Today was our MWU DPT Graduation for the class that started June of 2020. They called themselves the "COVID class" and it was tough getting to know them that first 6 months because we were online for much of the curriculum. But in the end, this turned out to be one of the most fun and likeable classes. Students like O'Dell, Deena, Leo, Jason, Kat, and Courtney were fun and super nice. Then there were also students who overcame some personal struggles like Samir, Tyler and Ashley, but who did amazing in the end. Lots of other fun students like Rachel who invited me as a guest for their class' HIIT workout and Victor who unassumingly cruised through the curriculum at a high level, impressing everyone with his maturity and professionalism and never let on that he was an army vet paratrooper. These people all moved seamlessly from being students, to just being amazing people who I will miss.
Every year when Dave Johnson, the Bagpiper, begins to play on that crazy instrument, leading the graduates, a strange feeling comes over me. Its like I'm suddenly aware of time passing and that I'm taking too much for granted. My kids are getting older..., this will be the last time I'll likely see most of this PT class..., I'm getting older, and the world is changing. Graduations always have a slight bitter-sweet element, but every year it gets more bitter than sweet. I will miss this class. I will miss people who retire and people who pass away. I will miss Stuart's personality as he slips further and further away from us. I fear for friends like Daryl and I worry that I have fewer and fewer people that I can call friends.
