The Dog Lived (and so will I): Graduation

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Graduation Day

Looks like I made it. Graduation day! And there was a final exam (where apparently I was so excited I forgot how one holds a pen):

There was a diploma:

There was a congratulatory handshake from the Dean/ Doctor (she's the one with the chin; I have no idea where my chin went in this photo; but yes, that's Dr. Hocko and she gets an A for this experience, as does her staff):

There was the returning of the gown:

The tossing of the cap into the air:

And finally there were flowers, courtesy of Barbara Ryan (aka "Gary's Mom"!) and dinner with the family (Chris...and then later Seamus).

With a Ph.D. in Kickin' Cancer's Ass, I think I'm marketable even in this economy.

It feels good. It feels really, really good to graduate.

Why The Title

I hate and refuse to read/ watch/ acknowledge any story involving a dog--because I love dogs and the dog in a movie/ book/ whatever always dies. I can't handle that.

When I found out I had cancer I said to Chris (writer, significant other; in case there is a soul reading this who doesn't know that) "If I die, given that Seamus lived, you have to write the memoir "The Dog Lived." I love the irony. Seamus (our beagle) was diagnosed with cancer more than 3 years ago and was told (okay, right, I was told; Seamus still doesn't know) that he would live maybe a year. Instead he's cancer-free and well into remission. That would be the great irony of my life story--the dog lives. I don't.

Not surprisingly, Chris was not amused and did not want to write that memoir. Oh, and my prognosis is not at all that grim. So instead, in a rare mood I'm attempting to just put a positive spin on things. The Dog Lived...and so will I.

For Those of You Over the age of 35

It seems we've learned the age cut-off for understanding how a blog works (i.e. Chris or younger = you get it). So here's a few hints:

1) if you are new to the blog you actually start at the bottom (scroll down) for the first entry and then work your way up.

2) if you want to leave a comment, click on the "# comments" phrase (it will actually say 0 or 1 or 6 ...an actual number) at the end of each post (okay, "article" if the word "post" was too bloggy for you). A window will open with the other comments and a box where you can type in your comment. You don't have to have an account. Just fill in the "Name/URL" with how you want to identify yourself and then click on the "Publish Post" button.

3) comments are how I know you care. ;-)

Teresa

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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Graduation Day