Sunday, May 9, 2010

Just Perfect

Sometimes you have a day that's just perfect -- or pretty darned close to it! And you think, "Could anyone be more grateful than we are?"

On Saturday we celebrated Greg's graduation from Kendall College of Art and Design. It was such a great day -- well, not the weather, but everything else! The ceremony was followed by a small family gathering back at Greg's house. Rick and I cooked like crazy people the day before -- and it all fell together like clockwork!

Greg had a lot of the same challenges kids have getting through school -- a transfer half way through, all the challenges of combining work and relationships and school in ways that don't always bring the best results, and cause setbacks.

He also had -- as longtime Gypsy readers know -- another big challenge, with several thyroid cancer surgeries and the post surgical treatment.

And yet, there he was in his black gown, and boy! Was it ever terrific!

We were especially proud...He told us that morning he was graduating with honors!

Immediately after the ceremony we walked over to the art school to see his work in the senior exhibit -- here are a couple of the things he's done.

The pictures above and below are watercolors from photos he took on an overseas study in Ghana.

This mouse is one of his favorites. He took a photo of this dead mouse as it was floating in his bathroom toilet while at U of M. And I don't even want to know the back story on that one. I must say, I really do like it -- and I'd probably like it better without knowing the part about the toilet!

This is a portrait of his grandfather. I didn't know him during the period where he had the dark hair -- it was done from an older photograph. But there was no mistaking who it was!

Sometimes I just kept thinking, "I know this kid. I've known him for a long, long time!"

Honestly, I had little to do with the growth and maturation of this young man. He was born with the talent, and I had no part in that. Greg has been a big part of my life, though, since he was nine. In that time, I've seen him develop lots of passions and interests. He likes bicycles and classical music, like his dad does; he is our resident organic foods and recycling advocate; he's a kind human being who cares deeply about others, and the stars in his eyes are brighter than any in the sky.

But one passion that has never wavered was the art.

If I had anything to do with his upbringing, it was just listening to him, loving him, and hopefully letting him grow and be. Counseling him when it felt appropriate, letting him learn his own lessons when he had to, serving as an intermediary when two generations didn't always gibe.

After the exhibit, party time at Greg's house! Rick made sushi the night before, and I did salads, dessert, salsa.

Rick got the best bread at Panera! We thought we'd have more leftovers than we did! (Darn!)

Saturday's festivities were an ending -- and a beginning. He'll have ups and downs. We'll want to butt in (and sometimes against probably what is anyone's best judgment, will).

The other good part -- we'll get to do this again next year for that fellow in blue, above. That's Kevin, Greg's younger brother with Molly.

After the party, Rick and I went with his brother and his wife to see the Chihuly exhibit in Meijer Gardens. Yes, I took my camera -- and yes, I'll post pictures in a day or two!

10 comments:

Annie Jeffries said...

Congratulations to Greg!! I know how you are feeling, Jeanie.

And HEY! Girl, you are a little shorty next to your men. LOL

Privet and Holly said...

Hi Jeanie! Just popped over from your other blog, where I left a comment. You must be so proud! Your son is talented AND also very handsome. My daughter is also going to pursue her love of art. She was accepted into a pre-college program for high schoolers this summer at the Savannah College of Art and Design and she is so excited....and a bit nervous....as am I. But I am so happy to help her follow her dreams, as you have done with your son. I am SO glad that he has recovered from his thyroid cancer. What a relief for your whole family. Congratulations all around. xx P&H

anno said...

What a great thing to watch a life unfold and develop! When I think of it that way, it doesn't seem as unfair that graduation and mother's day fell on the same day this year.

Congratulations to Greg -- it looks like he has a lot to look forward to! And it looks like you all had a wonderful weekend!

Janet said...

Congratulations to Greg! Wow....his art is amazing! The very first picture of his art that you showed....I thought it was a photograph!

Joanne Huffman said...

What a loving post! Congratulations to all.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day for you, and what a wonderful talent Greg is! The watercolors of Ghanaian life are superb - and I like the mouse, too!

A friend went to a Chihuly exhibit in Santa Fe (I think). It was just stunning - set in the desert as it was, the work really was showcased beautifully. I can't wait to see your photos!

Unknown said...

What a great day and what a talented young man. Best of luck to him in his career. He definately is talented. I can hardly believe my oldest will be graduating from design school next year! Oh My!

~*~Patty S said...

Making sweet memories, milestones like these are so very wonderful...a blessing for you all to share the pure happiness and triumph of it all!
BIG congratulations to the graduate and all the family!
Here is to a brilliant future!
oxo

Beth said...

I know you are extremely proud of Greg! He really has over come alot and his ART is AMAZING!!! And I know he appreciates and Love's having a special person like you in his life! So happy for him and you and Rick too!
xoxoxo

jet1960 said...

I know you all are so proud of this young man! He is extremely talented and sounds like a great guy on top of that! Congratulations to him and to you and Rick, too! He is so talented I know he'll be able to do whatever he sets his mind and heart to do.

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