On Graduations & life

Today Josh, my incredible husband, is graduating from UC Berkeley with a PhD in Biophysics. 5 years and a few weeks ago Josh graduated from college with every honor they could give to a undergraduate student. In some ways that time doesn't seem so long ago, and in other ways it feels like it was in another lifetime. 

This picture above is very special to me because it is the last picture I have of Josh, me and his dad all together. At the time of Josh's graduation in May of 2009 - Josh's father, Paul, was battling stage 4 cancer. Even though he was extremely ill he was determined to be at Josh's graduation no matter what and he was so proud that Josh would be heading to grad school at Berkeley in the fall. Only a month after graduation his father passed away peacefully at home. 

Soon after Paul's death, Josh dove in head first at his new Berkeley lab. Josh knew that this is exactly what his dad would of wanted him to do. And now just 5 years later Josh has numerous publications under his belt and the respect and admiration of his peers and mentors. I know his dad is with him today, just like he was at our wedding, and will be at our next milestone. 

Today we are celebrating his incredible accomplishment, and also that his mom, who for the past 6 months has been battling breast cancer (and winning!), is able to attend in such good health.  I feel so lucky to have such an intelligent and wonderful husband, that is so strong and ambitious even through immense grief and hardship. 

So proud of you Dr. Joshie! Love you <3