never been so proud of someone. Fifteen years ago he couldn't speak a word of English. The first person in his family to go to college. The first person in his county to leave the province for college. Now he has a Master's in education (he taught four years of high school English while working on that) and a prestigious and hard-earned law degree - oh and two children born in the middle of it all.

We celebrated with family and friends who have all been a tremendous support during the past four years. We raised a glass of champagne and toasted each other. We took pictures of Brad in his magnificent robe and watched the hooding ceremony. It is over. We are done.

Last night Brad came home lugging a box. "You won't be seeing much of me this summer," he said. The he pulled out ten of the fattest books I've ever seen. "I have to memorize these for the bar exam in two months," he said.

My old pappy used to say that his old pappy used to say: It ain't over til the fat lady sings.

4 comments:

The Earthling said...

Congratulations to all of you for making it through!

Anonymous said...

Completely and totally an awesome story. I love it. Tell him to write a book. He didn't take his educational opportunities for granted like so many American born children/students.
Yeah for him! I am extremely proud of both of you. What a Phenomenal testimony.
Carolyn

allison said...

We are so very happy for your family and proud of Brad. We toast from afar: Well done! to all of you! Yippee!
I think you should now give Brad the peace and quiet he needs to study. Sounds like a trip to Missouri is in order.

Leah said...

Yes, congratulations to all of you!!!