grads

Today I sat down to craft up some cards for the grads in my life this spring. I need to give a special shout-out to my big bro, who graduated from med school this weekend--and Jeff's baby bro is graduating from H.S. next!! Such huge deals, and I'm bummed to miss out on the celebrations. And as I think about graduations, I realize that for the first time in my {slightly more grown-up} life, the month of May has not been cluttered with final exams, papers, packing, goodbyes, and summer vacay plans. No spring fever or baseball games or plays, concerts, parties that go hand-in-hand with academia here either. It's weird. For all of the busy-ness and stress, I loved the change and new beginnings that this month brought. I miss that sense of accomplishment and the concrete thought of stepping up to the next level. Hard to believe that just one year ago, I was the hopeful college grad. So much has changed since then--it feels like it was a lifetime ago! Funny how time works. I remember agonizing through papers thinking about how I couldn't wait to be school-free one day. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I really miss the rhythm of it all. I miss the fresh starts and satisfying finishes to each year. But most of all, I miss those glorious three months of freedom that rewarded me in between. So if you happen to be donning a cap & gown this month, or have a promising summer vacay ahead, cherish it. Trust me, you'll miss it when it's gone.