Graduation Party

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Finally arrived at the house and tons of folks are there.  People from the Michigan District Office.  People from Christ the Good Shepherd, LCMS.  Family and Friends rounded out the rest of the participants of the party.  Then there was a special guest, Instructor Suzanne Mahler and her husband Jay.  She and I conversed numerous times as she was my first instructor upon entering the ADP program at CUAA.  She is very delightful woman and I razed about her to family.  Actually during my first class Linda was due with Jocelyn so the whole class got to meet her in our last meeting. Whenever, I had class and knew she was teaching I would seek her out to say high and catch up.

She is simply the most amazing teacher in the world.  I loved her classes so much I actually took two classes my last semester of electives.  I had already completed my requirements and her classes were above the bar bonus.  I would recommend her to anyone at Concordia.  She’ll keep you the entire class length and you won’t even care.  Along with Waterman’s classes, the things learned in Mahler’s classes with stick with you for a lifetime.  Everyone adored Jay and Suzanne.  I was so excited she came.  She even mentioned no one at Concordia had every invited her to a open house. Shame on them.  I wish I could have had more instructors to show my gratitude, but I’m sure the others had invitations.

Everyone had fun at the open house Linda did a wonderful job planning it.  We got pictures with everyone and the kids behaved as well. Perfect angels that day, they had everyone thinking they ran around with Halo’s over there head.  Some of the things I remember was the CTGS folks having what looked like a Leadership meeting outside, Joel and my Dad on the porch talking theology, and John being a great wine host. Nate Bishop stopping by in a mini-van with his two kids and one on the way.  So much fun.  Especially, when everyone enjoys everyone else’s company.

Graduation – part 3

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Well, now it is time to walk across that stage.  Seriously, is this going to be some life changing moment?  At least that is what I’m asking myself as we are starting to line up.  Jerry is first to go across the stage. Man, I’m so happy and proud of him.  Jerry and I have become quick friends during my second tour. We played pickup basketball back in 95/96 at St. Paul’s Elementary on Earhardt with Tony Love in the “Love Dome”.  Alex Bradley was next, she reminds me so much of Linda when we first met.  You always know where you stand with her and you just don’t get that with people today.  It was especially great because she’s getting married and I finally got to see Andy (even from a distance) outside of facebook pictures.  They’re doing it right way for marriage. Whole nine yards with revisiting Lutheran teaching while going through marriage counseling. “Know what you believe and why you believe it” is what I always say.  Alex and I talked a lot when it came to classes and gave each other advice on life as well. Senior Project was fun, I really think Alex amazed herself on the great job she did on her Senior Project. Yes, I actually read it twice.

Now, it is time for me to walk across that stage.  My Concordia career flashes before my eyes and I’m almost in tears. Is it really over now? How do I feel about this? I’ll deal with that later there is work to do. I hand my card to Prof Brandon (ahh the times of CSd and Library from back in the day) or was it Prof Kalmes (Institutions).  Either way I remember being complemented on my African stole that showed my heritage, but also God is my center with the Cross on it.  I’m on stage now, and person who reads off the names announces me as “Ini-obong Ekong”.  What about the first name you may ask, I only know you as Eric. Well, lets back track.

Probably in Graduation – part 2 I mentioned I phonetically spelled out my name.  I concentrated on my middle name and last name. As I know exactly important it is during events/ceremonies like this that the name be said properly.  Well, I saw no point in phonetically spelling “Eric”.   Figured that could be said without any assistance from me.  Back to our regularly schedule blog. :)

So, he announces “Ini-obong Ekong” and I take a step and stop. Waiting for him to correct himself, but I realize he has put the card away already. So, I continue on across the stage thinking to myself, my mother is going to kill him.  Then I thought he nailed my middle name and last name. Something most people can’t do no matter how many times they are corrected.  I shake hands with the Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer and we share a chuckle about my first name being left out.  I walk down the stage and their is my family for pictures to see their accomplished husband, son, and brother.  They look so proud.  They never doubted I would accomplish this goal, but they sure waited a long time.

