Father's, I mean, Graduation Day

Yesterday was Father's Day. At least for me. My son Brady graduated, with honors, from Mankato State University, Mankato with his bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. 

Whew.

Unlike his sister, pictured at her college graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1995, Brady was not what I would call a "natural" student.  So completing this degree was perhaps a greater accomplishment for him than for his more naturally academic sister. 

Yesterday, I feel, marked the end of my formal responsibility as a dad. Both my children are now through school and the decisions they make, the lives they choose, and their successes and failures are their and theirs alone. I will, of course, help when asked, when I can, but I have done what I can do.

I've often commented that it is ironic that the mark of successful parents is children who no longer need them. Why does this make me happy and a little tearful at the same time?

Comments

[Janet]

I have found over the years of raising my 4 kids (The oldest in his late 30s youngest in his late 20s),that they still need you, but not in the same way... Which isn't a bad thing at all! Now if only I could stop worrying . :)

[Vivian]

Congratulations. My eldest (of four children) is on the cusp of entering university. "Sunrise, sunset..."

[Tim Staal]

I think of it as the transition period (my kids now 30 and 26) . While they still need us in some ways, we are beginning to need them and that need will increase while their need for us decreases.
my 2 ¢

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Janet,

I have a daughter who is 40, so I know what you mean about them needing you in different ways. Now it is helping the grandsons when I can as well. I tend to worry very little about my kids - more hopeful than worrried.

Thanks for the note and happy mother's day,

Doug

Hi Vivian,

Good luck to your eldest. Are the younger ones fighting over the extra bedroom?

Happy mother's day,

Doug

Hi Tim,

I always tease my kids that the only reason I am nice to them is that they will be the ones picking out my nursing home. But yeah, I call on my kids when I need muscle (and my son-in-law is a good handyman.)

Good perspective,

Doug

[Jim Randolph]

Congrats! I'm sure you did the best that anyone could do.

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Ninja,

There are a number of "do-overs" I'd like.

Doug

[Nathan Mielke]

Like!

[happy independence day 2014 usa fireworks]

I have found over the years of raising my 4 kids (The oldest in his late 30s youngest in his late 20s),that they still need you, but not in the same way... Which isn't a bad thing at all! Now if only I could stop worrying . :)