The greatest compliment...

This weekend I graduated from college. I donned a cap and gown and crossed a stage, shaking the president of my college's hand in the process. This was an achievement I am proud of, but I don't think it was my favorite part off the weekend.

 Because it's a bit of a trek into the city, my family came a few days early. My Mom arrived Thursday night ahead of my siblings and Dad who had to stay back an extra day, and we were able to spent a good portion of Friday together.  I was able to introduce my mom to a few friends, and put her into my snapchat story. The reaction I got from a few friends was, "Wow, you and your mom are twins!" Or, "You and your mom are so similar!"

What an amazing compliment.

I am so flattered to be compared to my mom (both of my parents, actually, because they are great people and even better parents, but in this case my mom was mentioned). I know that my friends were pointing to a similarity in our looks - shoulder length wavy brown hair, smiling brown eyes, and matching noses - but I would like to believe that I am more like my mom than that. I hope that as I grow older, I become more like her. I want to inherit my mom's ability to make those around her feel important and loved. I want to emulate her feisty spirit when fighting injustices. I hope to become so punchy when I'm tired that everything is funny and brings me joy. I want to learn how to encourage, support, and protect my children while teaching them that they can do anything. I hope that as a parent someday, I can take what my parents taught me, and share that wisdom with kids of my own.

My family is my greatest support system, and are my dearest friends. I hope that all I do makes them proud. I would consider it a great honor and achievement in life to be compared to them in both looks and deeds. I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by those who inspire me every day, whether they are with me physically or only a phone call away.

Love you Mom, Dad, Abigail, and Adam!  Thanks for sharing an important weekend with me!

My family and I on my graduation day.