Wednesday, December 9, 2009

College Hoorah

Today I received the most exciting call regarding acceptance into college. It was from a friend who was a single mother for nearly 14 years before meeting and marrying her second husband.
She has worked hard and long. She has fought the statistics and is on the other end excited, standing tall and proud. After working, saving, and investing for the past 14 years for her son’s college education, her family just received a preliminary letter of acceptance into college, ALL EXPENSES PAID! Her son needs only continue getting good grades, finish his sports seasons, and confirm with the university his arrival date. That’s it!
After speaking with her, she expressed her excitement as well as her continual work over the years. She has had to make sure to follow up with him on his homework daily. “Son, do you have any homework? Are you sure? Are you sure? Are you sure? Can I see your folder?” Not that this was disbelief, but she wanted to make sure that neither he nor she was missing something that would hinder his continual success.
She further acknowledged that her work is not done and she knows it! Contrary to popular belief and even practice, she knows that even though he has received this preliminary letter, both he and even she still has to finish strong. Now is not the time to relax and let go, even though it would make sense and even feel overwhelmingly great. Now is the time to dot every “i” and cross every “t.” Now is the time to complete all paperwork, reaffirm the vision and goals, and find comfort in the wonderful relationship they have built over the years.
I am so inspired and can relate to her enthusiasm, relief, and pride. Were it not for a scholarship to attend college, I would not have been able to go. My mother was a single mother working hard to put food on the table and clothes on her 5 children’s backs. She didn’t have any “extra” savings or income with which to put me through college. I worked hard, got scholarships, grants, loans, and worked while attending college in order to pay for it. I consider myself fortunate and know the relief that comes from a child attending a college, and it not being a financial strain or even a burden on the family.
I not only rejoice with her today, but with every woman who stands strong, powerful, and persistent. So today, I stand in agreement, and salute all those who can laugh out loud and enjoy their families today!

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