Graduation

Perhaps I place too much emphasis on education. I'm not saying I'm right to do so, but I do believe it's an achievement that's very easy carried through life. I'm a firm believer in NOT pushing my kids through the academic life but simply encouraging it. From day one I have done just this.
My one motto was always that my three boys HAD to do their Leaving Certificate. I had dreams that they would all go through college/uni but that would have to be their own self choice: their decision.
Having all boys I knew it would always be a difficult road in encouraging them to follow the academic route but I was lucky. Their teachers and schools did the hard work and I took that back seat (well relatively speaking!). I did try and encourage the third level road but thankfully teachers influence stood over mine and that route was taken by the two eldest to date.

College wasn't easy. Boy no.1 didn't want to go down this road but after a year out decided for himself that it was a road he had to travel. And travel that road he did. Being very fortunate in knowing what he wanted to do he returned to study in his field and after third level study found a full time job which then led him to travel to Canada. After two years there he returned home and now working in his field of Agricultural Mechanics. However he didn't return to college for graduation as he was just glad to be finished study and had no wish to return for receipt of his parchement. A postal reciept was sufficent for himself.
Earlier today I was privvy to watch kiddo no.2 recieve his degree parchement from his college. A very proud moment it was for me, his mother.
This was a day I had dreamed of for 25 years and to say I was proud is an understatement.
Now kiddo no.3 is prepaing for Leaving Certificate and has plans for further study. I can't take credit for this, it is all  his own doing. However as Mother I am proud once more that the youngest kid will take the academic road to bettering his future.
Education is definitely not the 'be all and end all' but it certainly helps in the modern day to have such behind you.
So as October 2015 comes to a close, so does my aspirations for my chldren. They have all aspired to better themselves through education and I can only hope that it serves them well.
My job is far from done, but it is certainly a little lightened knowing that they have a good education behind them.
It hasn't been easy getting them here, but they are arriving via their own journey.
As one journey ends, another is destined to begin. Here's hoping it's a fun one to travel for each and every one of them.

GMcC