The Andrew Widman Award

On Thursday, it was Carissa's turn to graduate! It was a very exciting and meaningful night for our family to watch Carissa graduate from the Police Academy! This process has been a family affair...every day we would look forward to hearing Carissa's stories, and we were never disappointed! Early on, Carissa learned of a new award that would be given in memory of Andrew Widman, a Ft Myers officer that was killed almost 2 years ago. Based on academic excellence, Carissa received that award! She was top in her class! While we were THRILLED that she received the award, it also had added meaning for us. Andrew and his family had been missionaries overseas and they were here raising support to go back on the mission field. He was a strong Christian and impacted the lives of those around him. It has been obvious over the events of the past few days that Carissa also made a difference in her world. She stood firm for her Lord and made an impression on others with her integrity and character. We had a party for her on Saturday night and some of her classmates came, along with many others! We have all been a little wound up since Thursday, with plenty to celebrate. God has been so good to have allowed Carissa to earn this award! We are PROUD!

This is Carissa with her instructor and her friend who was the recipient of the same award in the corrections division.

We are a very happy and proud family! These are some of her classmates that came to her party!

The Party

Yes, Yes, I know. The party was a few days ago! I'm just recovering from all the hoop-la of Kaylee's graduation, while trying to gear up for the next round with Carissa! The party was a huge success, with almost 150 guests! I am pretty sure Kaylee felt very loved, honored, and worn out as well! Patty made LOTS of pink and black cup cakes, per Kaylee's request, and they were wonderful! Carissa graduates from the academy next week, and we are planning to do it all over again!

Celebrating Graduation

Well, we've made it this far! We were worn out when it was all over last night, but we slept well and have worked hard today to prepare for tomorrow's party! We've cleaned, cooked, and even done some remodeling, with Uncle Rob's help! Tons of friends and Uncle Rob and Aunt Laura came for the occasion and then helped us a lot today! Rob installed a fan and Laura helped in the kitchen.

We had a very nice dinner with the graduates before the graduation and Kaylee received several awards. Then we were off to the ceremony, which went very well. The speaker was Chuck Allen and he was excellent, yet brief! With over 40 graduates, it was a bit long no matter how you look at it! We all had a very nice surprise when Kaylee was presented with the Martha Kreller Scholarship of $1000.00 to the school of her choice! This award was especially meaningful to us. We knew Martha personally, a precious lady who loved the Lord. Her son is currently the chairman of the school board, and years ago was my boss, as well as Cary's. When Kaylee was in third grade, her class went to sing at the nursing home where Martha was. The scholarship was awarded for outstanding leadership skills and service to the school and community. I couldn't help but be reminded of getting the "Good Guy" award when I graduated from High School. It was just what it was called, an award for simply being a good person. I'll never forget my mom telling me that she couldn't have been more proud of any award I could have gotten. I grew up expected to make good grades, but in the end, I also knew it was just as important, if not more so, to be a good person and make a difference in the lives of others. I think I learned that lesson well, because while I was thrilled for the awards being given to worthy students for Physics and English, I don't think I could have been more proud of my student!

That brings you up to date. Stay tuned, tomorrow will be another big day of celebration!

Kaylee's Graduation Day

Here we are, June 4, 2010. We have been talking about this day for a year, literally, you can look back and see! Kaylee is off running around, doing graduation stuff, so Cary and I did our normal day off thing and went to the beach to read. While I was reading, (yes, it was Beth, of course) I couldn't help but think of how proud I am to be a mom. I guess there is something "finishing" and "final" about the baby graduating, even though we all know the parenting isn't over by a long shot. They are our life time commitment, through the good and bad. At some point when they were little I made the decision that with God's help, I would change ME so they didn't inherit the bad, and prayed the good in me (that is there only by God's grace) would stick. These three precious children have prompted a lot of change in my life, not all easy, but because of my love for them I was committed to it. It's easy to look back and see the mistakes, but God is faithful! Kaylee is just a joy! She loves Jesus more than I could ever have dreamed of when I was her age. That alone is enough to look forward with great anticipation for where she will go in life. She loves to serve others, has endless commitment, (maybe that's not ALWAYS good) seldom has a bad day, gives without expecting anything in return, and she is a wonderful example to her peers as well as to those who look up to her. This year has not been one of the easiest for Kaylee, but I can certainly say that I have been proud of her character. She has done the right thing when it hasn't been easy, kept her head high even when her heart was broken. She lives with honor. I am so glad she is mine and look forward to tonight when this chapter will close and a new one will open! Kaylee, go on from this place and love and serve Him and others and never forget that you are His princess! Your Daddy has EVERYTHING you need!