This is a tremendous milestone that I share with my entire family who supported me while I completed readings, wrote papers, and participated in on-line forums. I could not have done this without Lisa cheering me on, Sam telling me she was proud of me, and the boys giving me space and time to apply myself.
A Master's Degree always eluded me for my adult life. I started at Cornell but did not finish. I considered going to UNC Keenan-Flagler but talked myself out of it. At my age, continuing education is possible, but unless it is necessary for your career, there are too many other things going on in life to add the course work required for a degree.
When I was selected to attend the Army War College I paused - just briefly - to pass on it but my heart wanted to do it. My brain, on the other hand needed convincing for the first few months of course work.
As I sat waiting through a very nice ceremony and a great guest speaker in GEN(R) Barry McCaffery. As I sat there I told myself to soak the moment in. The gleaming white paint of the band stand where the VIPs sat, the blue of the sky, the heat on the back of my head, the discomfort of the tight uniform, and sense of pride I felt in my accomplishment.
As we stood and moved to the stage I urged my brain to enjoy the moment crossing the stage, shaking hands, smiling and making eye contact. And I did.
Lisa joined me. The kids were at home watching a live stream of the ceremony on school's website. It was a collective accomplishment - even if it has my name on the paper.
And now I have all this free time on my hands - I almost thought about starting more courses!
