Happy graduation to Brendan!

Yesterday, we celebrated our nephew/my godson Brendan's graduation from Indiana University. We are so proud of Brendan and what a great guy he is...and his many accomplishments are just icing on the cake. Sue did an outstanding job of throwing the party. Everything was perfect. I know how much work it is throwing a party and we were all super impressed. It was the first big celebration since Mike died, and this party was held four days after what would have been Mike's 53rd birthday and two days after the 7 month anniversary of his death.Kinda bittersweet in many ways.  As Jack said after we got home last night, Mike's presence was very much felt throughout the party. Several of Mike's fraternity brothers came from all over the country in support of Sue, Lauren and Brendan and that was so touching. Mike had many good friends from his Rollins College days. And at the party last night, it was fun to see Brendan's good friends, from high school, college as well as some new coworkers, come together to keep that kind of legacy going.

Brendan, Sue and Lauren

Tony, Eric, Greg and Ted with Sue

Sam and Brendan share a laugh

There is still so much healing taking place. The folks most impacted by Mike's death are Sue, Lauren and Brendan... and of course, Bill and Marie.  Sometimes I forget that Jack is grieving, too, as well as Paul and Downtown Sue. It was nice to be together yesterday to celebrate one of life's many happy moments as Brendan begins his career. God bless Brendan and thank God for family.