Home Again! and Report

Made it home from Johnny's graduation safe and sound. Pretty uneventful trip except for taking the wrong turn at the airport after dropping off my passengers at the departure gate and making my way back to the rental drop off! I found myself going across a big bridge into who knows where because I misinterpreted which lane was the "Rental car return" lane when a sign pointed to the left. Oh well. Just a few extra miles on the van and didn't get charged for the extra gas I used, so all was well.

The graduation was awesome! Was held in a "small" room in the church where Steve and Sandi go. Johnny was sooo happy and excited! He and his Mom welcomed us after Isaac gave the invocation. Johnny signed part of the welcome and his Mom spoke part of it, including thanks to all his teachers. Ethan gave the address and it was pretty neat as he told of different ways through the years that Johnny had ultimately shown him the character of God--e.g. by exhibiting unconditional love and acceptance.

Joseph read part of Psalm 139 for a Scripture reading, then Steve made some remarks. He made many of us cry as he gave a most moving tribute to Sandi for the 18 years she has spent pouring her very life into Johnny. It was his personal paraphrase of Proberbs 31. Steve himself broke down and then asked his other 3 sons to join him at the podium to do honor to their mother. They ended by going to where she was sitting, holding out their hands to her and saying, "Blessed." He then presented her with a diamond necklace (at least I think it was diamond!) with a "B" on it. Pretty cool.

Back at their home, many gathered for taco salad, cake, watching Johnny open his gifts and fellowship. It was a full, awesome day giving honor to both Johnny and his parents!