Marianne's FSU Graduation!!

My wife Marianne's much-anticipated graduation from Florida State University took place
this past Saturday, August 5, at the Tallahassee/Leon County Civic Center. I am very proud of her in making it to graduation..a journey that began the week of January 8, 2001. Two major events occured that week: her decision to go to college as a 'later in life' student and our marriage.

Marianne struggled and struggled with algebra early in her college days before finally being exempted on a learning disability in mathematics testing. She continued to work, first at Deerlake Middle School; then for a time as an aide and later job coach at Wakulla High School; and finally, coming full circle and returning to Chaires Elementary's afterschool program, where she already had logged in a great deal of time.

She also had to deal with family issues involving..kids..of course along the way and I know many times she was tempted to quit. I tried to encourage her and keep house, cook and keep clean clothes available to make the struggle easier.

Marianne graduated with a degree in rehabilitation services with a degree in gerontology from Florida State University.

In the pix:

First, here is Marianne early in the morning on graduation day, waiting for the Civice Center to open.

In the second pic, the family celebrates with her: Benjamin (left front) and Daniel play with balloons while Robby (2nd row) and Rose (two of Marianne's grown children) and me (Alan) and family friend Robert Roe stand with our proud graduate.

YAY!! No more homework!! YOU DID IT!!