Righteous Pride?

Is there such a thing as "righteous pride"? If there is, I am sure that was what I had this weekend. My husband and I had the wonderful priviledge of seeing our son graduate from A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Kirksville, Missouri and receive his degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

We are proud of all of our children, but this weekend I couldn't have been prouder of him. Being the crier that I am, my right eye leaked all through the ceremony. When we got to the auditorium most of the really good seats were taken, but then, there weren't very many really good seats. We walked around the perimeter of the room and found two seats together on the fourth row from the front, just in front of the steps that the graduates walked down after receiving their scroll and hoods. So in reality, they were great seats. The processional was very dignified, but we couldn't see the graduates at all, only the dignitaries who sat on the stage. The speaker was wonderful, giving a very good speech on being a caring doctor, and admonished the new doctors to be the kind of caring doctor that everyone deserves to have. I thought it was a wonderful speech.

We were so proud of our son as he walked across the stage and received his scroll and hood. We can now say "Our son, the doctor."

I remember a few years ago when Barrett was very young (was it 6th or 8th grade?). His leg was hurting him all the time and we finally took him to see the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Heiner, who x-rayed his leg. The nurse brought in the x-ray and put it up on the viewer, then left us to wait for the doctor to come in and talk with us. Barrett looked at the x-ray and pointed out a darker, gray spot on one of the bones, and said, "That is a tumor but it will be alright." Dr. Heiner walked in, pointed to this same spot and said, "This is a tumor but it will be alright." So much for needing to go to medical school! Dr. Heiner explained something about a "water tumor" or some such thing. We just took Barrett back for x-rays every month for 6 months, then every other month, gradually phasing out the trip to the doctor because the tumor faded away, or was it priesthood blessings and faith? Barrett didn't play football because we were worried about his leg getting hurt and the tumor coming back, and also that he would be smushed by those big boys. So he took up golf, which is a needed skill for doctors.

I remember when Barrett was born, I thought he was the greatest little boy in the world. He was the first boy in the Ware family, the little boy my mom had waited so many years for. After four daughters and two granddaughters, it was time for a little boy. She loved him so much and always commented on what a "pretty baby" he was. And it was true. No little boy had such big dark eyes that could melt your heart. I remember being teary (Yes, me, teary) on his baptism day wondering what great things he would accomplish. And then the day he entered the mission field, heading to the Phillippines, ..what a worry for a mom. The day he returned was even greater. He was so handsome on his wedding day, he and his bride so happy. He is a great father to his beautiful daughter and handsome son.

And now they are embarking on a new phase of their lives. Moving again to Missouri for a pediactric residency at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He will make a great, caring, doctor.

We are so proud of you, son!