Graduation

This previous Saturday, May 10, 2014, I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Tarrant County College.  I was blessed to have my mother, step-father, and brother present to watch the Commencement Ceremony.  In addition to graduating, Sunday was Mother's Day.  I couldn't think of a better gift to Mom than graduating with a college degree.  The activities on Saturday were three years in the making: an investment of time, diligent studying, and sacrifices of employment and finances.  In reality, the culmination of Saturday's graduation began long before my time as a student in Tarrant County College.  Upon graduating Yoakum High School in 1992, I enrolled in to the college of life.  Most people immediately attend college post-high school, but I didn't due to circumstances beyond my control.  In the end, this was a tremendous blessing as I would learn invaluable life lessons and experiences a school could never teach me.  So, in a sense, I approached life non-traditionally, or a little backwards, but looking back I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world.  Now as I look forward to the next stage of my life, awaiting the future with anxious anticipation, I may approach the great unknown as a seasoned veteran of the school of life.  The future is bright as I see the realm of possibilities and potential breaking the horizon to stream rays of hope in to my very soul.  A new day is dawning, are you ready to greet it and take it on? 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Nightmare is Over

A little over a week ago, I finished working at Ole Grapevine Cigar & Tobacco Shop for a second tour of duty.  Once again, I found this particular place of employment extremely toxic and dysfunctional.  With the exception of one other staff member, the crew at the shop were too chummy with one another in very unhealthy ways.  Similar to the first experience, I was micro-managed and isolated from feeling a part of the "family", as the manager liked to call the company.  I never felt included...only taken advantage of and then made to feel inferior and worthless.  The customer base wasn't too much better than the work environment.  In some ways, the customers were worse...a bunch of entitled, rich people who wanted their way while everyone else be damned.  Spoiled-rotten brats!  The manager summarily decided, without even consulting me, that I would be moved to an "on call" position.  Since I'm not naive, I realize this means I'll never wor...
Read more

Seeking Closure!

Last week I was able to get away from the land of exile in order to visit and spend time with family.  Even though part of our plans for a trip to East Texas fell apart, I very much enjoyed spending three wonderful days with my mother in Yoakum.  During this time, as she still had to work her shifts at the church, I was able to scratch off quite a few items from the bucket list.  Many of these items have been on there for several years awaiting much-needed closure.  On top of the list, but really in no particular order, was to visit the Alchoholics Anonymous group in Victoria where I tried to get sober in 2004.  Even though I didn't recognize anyone in attendance, I did enjoy the time spent in fellowship.  Then a visit was made to Memory Gardens Cemetery where three acquaintances are interred.  One in particular, my friend Amy, was buried there in 2021.  Regretting not being able to attend her funeral services, I made every effort to locate her gr...
Read more

New Beginnings!

Today I began working a secondary form employment with Cartan's.  It is a shoe store selling men's and women's footwear located on Magnolia in the Near Southside of Fort Worth.  Ever since I moved here I have tried to get hired on with this place of business.  I formerly worked for the owner at the Rockport Shops in Houston.  Figured I was a "shoe" in with the amount of experience yours truly offered.  Finally, I was hired on and began by working from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I dove right in and tried my best.  Slowly but surely, all of my skills and abilities will come back.  The manager seemed pleased and thought I really didn't need much help.  I shadowed him and a few other employees while they waited on customers.  In addition, I helped to put away drags, which are leftover shoes from the sale.  The store hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.  Woohoo!  Think I have found my home....
Read more