My son in law's stepdaughter is a college graduate this month. Of course her graduation was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, so the family decided to host a special celebration in her honor regardless. There she is, in her back yard, watching an old Steven Spielberg Commencement address on her stepdad's lap-top before the special dinner he had made in her honor.
After the recorded address, some of the family made celebratory remarks, but that was pretty much it. She decorated her mortarboard cap, as you can see, and wore her school colors. We did our best for her, but it should have been so much more.
I think this is one of the saddest pictures I have ever taken in my life. It was a proud day, but she looks so isolated, so alone, on what should have been a day of celebration with other friends and family members she loves but can't see. How many graduates are forgoing a day that should be full of so much meaning and shared joy? It makes my heart hurt.
36 responses to “No Words”
Just a little food for thought….I understand what a blow not having graduation might be…..but my mind wandered back more than 40 years to my own graduation years to get some perspective. Yes, we did have graduation ceremonies, but the draft was going on and right after graduation young men were sent to Vietnam, regardless of whether or not they wanted to go. And if you wander back another 40 or so years, graduates were in the Great Depression. So, I hope that gives us all a little perspective…..each generation certainly has its challenges, but some are much worse than others. Being asked to stay home and sit around and give up graduation may cause boredom, but I feel it is not much to ask in the scheme of things.
Just a little food for thought….I understand what a blow not having graduation might be…..but my mind wandered back more than 40 years to my own graduation years to get some perspective. Yes, we did have graduation ceremonies, but the draft was going on and right after graduation young men were sent to Vietnam, regardless of whether or not they wanted to go. And if you wander back another 40 or so years, graduates were in the Great Depression. So, I hope that gives us all a little perspective…..each generation certainly has its challenges, but some are much worse than others. Being asked to stay home and sit around and give up graduation may cause boredom, but I feel it is not much to ask in the scheme of things.
Just a little food for thought….I understand what a blow not having graduation might be…..but my mind wandered back more than 40 years to my own graduation years to get some perspective. Yes, we did have graduation ceremonies, but the draft was going on and right after graduation young men were sent to Vietnam, regardless of whether or not they wanted to go. And if you wander back another 40 or so years, graduates were in the Great Depression. So, I hope that gives us all a little perspective…..each generation certainly has its challenges, but some are much worse than others. Being asked to stay home and sit around and give up graduation may cause boredom, but I feel it is not much to ask in the scheme of things.
It’s certainly not the celebration most of us expected when we started school last fall. I heard this uplifting graduation story on NPR yesterday and just loved the effort and creative thinking to help one class of kids have a graduation: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2020/05/05/north-salem-2020-graduation-coronavirus/3084194001/
Sorry about the link, I wasn’t sure how to shorten that.
It’s certainly not the celebration most of us expected when we started school last fall. I heard this uplifting graduation story on NPR yesterday and just loved the effort and creative thinking to help one class of kids have a graduation: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2020/05/05/north-salem-2020-graduation-coronavirus/3084194001/
Sorry about the link, I wasn’t sure how to shorten that.
It’s certainly not the celebration most of us expected when we started school last fall. I heard this uplifting graduation story on NPR yesterday and just loved the effort and creative thinking to help one class of kids have a graduation: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2020/05/05/north-salem-2020-graduation-coronavirus/3084194001/
Sorry about the link, I wasn’t sure how to shorten that.
Sounds like the best was made of a difficult situation. At least graduation is the culmination of a journey already made that will make the future brighter, and that does still exist. The graduate knows and family knows, this person is not the one that started college. By the accumulation of knowledge, making new friends, and conquering new situations, a stronger, more resilient, more developed individual is present, ready for the challenges ahead.
Sounds like the best was made of a difficult situation. At least graduation is the culmination of a journey already made that will make the future brighter, and that does still exist. The graduate knows and family knows, this person is not the one that started college. By the accumulation of knowledge, making new friends, and conquering new situations, a stronger, more resilient, more developed individual is present, ready for the challenges ahead.
Sounds like the best was made of a difficult situation. At least graduation is the culmination of a journey already made that will make the future brighter, and that does still exist. The graduate knows and family knows, this person is not the one that started college. By the accumulation of knowledge, making new friends, and conquering new situations, a stronger, more resilient, more developed individual is present, ready for the challenges ahead.
Isn’t it sad? This is my son’s situation, too. He was supposed to graduate on April 24 and instead he was working on our farm. I asked him yesterday if he’s disappointed to not have a formal grad and he couldn’t care less!! I’m more disappointed than he is lol. He said he is more disappointed that he can’t go out and get a job. But all in time, right? He’s lucky because he gets to live at home for free with no bills. Many kids don’t have this. I liked reading your other reader’s comments and perspectives on this.
