I will always remember your face when you first saw the expanse of Jordan Hare Stadium. Your little lips stuck out and your eyes got big. It was so hot, but Nana Carol, Poppa and the two of us stayed cool by walking under the big fan in the breezeway and using your baby wipes. Aunt Carrie graduated and you got to spend time with her at her apartment and at lunch at Outback. We walked around campus and got you your first Auburn hat and outfit.
Graduating from college is a huge accomplishment and we are all very proud of Aunt Carrie.
While we were on campus we went to Samford Hall. That is where graduates go to have their pictures made. It is an acknowledgment of accomplishment. I wanted to take your picture there. You have already accomplished so much in your brief time with us. And since you are the greatest accomplishment of my life we were going to take a picture.... And also to give you something to aspire to.
We had to wait a few minutes. Two ladies and a male graduate were already there. He wore his graduation gown but his hat cap rested in his lap while the ladies who I assume were his mother and sister directed his wheelchair up close to the Auburn University sign. His head was bald. It wasn't the kind of bald head you get by choice. It was that of a very sick person. His frame was thin. You could tell even under his gown. He was weak and frail. The ladies helped him... Almost carried him the few feet to place him at the sign for a picture. I couldn't help but think of how hard it must have been to be that sick... and to stay strong and focused enough to do what is necessary to graduate. It was obviously a family achievement. The ladies looked at their son and brother with great pride. With a future in doubt it would have been easy for the young man to give up on college. But goals and accomplishments are important. They don't define us. But they can describe us at least in part. I was as proud of that young man as I was of Cool Aunt Carrie. Despite serious obstacles he achieved. I'm sure his family helped him get there. It is the most basic and beautiful of the great American stories. His sister took your picture.
I hope that your life is one of joy, love and accomplishment.
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