23 Apr Spring reflections in Birmingham Alabama
For Carol and I, Springtime invites us to pause and reflect on the graduations we have experienced in our family over the years. This spring is no exception as I travel to Birmingham Alabama today to attend the history banquet at Samford University.
This week, while looking through photos with Carol, it was hard to believe that 7 years have passed since we caravanned with family and friends to Alabama to celebrate Christina’s graduation at Samford University. Carol and I were so proud to watch Christina march across the stage and accept her Bachelor Of Arts degree with a minor in English, with honors. Ever since Christina’s first graduation from preschool I have been quite the collector of the regalia from such events. The honor cords that Christina wore at her college graduation were a testament to her hard work and commitment and they are proudly displayed in our study at home.
The red and pale blue cord is from Phi Alpha Theta, the National History honorary
The red and black cords are from Sigma Tau Delta, the International English honor society.
Over the years Carol and I have witnessed and collected numerous of Christina’s awards and we treasure them all. From the awards ceremonies at Camp Kanakuk each summer (who could ever forget the bumble bee award) to violin recitals, to junior high, high school and eventually her masters degree from seminary. They were all very special and each has it’s distinct memories and reasons for celebration. Of all the awards that I witnessed Christina receive, the one that moved Carol and I the most was from All Saints Episcopal School as she graduated from junior high into high school. During a students 12 years at All Saints, they have one opportunity to earn The Saint Francis award and Christina was chosen for her kind heartedness and gentle spirit. I could not have agreed with them more.
Today at the history banquet at Samford University I will once again be blessed with a “proud daddy moment” as I witness the annual award presentation given in honor of Christina. There is not a day that goes by that Carol and I do not give thanks for being blessed with 27 remarkable years with Christina. The reasons for our gratefulness did not stop growing with her earthly passing, they continue to grow everyday.
Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
mjre
Posted at 07:26h, 23 AprilRonnie, I will be with you in prayer as you travel to Birmingham. This precious journal brought tears to my eyes as I too agree that there is no one quite like Christina. She was an angel from the day she arrived on this earth–and is an angel now as she serves our Lord in heaven. What an impact she has had on my life–and on all those who knew her! May your time at Samford be special as you reflect on what she was to so many & the ETERNAL difference she had on ALL of our lives. Much love, Mary Jane
Ronnie Mosley
Posted at 07:29h, 23 AprilThank you Mary Jane!