Home Stretch

A few years ago we lived in Hawaii right around the corner from my parents. Aaron worked two jobs and I worked from home. We were happy. 2 1/2 years into our stay Aaron decided that he wanted to go back to school. I was a little shocked but knew that he might decide someday to go back..I just never knew when or where. Well, he decided to apply to Utah State University. It would take us back to his home state and the USU had the program he was interested in pursuing. He put in his application and we didn't hear back for a long time. Finally, in July of 2005, the school sent back a letter saying that he was accepted and the search was on for housing, jobs, and a flight out there. We were excited, nervous, and also sad to leave.

At the end of July of 2005 we arrived in Cache Valley. Luckily, there was a last minute availability in married student apartments and we were able to move in a few weeks after arriving. Finding a job was quite the adventure but Aaron persevered. At one point, he was working a full-time job to ensure that I could stay home with our children. He was only able to carry 6-9 credits at the time. I remember when he came back from one of his first meetings with his Academic Advisor; the plan they had mapped out had him graduating in Spring of 2011....it was the first time I felt dread over our move, BUT I knew that with a degree our family would be better off.

I'll spare you all the other 'fun' details and cut to the chase ~ next week Saturday, all of A's hard work, sleepless nights, working graveyard shift to pay our bills so he could go to school during the day, etc. is finally paying off ~ Aaron is graduating!!! I can't believe we're coming up on graduation day, and way ahead of schedule too!! I couldn't be more proud! I know a lot of times he felt like he was too old to be back on a college campus, attending classes with all the young 20somethings. He may have even wondered if all of his efforts would pay off in the end. Well let me just end by saying it has!! Aaron did an internship last summer in Wyoming. He worked at FMC (a company that mines trona), and they really enjoyed working with him. Aaron was able to secure a job at the end of August last year. He starts work on May 11. We are blessed.

I know Aaron will read this and say "Oh Brother!" Like most people, the man doesn't like to toot his own horn let alone let his wife do it so I can already tell that he'll be rolling his eyes and looking for a way to delete this but I just had to find a way to express my gratitude for such a great husband, dad, and best friend! We're in the Home Stretch A! I'm glad that our three little monkeys and I were able to be here to cheer you on and offer you encouragement, comic relief, and probably more than a little bit of stress, in this part of your journey in life. You're our Hero and we are proud of you!!!!