I should explain why the family was so proud of me. Starting in May 2007, I took a full load of classes carrying anywhere between 14-16 credits each semester.  All the while being very involved with church, coaching the 07-08 school year, working full time for Verizon Business, and managing to be a stay at home dad and hopefully a wonderful husband. I’ll leave that up to Linda to verify.  I had to step away from some friends to get things accomplished and I had to manage my time like never before.  Hey, it paid off.  Deans List the last three semesters in two different colleges including a perfect 4.0

If it seems like I’m boasting, please believe it isn’t. I’m as just amazed as everyone else. Either I am as smart as my parents said I was or I’ve gotten to the point where I understand what is needed out of every class. I’ve question this of myself numerous times and it is only by fellow classmates assessments that I’m a better student now. Probably, had to do with my footing the bill this time around.

As I’m walking back to my seat I see all my friends who drove in for the event from all over the country.  Ime from Florida, the Edens from Missouri, the Helds and Kluehs from Indiana, Jessica from Minnesota, and Grandma/Parents from Ohio.  The Eden’s tried to surprise me, but technology tipped me off via a facebook notification.  Nevertheless, I appreciate all of them traveling to see me take this next step. 

Anyway, things were pretty much a blur from that point on until I watched Rebecca and Ben Ahlersmeyer go up for their walks across the stage.  Just warmed my heart to watch Dr. T full of pride and joy as he shook his children’s hands as they received their bachelor’s degrees.

Time to walk out.  Who is waiting me at the backdoor? My big brother for some more dap. Time to exhale because this is just a step on the long journey. We, took some family photos.  On the walk back with Linda and Jocelyn we walked with Emeritus Allen who remembered me and wished me well on my journey.  Even managed to ask how the District would get along with her not around.  From there we ran into Prof. Klintworth, my very first instructor at Concordia.  She took a minute to realize who she was talking to and then remembered me from all those years before.   She as well congratulated me accomplishing the degree mentioned she knew I would do it once I set my mind to it. Finally, we ran into David and Jenna Szpara they are one of those unique couples that give Christian hopes of changing this post-modern world. Sneaky little devil got me strawberry starburst. There is an inside joke of me grabbing a handful when I would drop the kids off to Linda on my way to campus for class. Then it was off to Ponderosa in Plymouth, MI for a quick bite. Had to have my Ponderosa wings.  Auntie Cookie showed up there and we ate. We were running late due to traffic and timing of the ceremony, but the open house has already started.

Graduation – part 2

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So, we get to campus within 20 minutes or so. Let’s just say I was pushing the limits of Michigan suggested speeds.  Almost ran off without kissing my wife. (Sorry, Linda – I Love You more than you will ever know)  Run into the Kreft center to make sure I’m all set. Write out my full name phonetically (more on that later). I’m looking around I don’t see anyone I know. I don’t see any ADP students so now I’m starting to freak out. Am I in the wrong place. Hold it together Eric because no matter what you are walking across that stage.  I did manage to bump into Rev. Shuta and have a short conversation with him.  Jeez, I don’t think the CUAA profs forget anyone.  Then I ran into English District President Stechholz and his wife, Janet (she sings in the Choir at my church, CTGS). Just as I’m walking outside I check my phone and it’s Alex Bradley asking where I was at.  I’m waiting on you jokers silly.  She comes by does her name thing and helps me put my cap on.  For those you that don’t know I’ve been sporting Brother Locks the past couple of years. Needless to say there was a slight worry that the cap wouldn’t sit on my head.  Alex took care of that. She always helped re-apply the cap during the service. Kudos Alex.

