Honors

Last night, Audrey was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an Honors Society for two year colleges.  Of course we made the trip to see the ceremony.  We don't miss these things, things, as this is the norm for us.  Our children are achievers.  I don't mean this in a boastful way, though I am proud.  Our children have been raised in communities, school, spiritual, and home, that lift, support and encourage achievement.  Not everyone has that kind of support and encouragement.  Audrey was a minority last night, in her race, in her age, and possibly in her ease of achievement, though that one I don't know.  Somewhat disorganized, typically boring yet not without that anxiety, excitement and pleasure that comes from being called by name, the ceremony started.  After about 30 minutes, two older women showed up, so they stopped the ceremony, read their names, allowed them to walk across the stage, then continued.  I was a bit irritated at the lack of puntuality,  but I realized that might not be it, especially when a gentleman appeared at the very end and the same thing occurred.  Some of these people come from completely different backgrounds, unable to take off work, or have families requiring care, or lacking support from family and community, or college is a luxury rather than expected.  What was apparent, regardless, was the honor of this achievement, the desire to be recognized, the respect of oneself and the respect of others in this achievement.  So I cheered loudly for my daughter when her name was called and for every other name called that evening.

Isn't she something?  That Audrey.