Another Celebration...

My niece, Stephanie and her son, E

Today, we'll celebrate the tenacity and commitment of my beautiful niece, Stephanie. This young, single mother of an active eleven year old will be graduating from Marian University with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Magna. cum. laude!!!

While she completed her studies she continued to work a full-time job, wass den mother for her son's Boy Scout troop, and still managed to make their little house a home. On evenings when she might be able to have some time to herself (like when E. goes to spend an overnight with Grandpa), its not unusual to find her cleaning house and doing laundry. She's so dedicated to making a better life for herself and her son that she's willing to do whatever it takes.

She and I talk on the telephone frequently, usually as she's on her way from one thing to another, and I've been proud to be one of her biggest cheerleaders. I marvel at her energy, her integrity and her sense of responsibility and purpose.

I'll be right there next to her mom, dad, son and of course, Handsome as we celebrate her achievement. Never one to rest on her laurels, Steph has already set her next goal - to save her money to be able to purchase her first home for her and E, and I just know it won't be long before she realizes that goal, too!

Our family will gather together to salute her achievement and applaud the culmination of all her hard work. Today we shall make merry! Congratulations, Stephanie!