Sometimes He Still Knows What is Important

This is a picture of our son-in-law, Taylor, and our daughter, Shelby.  I do not know why I don't just call Taylor our son.  That is what he feels like to us - a bonus son!  Taylor recently graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor's degree in Fire Sciences Administration. Yay Taylor! Taylor worked hard to earn his degree.  And, he worked nearly full time over the last few years to afford the luxury of an education.

 
Paul always valued education.  He would say he never really had the patience or the brain power for classroom learning. He was gifted - though.  At one point in our marriage, to help with his employment, he earned an Associate's degree in Industrial Arts.  He used to be able to learn nearly any physical skill or task.  He was an amazing welder.  He was a plumber.  He was an auto mechanic.  He was an artist.  He could build anything.  He could fix anything.

He wanted our children to be able to go to college.  When we both realized (at a fairly young age) that our career paths were not going to help us save for tuition for three children, we hatched a plan.  He supported us while I went to school - all the way through school.  Then, we both found jobs at universities.  In doing so, we were able to get tuition remission for our children.

Good plan - right.  Aren't we smart!

Well, our kids had other plans.  Each was interested in pursuing fields outside of the traditional world of academia.  Zach (oldest son) became a tattoo artist.  Shelby (pictured here) became a talented stylist and cosmetologist (thanks for the eyelash extension, Baby Belle).  Wyatt (our youngest and most like his dad) became a mechanic.  I was a bit disheartened when this first occurred.  Now, of course, I realize I can get tattoos for free.  I get free hair cuts, coloring, and styling for life.  My car will always run!  We are really proud of our kids.  Shelby even runs her own business for goodness sakes.  But I think we always wanted to see one graduate from college.

So, when Taylor finally told us he was walking in graduation, our hearts leapt.  And then my worry set in.  EOU is five hours from our home.  Paul cannot even tolerate going to the doctor.  He certainly can't handle sleeping in unfamiliar places.  How were we going to this ceremony?  Would I have to go alone? We talked about all of this as a family.

It was Paul who made the final decision.  He said, simply, "I am going."

So we hatched a plan.  We would all sleep in the same hotel room so Paul was safe and always had someone with him.  If he woke up scared at night, he might soon recognize three familiar faces.  We brought extra medications to help calm him.  We made sure he ate, and drank water, and stayed warm.

And, what a challenging day it was.  The graduation was outdoors.  The weather predictions kept changing.  In the end, we ended up getting rained on and then sunburned.  That is Oregon for ya! Regardless, we got to celebrate Taylor and all his hard work and see one of our children graduate from college.

Paul knew how important this was and together we made it work.  Taylor does not say much.  He is a quiet and peaceful guy.  He rarely expresses much emotion.  But I know - just like I know my own name - Taylor was so happy Paul was there with him.

Thank you Lord for these moments of blessing!