Bri's Big Day!

Drew, Briana, Brenda

December 8, 2012.  Briana's BIG day!  On this day, Briana Sue Vander Wege graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Pyscology becoming one of the newest "Lakers for a lifetime!"  I couldn't have been more proud!







   Drew and I arrived in Grand Rapids early that morning and met up with Bri's Uncle Larry, friend Tammy and BF Matt.  Graduation was held at the VanAndel Arena and it was a very busy place!  More than 1000 new graduates plus all their friends and families and yet, despite all that, I ran into a friend whose daughter was also graduating!
   We found seats near the top of the lower seating area, very near where Bri would be seated down on the "floor."   We had nearly an hour to wait but it was necessary to arrive that early just to get a seat. And then, we heard it.  Pomp and Circumstance!  And the graduates began filing in.  What a sight!  We finally found Bri, it brought a tear to my eye.  (Having woken up early with an allergy flare up and a blistered and teary right eye, that one was already "ahead of the game", ugh!)   Susan Ford Bales was the speaker and she is an emotional speaker to be sure.  She only added to the tear factor.      
   And, I kept thinking about Jeff.  How he would have loved to be here.  How proud he would be.  I found myself rubbing his wedding band (which I wear on my thumb) and I  did feel his presence.  I knew this would be a difficult day for Bri and I.  In fact, for me, it was the most difficult day yet.  Talking with Bri later it seems it was for her as well.  Unbeknownst to me, Bri had made a maroon awareness ribbon and put it on her cap in honor of her dad.  Yup, cue more tears!  What a sweet thing for Bri to do!  

Ribbon for Dad!

   The ceremony lasted about 2 hours and was done very well.  Waiting for Bri's name to be called seemed like it took forever and then they were announcing her, how wonderful to hear!  We all cheered very loudly for Briana:) 

Goosebumps and tears for mom!  So Proud!

  We met up afterwards, took a few pics and then were ushered back outside into the cold and snow.  

 



Drew and I headed back to Holland and Bri and Matt to GV for just a bit. Bri and Matt met us back at the house a bit later for a few pics:)

Proud mom!

Thinking of Jeff!

Great job Bri!

   Next, we all headed out for a family dinner at a local restaurant.  Almost every grandparent, Uncle and cousin were there along with a few GF's and BF's.  What a great night, how wonderful that so many could come out to help celebrate and support Briana!  Thanks to all who were there!

Family dinner celebration

Bri and Matt

Drew and Hillary

   The kids and I ended Briana's BIG Day back at home by popping the cork on a bottle of Warner's Brut Champagne and sharing a toast:)  Then, I think we all "hit the wall!"  We were exhausted, sleep deprived and emotionally spent.  It was truly a wonderful day spent Making Every Moment Count!

CONGRATULATIONS Briana Sue! 




(((Hugs)))
 Brenda