Twenty-four years ago, as you stood to receive your kindergarten graduation diploma, I wept. Everything was new. All hopes and dreams were possible. You were forging out into the world with your own unique set of passions and talents. My heart burst with love, admiration and pride.
Since that time, I have witnessed you in millions upon millions of snapshots in time. As a student, you often had an alternative answer, a different method, a creative solution. As an aspiring athlete, countless times you shouted “watch me” or “time me again” as you raced around our complex at your fastest speed.
I have watched in awe as you have grown to embody kindness, compassion, non-judgement, patience, balance, determination and resilience.
Nothing has made me feel more helpless than seeing the bumps you hit along the road. And nothing, absolutely nothing has made my spirits soar more than witnessing your joy for life and your successes.
You are a now a geographer focused on urban, cultural and environmental issues. You are passionate about our world environment, democracy, internationalism, fairness and human rights.
You are not only a researcher and an academic, you are an athlete who competed for Canada in the Men’s 50K Racewalk in the Pan Am Games last summer. You have now turned that talent and passion into long distance running. You speak two languages and are an extensive traveler. You are also a die-hard fan of alternative music that I do not understand.
Readers that don’t know you will dismiss the above as simply a mother’s rose-coloured perspective. Those that do know you will be aware that these mere words have not done you justice.
Today, as you stand to receive your Doctor of Philosophy diploma, I weep. Everything is new. All hopes and dreams are possible. You are forging out into the world with your own unique set of passions and talents. My heart bursts with love, admiration and pride.
Retirement Reflections 
A lovely piece, Donna. Well said!
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Thanks so much, Helen! I appreciate you following.
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What a beautiful tribute to your son! You are proud ( as you should be) and I am grateful to that you raised a son who is – and will be – a positive force in this world. We need more of those! Congratulations to you both.
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Congratulations, Creighton! Well done, Donna and Richard, you proud parents! So so happy for you all!
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So beautifully written Donna! Every word is true and like you said, does not do him justice. We’re so proud of him. I can only imagine how special it was to see him graduate on that podium! Even I’m emotional reading this! ❤️ Congratulations Creighton!
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Beautiful Donna! You have every reason to be proud of your son. Congratulations to you all!!💜
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So wonderful! Congratulations to all of you!
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Congratulations to Creighton . You are proud and rightfully so. Excellent degree and I hope he will get a great career in academics as we need good geographers. Did Geography in Amsterdam a long time back, still love the fields of study it offers. Never finished the Msc. though after meeting Cheng but ot something good in return. Very diverse and multidisciplinary studies.
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Beautifully written. Congratulations!
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Donna, what a lovely tribute to your son! You must be so proud. Congratulations to you too, as a parent, for all you have done to help him flourish and achieve his goals.
Jude
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