We walked back outside and then we started running into instructors from my past and ones from the ADP program.  First was Pies who seemed surprised we were there, but that is Pies.  I personally think he does it on purpose to mess with people.  Then Prof Waterman came by, styling as usually. Really going to miss her.  Only two classes with her towards the end which will help me so much in the future. I can’t say enough about her whole demeanor. Then there was a number of people like Joel Iverson and Emeritus Ron Allen who stopped by.  I wonder if we will wind up on some Concordia publication (hint Joel)?  During this time Jerry Nowak showed up.  I remember Jerry from my first tour of Concordia. So, they instructed three of us to lead the ADP students in as we had to start the new row following the Masters Degree candidates.  Go figure Jerry, Alex, and I were the three to do it.  I think I have had more classes with those two than I did with anyone else in the program.  It’s getting windy and it looks like it may rain. I’m sure Linda is freaking out now, since the party she was hoping to have some folks outside.

It’s time to walk in.  When you’re at this point what do you do?  I mean obviously you walk tall and with pride, but is there anything else.  Oh well, as I’m walking in next to Jerry I see my mother, sister, and beautiful wife.  As we are passing by the bleachers there is my big brother to give me some dap.  We take our seats and the service begins.  I won’t bore you with all the stuff in the service.  I will tell you this the speakers were great and actually had something worthwhile to say.  Every graduation I’ve been to in recent memory the person has been babbling about nothing for 30-45 minutes.  These speakers were living examples on Christian living and putting it all in God’s hands.  Very fitting for all the students getting ready to hit the real world.

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Graduation – part 1

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Seems like it was just yesterday I was leaving with family to be dropped off at Concordia’s campus in Ann Arbor to embark on a new journey. Most people enroll in college for a 4-year program.  I, however enrolled in 4 year program with a 14 year sabbatical in the middle.  What’s weird is I never strayed more than 30 minutes from campus.  Seems God had plans for me and they entailed me not leaving the stay of Michigan until my degree was completed.  If you’ve read any of my other blogs you know what happen in between and what lead me back to finishing my schooling.  So, I won’t bore anyone with that story.  That is a different topic all together.

I didn’t sleep at all the night before graduation, talk about the nervous energy.  Countless countdown number posted on facebook to pass the time and endless Sports Center re-runs.  I should have just sat down and blog to my hearts content about all the thoughts and emotions that were going through my head.  Oh well, around 5am I laid down for about 40 minutes and just said screw it. No sleeping now, got to be up so I can be clean and presentable for graduation.

Got up and walked outside (it was windy and chilly) with my Treasury of Daily Prayer for my morning devotion.  Upon finishing my devotion I used that time to review all the experiences I had during my education at CUAA.  Let’s just say this had been an ongoing thing from my last class until my walking across the stage. Oh the memories, disappointments, joys, friends, enemies, trials, and tribulations I had endured during my time.  I went to the shower and got dressed as with all my nervousness I had ironed my clothes the night before. All I had to do was eat and get the wrinkles out of the darn graduation robe.  I had tried twice the night before with the iron and dryer. Evil thing won the battle, but I would have the last laugh.

I was literally ready to go at 7am. Actually, if I could have shown up at that very moment to get it over with, I definitely would’ve.  Needless to say, Linda, Jocelyn and I drove down to the hotel to pickup Jerrilynn (bless her heart, they drove all night with a sick daughter arriving at the hotel @ 4am) to head to Ann Arbor.  Probably, the longest drive of my life.  Not because of the company, but because I was past ready to walk across that stage.

Who knew?

Graduation is a day away now.  It has been a long journey to get to this point.  Academically, it has been a busy two years going through the ADP program.  Some of the early semesters I even doubled up and took classes over at Schoolcraft to make sure I would get done on time.  Who knew all the late nights and hard work could pale in comparison to the stress family can cause just before graduation.

Instead of going in depth on everything. I will just say folks need to remember graduation is truly about the person who completed the work.  Those who supported and our proud of the person should do that without forcing their own wills and making it about them. Enough said.

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