Friday, May 27, 2011

~ congratulations joe! ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last weekend, we traveled to Virginia
to celebrate my cousin's high school graduation!






At the picnic that would follow the next day, 
my uncle gave a short, simple, moving speech,
thanking everyone for attending, 
and to say how proud he was of his son.




I thought about what his parents were experiencing,
watching their first-born excel in not only his academic studies,
but also his honorable character emerge.




I was impressed to see my cousin meet everyone's praise 
with genuine gratitude and grace.


The family gathering was so much fun.
Plenty of good food and laughs.



Plenty of sweet baby smiles.



There was a great family volleyball match,
just the right mix of competitive spirit and good-natured fun.



Congratulations Joe!