Saturday, May 13: The Big Day. Finally, all of Nicholas' hard work had paid off and he was ready to walk for his D.Phil at Oxford University.
Watching Nicholas walk across the stage was a tremendous culmination of work. Years of struggling. Years of being told "no, he can't do that." Years of Nicholas' never-ending persistence. And finally, there he was, surrounded by his family and soon-to-be wife, walking with his head held high as he received his diploma: a D.Phil in Applied Mathematics in the Sheldonian.
Isaac, Nathanael, me, Nicholas, and Chris.
Father and son, donning the same cap and gown.
It was a joyous occasion (and Isaac's 26th birthday!) and I couldn't be prouder of all of my sons.
At 7 years old, Nicholas was called the "worst child seen in 20 years of teaching" by his school's diagnostician. Now, at 29, he is a doctor of philosophy. He is an incredible example of what can be done once a child is given the right tools and dedication to learn.
We spent the remainder of the weekend together as a family, meeting Nicholas' friends and seeing him apart of the community that he has grown to love—thousands of miles from the child who refused to speak to anyone.
Nicholas and me with my book and his dissertation.
Next: we plan a wedding!
Cheers!
Lois
