Graduation

I haven't posted this because I've been trying to best figure out how to explain the details, express the feelings. I've finally given up. I will type whatever comes to mind while I wait for pictures to upload. I'll just upload the pictures that strike my fancy right now. You've all been to graduations, so most of the things are self explanatory. If you have questions about any pictures, feel free to ask.
Commencement was on Thursday. We met at the law school beforehand and took a class picture. It was fun. Afterward we still had time, so some of us took pictures in front of the school. Father wandered by and took some pictures too. Then we went to line up in front of the ASB. We were the first line, and happened to be at the front of the first line. Which means when we went in we were on the second row (behind the "real" doctorates), right in the center part. That means about 10 feet from the podium. So, I could really, truly see Pres. Samuelson, Elder Nelson, President Uchtdorf (and others on the stand). It was really quite enjoyable. Hurray for being a doctorate! That whole day I enjoyed the time with my friends. I love them so!
Friday was our Convocation in the Provo Tabernacle. It was also fun. We had great (but hot) seats in the balcony, got to listen to speakers, and then got to walk across the stage to be hooded and to receive our diplomas. And we're done. Really done. Afterward there was a reception outside. Fun to see more friends, introduce some to my family.
Now, other details. Family: Father, Mother and Asael came down. Rachel came from Heber for both of the ceremonies. Beth and Johanna attended one each. Laura and Lietta came to Convocation. It was fun to have my loving family around. :) After Thursday's I had a small get together at my house: all the above mentioned family (plus Whitney, taking a break from babysitting the Y to come join us) and Sherilyn. It was a good time, with so many people I love and who have supported me through A LOT. I wish Nancy could have been there too, but mostly I'm glad she's where she is.
And that's about all, in my unfun post. But there are still pictures uploading, so I'll tell one story. You know how most "momentous ocassions" don't really feel any different? You have a birthday--you don't feel older. You graduate--nothing feels different. Etc. Well, that's how things usually work for me [side note: exception to that has been every ordinance I personally have participated in. I have felt every one of those--thank you Spirit.] Anyway, graduation is not an ordinance and while I've enjoyed them, I don't feel anything. Anyhow, so on Thursday we're in the Marriot Center and Pres. Samuelson and VP Tanner come up to do their official proclamation that we're graduates. And I FELT it. I don't know if it was because I could see them up close and it all felt so personal. I don't know why for sure. But in my being, I felt that pronouncement. I am graduated. A juris doctorate. And, whether I'm right or not, I consider it a tender mercy from the Lord. Because the only thing I know that gives those kinds of feelings is the Spirit. I am grateful for that. And grateful for all the came before it. Another day maybe I'll try to put into words some of my feelings about my legal education. For now, this is an extremely long post and I'm going to end there.

Thursday, April 23; BYU Campus:
Friday, April 24; Provo Tabernacle:





I'm a graduate of BYU Law School! Thank you to all of you who have supported me over the last three years.