Congratulations to the most recent graduates of Clemson University! I've seen a

May 14, 2024, 12:57 AM

couple of posts from you guys expressing your pride in that accomplishment. I celebrate with you. But I do not share your honor.

Many years ago, the first Ms. The Mole ("M-1")and I were going through life-changing financial troubles. It happened to many people who had their incomes attached to the farming industry in the late-1980's. Interest rates of 14-18%, combined with political decisions not to sell grains to the Middle East and USSR contributed to a meltdown of family farms. We were able to escape with little more than our dignity.

A decision was made that either I or M-1 would go to college while the other worked. We were both in our late-20's and did not come from a background that encouraged or supported higher learning. I had some connections to Clemson and we opted to leave Eastern, NC for life in the upstate...while hoping for the best. In January 1993, M-1 attended her first classes at Clemson University. I was filled with pride and hope. Her parents said she was "...flat-out crazy!"

I won't say the journey was easy. There were times when we both wanted to throw up our hands and just quit. Fortunately, it seemed that whenever one of us was weak, the other was strong and we pulled each other through. So it was a great accomplishment when M-1 walked across the stage at Littlejohn in December 1996 to collect her MASTERS Degree. As her name was called I stood and clapped as loud as a man alone can, and cried, and didn't care what anyone around me thought.

I would like to tell you that things got better from that point. But the ghosts of previous issues, the separation of M-1 from her immediate family, and just life in general meant that M-1 was returning to NC. I made the choice to let her go alone. My life was here and I didn't want to go back to an area that had held me back and beaten me down for so many years. Our separation was civil. We had no children. So, we haven't spoken or shared a written note since she loaded up her car the first week of January 1997 to return to what she knew.

There are those who know our history who say bad things about M-1. But, they don't know the day-to-day struggle of our situation...and that of her being a fulltime student in her early 30's surrounded by those much less "experienced" than she. Maymesters. Part-time jobs. No...she didn't use me to get what she needed and then run off. She was simply saving herself. I don't fault her for that.

Things have a way of working out. The current Ms. The Mole ("M-2") would lay down her own life to save mine. I hope she never does. She is a nurse. She's a SUPER-Nurse! And she is definitely the face you want to see if you are in need of medical care. M-1 is wrapping up a distinguished 25-year career in education administration. All of it back in Tar Heel country. The land of her roots.

Just last week I watched my stepdaughter walk across the stage to receive her diploma. Four years and a 4.0 GPA. She already has a teaching job come August. There were some long nights as she bounced her writings off of me. (People tend to think you're smarter just because you're older.)

Those of you that received your degrees, I salute you! I know each person that walked across that stage has a story. Some are more difficult than others. But don't EVER underestimate your achievement. Try to find it in your heart to remember those who helped make your journey possible. I will always remember the smile on M-1's face as she collected her degree(s) and I will remember the ultimate pride I felt the first time she raised her hand while singing "Where the Blue Ridge yawns it's greatness..." She may be walking among Tar Heels, Wolves, Deacons, and Blue Devils, but I have no doubt her heart belongs to Clemson.

GO TIGERS!

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Re: Congratulations to the most recent graduates of Clemson University! I've seen a

Congratulations to the most recent graduates of Clemson University! I've seen a

bitter sweet. they graduate.. YAAAAAAAAAAY

Re: Congratulations to the most recent graduates of Clemson University! I've seen a

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