So this summer has brought new beginnings to our family in that both my daughter and I finished our degrees. Hers was a B.A. in English with an anthropology minor from Davidson College, and mine was a B.F.A. in graphic design from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. While this wasn’t my “first rodeo” as the saying goes, going back to school in mid-life is not the easiest either.

That said, we both owe a depth of gratitude to Derek who willingly (for the most part) put up with the limited family time that studies entail. When you have two people pursuing degrees simultaneously, all the extras around the house tend to go by the wayside. For the past two years, Derek has kept everything in order and tried to keep the chaos at bay. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! You are the best, and I love you for all you do for us and our family.