Worth the Wait

It would all be worth it

Worth it in the end...

Matt graduated this weekend with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from ODU.  This picture is of him and his buddies Ron and Ed celebrating with their favorite beverages.  We had a great weekend of celebration, and I am shocked that it is already Sunday night.  

My parents were gracious enough to let us hold Matt's grad party at their house.  Luckily, the weather was able to hold out and a soft breeze kept the afternoon from being too unbearable.  I was extremely proud of the cake I had made for Matt, and Hannah got her favorite piece - the face!  My sister, mom, and Hannah all pitched in and decorated the house while we were at graduation.  Everything went smoothly, and our friends and family all seemed to enjoy themselves.

I know I was beaming all weekend, and it gave my heart such joy to see the relief and accomplishment on Matt's face too.  We've been sharing how amazed we both are that this chapter of our lives has come to an end.  It does feel like we've been in college forever, and our entire married life has been attached to this program.  Technically, I've been out of school for some time, but when your spouse is in such an intense program, you are forced to go along for the ride!  At times over the past few years, I have really struggled with my patience, and forced myself to stay optimistic and remember that it would all be worth it in the end.  But, when you're barely scraping by and working 10 hour days, the anxiety creeps up quick.  

During his second year (by far the worst), I felt like school had become an interloper in my marriage, and I was desperate just to see my husband.  He would be out of the house before me, home sometimes after me, a quick bite to eat, then studying all night.  I would often pout in front of the T.V. and fester.  If I could hug that version of myself, and give her a pat on the back, I would.

Now, after seeing his smile this weekend, I would do it all again in an instant.  He'd just have to ask. ((But, let's just hope he doesn't!))  I am so grateful to him, and so proud of everything he is and has yet to become.  It's been an emotional weekend, and this blog is not helping me curb the tears, lol!  

"If it takes my whole life
I won't break, I won't bend
It will all be worth it
Worth it in the end
'Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
When the stars have all burned out
You'll still be burning so bright"

I'd also like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to my own mom, and all the moms I know.  They deserve all the peace, quiet, and chocolate they can get :)