Look at all those burnt orange robes compared to the ones wearing white. (White represents Honor Graduates.) Frankie is in the select few getting to wear that pure color. It was a pleasant thought knowing that Frankie's gamecock blood didn't have to get tarnished by rubbing in the orange. :) Anyway, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Honestly, I had not really thought much about Frankie's graduation leading up to the events, but as I was sitting there looking at the program and seeing Frankie's name written in there four times for his academic achievements (Honors Diploma--taking at least 12 honors classes with a 3.5 GPA (white robe), High Honors--having at least a 3.8 weighted GPA (blue/orange cord), Musical Honors (medallion), and Freshman Scholarship for Excellence), I was flooded with pride and realization of what he had accomplished. I began to wipe the tears from my face and bask in the beauty of the moment. I was feeling such a powerful reflection of a passing life about to leave me. I hoped I had taught him well enough. I hoped I had loved him enough. I hoped he would become the man I know he can be. I was sobered by my thoughts and felt a true turning point in my life and his. 
Dad's Jr--Oh, how proud can one be?
These are all LDS boys. Isn't it amazing that most of them were Honor Graduates?
Frankie's seminary teacher, Brother LeCates. 
Frankie chose to eat at the Olive Garden, his favorite restaurant.
One day it'll just be the two of us, for they have started to leave. What will we do with ourselves?...
After we ate we came home and let the siblings congratulate their brother. 
What a beautiful evening. Honestly, I didn't expect it to touch me so much. 
P.S. This is Frankie's SR picture. This was taken back in July. (I think he looks skinnier than what he is now. After all it's been a year.)More importantly, I didn't mail out any graduation invitations so I will mail out graduation announcements instead, and include his SR picture. Thanks to all of you for your patience with me in my lack of organization. I AM a professional procrastinator, you know. That's how me and Mary do our best work...last minute! And, I hate to say it, that's how I raised Frankie too. I'M SORRY, FRANKIE!
10 comments:
We just got through looking at the wonderful pictures!! I knew the feelings you described would catch up to you, what a feeling of love and pride, and in the pictures of him with his parents, grandparents, and brothers and Kela, my heart is filled with happiness! Lots and lots of love,
Opa,Grandma,Pop Cook
CONGRATS! We are proud of you Frankie. I think it is funny that as I was looking at the pictures how you tower over everybody...especially Papa & Nanny. The only person that you don't tower over is your Dad. Obviously you got that gene from him, b/c we know the Del Priore's are some midgets.
I think it was amazing that almost all LDS people were in Honors. They really have their heads on right.
And Marina, sorry, but you know you still got a while before all your kids are out the house. Noah is only how old? And then soon you will have grandkids. Your house is always going to be full. Sorry, NO vacation for you
The Salutatorian (2nd to Valedictorian) was a female LDS. However, I must say that there are over 200 LDS in the student body. I don't know how many of them were seniors, though. So, what does that means statistically? I don't know.
BTW, I was thinking the same thing about Frankie's height while we were out there.
WOW! That is awesome, Frankie! Congrats! Seriously. What a fine young man you have raised, Marina.
Liz Ann is right: your house is always gonna be full. Mine'll be no different. When my oldest is a senior, Michael will be in 2nd grade...a little depressing to think about.
BTW, I am a professional procrastinator, too. :)
Awww! What good pictures. Tell Noah thanks for dressing up for the occasion...just kidding! I can't believe all of his achievments, what a smart kid. Congrats!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhhh....It's David Archuleta!!!!!!!!!! *Screaming histerically* :-)
Ok, the pictures are great! I can't believe he's going to college. Do you know how old that makes YOU!!! Man!
We're proud of you, Frankie! KateLynn is still mad at me because we didn't make it there. You know you're her favorite cousin and she wanted to see you fall on stage...
Love ya!
Oops, I forgot to say "Marina."
Do you know how old that makes YOU, Marina?!
Don't you think "Think of Me" is perfect for the occassion? And, of course, I had to have David Archuleta's version!!!!
Cangratulations, Frankie! What an accomplishment to graduate with honors. And I must say, Frankie is one handsome young man. Watch out for those college girls. Good luck in all you do. I have no doubt you'll make your mark in this world. Just make sure you always make your mama proud.
Congratulations Frankie!! That is such a well deservied honor!! Also congratulations to Marina and Frank fro getting him to this point!! You both have done such an amazing job with your boys!! I hope to only do as well!! Take care!
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