Now presenting...the Graduate!!

Last week I spent six days stateside in New England. While there, I was blessed with time with my mother, sister and good friends in Massachusetts. But the best of all, and point of my trip, was being with Nicholas and attending his college graduation in Rhode Island!

Salve Regina University's 60th commencement was held on Sunday, May 18 in Newport, RI. Mom and I drove down from Duxbury early that morning under dry skies, for a change! The Salve campus enjoys one of the most spectacular sites perched right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean along Cliff Walk. The setting was perfect...

It was a glorious sunny day and we walked with all the other families through the beautiful campus to the graduation site.

The procession entered first to the sounds of bagpipes and then Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" began to play...yes, chills. I wiped a proud tear or two as I saw 'my boy' process into the tent wearing his cap and gown. There had been a few times in the last 22 years we weren't sure this moment would ever become a reality!! As graduation ceremonies go, this was a winner. Everything went smoothly and the speakers were interesting and short winded. The address to the graduates, given by Alan Hassenfled, Chairman of the Board of Hasbro, Inc. was well received by guests and graduates alike. He was a terrific speaker and had a good sense of humor especially when he related a 'conversation' he'd had with one of his company's best known products, Mr. Potato Head about what to say to the graduates! His message was that their diplomma was an open ticket and it was up to them to fill in the destination.

It was also inspiring and refreshing to be at a school where God and prayer were an integral part of the ceremony. In addition, the president of the university, Sister Theresa, prayed for all the graduates and their families at the close of the ceremony...sadly, that doesn't happen, and isn't even allowed, on many campuses in the US today.

After the recessional, we met up with Nicholas, shared some strong bear hugs and took photos with the proud, elated graduate.

Once Nicholas was out of his cap and gown, we went to Harbour Court, the New York Yacht Club's outpost in Newport. We relaxed and enjoyed the gorgeous view and a delicious lunch.






Afterwards, Mom headed back to Duxbury and Nicholas and I changed our clothes and went for a long walk along the harborfront. That evening, we had dinner at Bouchard's, a local French restaurant. He'd worked there last summer, but this was his first time as a guest. The food and atmostphere was fabulous. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!!

Congratulations Nicholas!!