Three Moms, Three Graduates

Boston is a college town. The springtime brings more than flowers, it brings graduation ceremonies. Throughout the city, students don long gowns while their families prepare to celebrate their loved ones' achievements.

There are all kinds of graduates here. Some are starting out on the road of adult life. They are full of hope for the future. But, there are also those who have passed further down that path.

A little over two years ago, my wife was in a conversation with a friend, a fellow mom, who was investigating a masters degree program. That program, for a Masters in Education, was designed for mid-career changers. It had the potential to fit the schedule of a busy mom. One conversation led to another, and soon my wife was also filling out an application. A third friend joined the group and together they started the program. Between them, they had over 43 years of mothering experience and 9 children.

They dedicated one full weekend a month for two years to finish the program. It wasn't easy juggling homework and housework, class schedules and children's schedules; but they did it.

This weekend, their work paid off. The three moms arrived at the graduation ceremony. They put on the robes, hoods, and caps, and prepared to receive their diplomas.

As they came into the main hall, they walked together.

They entered as moms; they left as graduates.