Isn’t it sad? This is my son’s situation, too. He was supposed to graduate on April 24 and instead he was working on our farm. I asked him yesterday if he’s disappointed to not have a formal grad and he couldn’t care less!! I’m more disappointed than he is lol. He said he is more disappointed that he can’t go out and get a job. But all in time, right? He’s lucky because he gets to live at home for free with no bills. Many kids don’t have this. I liked reading your other reader’s comments and perspectives on this.
Isn’t it sad? This is my son’s situation, too. He was supposed to graduate on April 24 and instead he was working on our farm. I asked him yesterday if he’s disappointed to not have a formal grad and he couldn’t care less!! I’m more disappointed than he is lol. He said he is more disappointed that he can’t go out and get a job. But all in time, right? He’s lucky because he gets to live at home for free with no bills. Many kids don’t have this. I liked reading your other reader’s comments and perspectives on this.
I am so sorry for her. So many disappointments for so many people. Such a difficult time for so many reasons. Have a good day Nicole and be safe.
Mary
I am so sorry for her. So many disappointments for so many people. Such a difficult time for so many reasons. Have a good day Nicole and be safe.
Mary
I am so sorry for her. So many disappointments for so many people. Such a difficult time for so many reasons. Have a good day Nicole and be safe.
Mary
My step-sister’s son had the same situation. I’d made him a quilt so we went over to their summer cottage and had a “socially distant” picnic and I gave it to him. He was pleased. Like another reader, I think his mom was more upset than he was!
My step-sister’s son had the same situation. I’d made him a quilt so we went over to their summer cottage and had a “socially distant” picnic and I gave it to him. He was pleased. Like another reader, I think his mom was more upset than he was!
My step-sister’s son had the same situation. I’d made him a quilt so we went over to their summer cottage and had a “socially distant” picnic and I gave it to him. He was pleased. Like another reader, I think his mom was more upset than he was!
When we graduated from college almost 50 years ago (aaaccckkkk) the Vietnam War & draft numbers by birthdate were happening. There were anti-war protests on campuses everywhere & our university didn’t even have a yearbook that year. I did my teaching internship at a school near home so didn’t return to participate in graduation. So, as Deb in SC said, each generation has its challenges. I also agree with Stephani in TX that graduation is a culmination of a journey that will make the future brighter. After saying all that, I did get tears in my eyes reading your post…Stay well!
When we graduated from college almost 50 years ago (aaaccckkkk) the Vietnam War & draft numbers by birthdate were happening. There were anti-war protests on campuses everywhere & our university didn’t even have a yearbook that year. I did my teaching internship at a school near home so didn’t return to participate in graduation. So, as Deb in SC said, each generation has its challenges. I also agree with Stephani in TX that graduation is a culmination of a journey that will make the future brighter. After saying all that, I did get tears in my eyes reading your post…Stay well!
When we graduated from college almost 50 years ago (aaaccckkkk) the Vietnam War & draft numbers by birthdate were happening. There were anti-war protests on campuses everywhere & our university didn’t even have a yearbook that year. I did my teaching internship at a school near home so didn’t return to participate in graduation. So, as Deb in SC said, each generation has its challenges. I also agree with Stephani in TX that graduation is a culmination of a journey that will make the future brighter. After saying all that, I did get tears in my eyes reading your post…Stay well!
I know. My heart hurts for her, too. A special accomplishment and she doesn’t get the experience of walking across the stage when her name is called. Just awful. 🙁
I know. My heart hurts for her, too. A special accomplishment and she doesn’t get the experience of walking across the stage when her name is called. Just awful. 🙁
I know. My heart hurts for her, too. A special accomplishment and she doesn’t get the experience of walking across the stage when her name is called. Just awful. 🙁
My daughter is graduating next month after a 7 year
General Surgery residency and her ceremony is canceled also. It’s a huge disappointment for all involved:( She’s been at this for 15 years!! We were so looking forward to seeing her (she’s more than 800 miles from us). And yes, she is in the thick of this COVID thing. And yes, her dad was drafted 50 years ago. It’s still tough. . .
My daughter is graduating next month after a 7 year
General Surgery residency and her ceremony is canceled also. It’s a huge disappointment for all involved:( She’s been at this for 15 years!! We were so looking forward to seeing her (she’s more than 800 miles from us). And yes, she is in the thick of this COVID thing. And yes, her dad was drafted 50 years ago. It’s still tough. . .
