It has been such a festive and cerebral season! So many graduates to celebrate, and celebrate we did.
Marley, as usual, led the way. Unfortunately, we had to watch the UMD events live streamed because it was pouring rain and too cold for Mom and Doug to sit outside—but we still felt part of events and listened to Kermit the Frog tell graduates that instead of leaping over others “in their way,” they could consider giving others a hand up. So that was pointed and apropos to the times. The Biggars came for the architecture program graduation two days later, and Dad and Mary Ellen hosted a fantastic party to toast Marley, who’s working this summer at a frame shop and at David Hathway’s firm, Kramer Architects.
It was a great feat for Tatum to graduate on time after so many schools, and to do with grace, a smile and an academic honor roll award. Amazing. The same was one percent true times two for Sophia, given the hardships she faced during high school. These girls—all of this class—navigated the onset/onslaught of social media for teens (a disaster) and COVID closures (a wrecking ball) before they even got to high school. So these graduations were a joy indeed.
We continued the festivities with a garden party for one hundred people at our house to give love and joy to our bedazzling Tatum and Sophia. Lots of Hathways were there, including the Hathway Brothers band. We navigated the tornado warnings with tents and rain boots.
There was some fun open mic singing from Aiden, Tommy’s sister Julie and Tommy. Beautiful rustic floral arrangements, photos of the girls, and balloons added splashes of color everywhere, thanks to Tommy’s mom Amy. Best of all, Kathy, Mom and Doug, Kevin and Wizzie and family came from out of town to cheer the girls on. Sophia has earned a full ride to Denison, and Tatum is a University of South Florida bull. She’ll probably bedazzle the bull statue on campus before the end of summer.
Cody wanted a pool party at Auntie Blitz’s place, a throwback to the early years. It was awesome seeing the kids play Marco Polo and hearing them laugh at each other in the pool…could be 8, could be 18. Dad and Mary Ellen grilled, Drea brought lots of food, and Cody said he wants to do as little as possible this summer, before starting at McGill. But then again, he just placed in the intensive-level French class by teaching himself French using YouTube videos, so he’s not doing nothing—he can’t help himself. And after weighing journalism and urban planning programs, he too chose architecture. The world will be more aesthetically cool and greener and smarter.
I’m sorry these young adults are inheriting a mad world, but I feel pretty great about their capacity to make things better. Tatum changed majors even before summer classes started, moving from marine biology to early childhood education to political science. This last one is the best fit I could imagine for her. Aiden is poised to be a successful business man, Caroline is getting her Danish citizenship, Marley is considering time with Habitat for Humanity, Cody’s pieces have been played on NPR…these young people are so impressive. Here’s to the Class of 2025!
@theterrace 