My daughter graduated from Indiana State University yesterday. Magna Cum Laude. I can’t let the occasion pass without comment, not only on her accomplishments, but those of my son as well.
Laura has been an inspiration to me her whole life. I tend to be tentative in trying new things, constantly worried about what people would say or think should I not succeed. Laura has never had those kinds of reservations. From the moment she was born, she has approached life with a voracity that still leaves me breathless. As a child, she would write plays for her friends to act. She, of course, would direct, act, and rewrite through the whole production. She literally taught herself how to read with the help of a red Fisher-Price tape recorder and a talking Big Bird. I resorted to those devices because, if given the time, Laura would have had me reading to her 24/7.
In high school, she was so active and involved that I had trouble keeping up. I was lucky enough to teach at the school she attended, so I was there to witness her enthusiasm and success. Laura not only acted in plays and musicals, she was a student director. And she was very, very good! Little Shop of Horrors. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. You name it, Laura was in it. She joined the show choir learning songs and intricate dances. I won’t mention her particular problem with cowboy hats and the Dixie Chicks. 
She didn’t change in college. Being active in her sorority and with campus organizations, she couldn’t pack enough living into each twenty-four hour day. Graduation is just the beginning for her. I have no doubt she will be a phenomenal teacher who brings such a joy of life to all of her students.
Kevin must have learned a lot from his sister. My “little boy” never hesitates to take on a myriad of activities. He draws. He creates computer animation cartoons. He acts in every play he can find. And just like his sister, he is very, very good! Recently we traveled to watch him in a production of Hello, Dolly in Terre Haute’s Community Theatre. In high school, we enjoyed his performances in The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, and he had the starring role as the father in Cheaper by the Dozen. And, although I might be a bit prejudiced, I have to say he was fantastic. 
My kids are the reason I write. If they can face the world, unabashedly try new things, and enjoy life, why shouldn’t I? They are an inspiration in every sense of the word.
Congratulations on your graduation, Laura! I’m so very proud of you!