My daughter is graduating next month after a 7 year
General Surgery residency and her ceremony is canceled also. It’s a huge disappointment for all involved:( She’s been at this for 15 years!! We were so looking forward to seeing her (she’s more than 800 miles from us). And yes, she is in the thick of this COVID thing. And yes, her dad was drafted 50 years ago. It’s still tough. . .
I really feel for her sadness at what should be a joyous event in her life.
On the other hand, and I will say this very simply, she is alive. Unlike many, many others who have not survived this epidemic. She will go on to use her degree and make a good life for herself, unlike so many others.
My granddaughter just finished her degree as a Physician’s Assistant. She was offered an excellent job in a well-known ER in New York. But the hospital told her, during this epidemic is NOT the time to start work in our ER. We will defer your employment until things settle down a bit.So while she is disappointed, she knows it’s temporary. And we are all relieved, happy that her two young children can have a healthy, safe- at-home mom.
I really feel for her sadness at what should be a joyous event in her life.
On the other hand, and I will say this very simply, she is alive. Unlike many, many others who have not survived this epidemic. She will go on to use her degree and make a good life for herself, unlike so many others.
My granddaughter just finished her degree as a Physician’s Assistant. She was offered an excellent job in a well-known ER in New York. But the hospital told her, during this epidemic is NOT the time to start work in our ER. We will defer your employment until things settle down a bit.So while she is disappointed, she knows it’s temporary. And we are all relieved, happy that her two young children can have a healthy, safe- at-home mom.
I really feel for her sadness at what should be a joyous event in her life.
On the other hand, and I will say this very simply, she is alive. Unlike many, many others who have not survived this epidemic. She will go on to use her degree and make a good life for herself, unlike so many others.
My granddaughter just finished her degree as a Physician’s Assistant. She was offered an excellent job in a well-known ER in New York. But the hospital told her, during this epidemic is NOT the time to start work in our ER. We will defer your employment until things settle down a bit.So while she is disappointed, she knows it’s temporary. And we are all relieved, happy that her two young children can have a healthy, safe- at-home mom.
Our oldest grand-daughter graduated this year also. There were many, many tears both hers and ours. She has had a month to come to terms with it. Me, not so much. I still feel horrible for not just Riley but for all graduates this year. They have all worked so hard for what should have been one of the grandest celebrations of their lives. No it isn’t fair but a life lesson all the same. Not everything works out as planned. We, her family plan a big celebration when we can all be together. Thankfully and hopefully we will all be here for that celebration. Your picture made me sad, all the loneliness, isolation. Hopefully, this makes this generation and the rest of us stronger. We will get through this.
Our oldest grand-daughter graduated this year also. There were many, many tears both hers and ours. She has had a month to come to terms with it. Me, not so much. I still feel horrible for not just Riley but for all graduates this year. They have all worked so hard for what should have been one of the grandest celebrations of their lives. No it isn’t fair but a life lesson all the same. Not everything works out as planned. We, her family plan a big celebration when we can all be together. Thankfully and hopefully we will all be here for that celebration. Your picture made me sad, all the loneliness, isolation. Hopefully, this makes this generation and the rest of us stronger. We will get through this.
Our oldest grand-daughter graduated this year also. There were many, many tears both hers and ours. She has had a month to come to terms with it. Me, not so much. I still feel horrible for not just Riley but for all graduates this year. They have all worked so hard for what should have been one of the grandest celebrations of their lives. No it isn’t fair but a life lesson all the same. Not everything works out as planned. We, her family plan a big celebration when we can all be together. Thankfully and hopefully we will all be here for that celebration. Your picture made me sad, all the loneliness, isolation. Hopefully, this makes this generation and the rest of us stronger. We will get through this.
I feel the same loss with two daughters graduating, one with her BA and one with her Master’s. Very anticlimactic after all their hard work. But, we’re counting our blessings that they both have summer jobs, in this time of “due to the present situation, we are not filling positions at this time.” Hoping and praying that they can find something in their fields in the fall.
I feel the same loss with two daughters graduating, one with her BA and one with her Master’s. Very anticlimactic after all their hard work. But, we’re counting our blessings that they both have summer jobs, in this time of “due to the present situation, we are not filling positions at this time.” Hoping and praying that they can find something in their fields in the fall.
I feel the same loss with two daughters graduating, one with her BA and one with her Master’s. Very anticlimactic after all their hard work. But, we’re counting our blessings that they both have summer jobs, in this time of “due to the present situation, we are not filling positions at this time.” Hoping and praying that they can find something in their fields in the fall.