Congratulations Mac!

Friday night we attended the high school graduation of our youngest grandchild. The weather was beautiful and we couldn't have been more proud as Mac was one of three students to speak at the commencement ceremony.

As he spoke about "The Past", he used humor and spoke with honesty about his school years,

and he delivered his speech with "Mac" spirit. He spoke about the importance of his parents in his life and they listened with pride.

His diploma was received and handshakes were shared.
After all 130 + members of the class had received their diplomas, it was time for pictures with Grandpa,

his mom and dad,

and his Grandma Lois.

It was a beautiful night! And from the program we learned something, so I will pass it on to you.

The Legend of the Cap and Gown

Long ago, in ancient Greece, when formal education was for the very rich or the very determined, a wise old teacher was approached by a group of aristocrats. "Our sons have completed their studies and it is time for them to return to their homes and live in the style befitting their station. On the morrow, we will hold a great banquet in their honor and expect them to be dressed in their finest garments." The old man smilingly answered. "They will be there," and he added, "appropriately dressed."

The following day, the banquet hall was filled with royalty and nobility dressed in dazzling jewels and costly finery. Then came the great moment when the students entered with their beloved teacher. A cry arose from the crowd, for here were their young men dressed, not in the tunics of the noble, but in simple robes, each carrying a mortar board - the mark of a common workman.

"Let me explain," spoke the teacher as he raised his hands for silence.

"Your sons are dressed in the clothing of the mason, for their destiny is to build. Some will build cities, some will build lives - perhaps one of them may even build an empire. But all will be builders on the solid foundation of knowledge."

And thus, over the years, the cap and gown have become a traditional part of the graduation, symbolizing the fact that our young men and women are builders -- of their own future and the future of the world.

If Mac is typical of the Graduating Class of 2010, our world will be in good hands!