Pride and Joy

Congratulations to our youngest son, Matthew! Yesterday afternoon at 1:30, he stood before his Committee and presented his Dissertation Proposal. White knuckle stuff to be sure, but also the beginning of the home stretch in his work toward his Ph.D. (Secretly, I knew he'd be brilliant...but then, I'm his mother so I know these things!)

This next year will be spent conducting yet more research, writing yet more articles for publication in scientific journals (yes, he is a published author at 25) and training yet more undergrad students. And hopefully, having some fun along the way. (Remember son, life is all about balance!)

I told him the night before his presentation that I'd be praying for him (although I knew he'd be brilliant!) and that I also knew that if there was a way, his Dad would be in that room, right alongside of him...hanging on his every word and cheering him on! Because that's one of the things my Sweet Hubby did best and because he was just so gosh darn proud of this son of ours!

You can take a deep breath, Matthew...this phase is behind you! So my eyes are on the future now and I can't help but look ahead to next May as you receive your Ph.D. and I can say (just once, okay?!) my son - the "doctah!" Well, maybe twice - because your Dad wanted to say it too!

Love you son...you've made us proud your whole life and you just keep on rollin'!

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Proverbs 1:8 NIV