The kid graduates

Yesterday my youngest son graduated from his university’s school of engineering. When they called his name to walk across the stage I heard my father’s name echo in my son’s middle name, Thomas Samuel Galindo. My father was never able to start college, much less finish it. Circumstances in his native war-torn country and a decision to emigrate to a foreign land for the sake of his family—and its later generations—-meant personal sacrifices of opportunities, and of dreams deffered. My father loved learning. Despite his lack of formal education we grew up in a home full of books. (That’s an environment rarer than I realized until years later. Even as an adult, visiting many homes as pastor or as hospice chaplain I was always surprised at the lack of books people had in their homes).

Thomas Samuel Galindo
BS Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering, VCU
Recognition: Verizon Award

My father’s love of learning was instilled in his children, along with the message of the importance of an education. I remember his affirmation when I first graduated (eventually doing so five times!), making no secret of his regret at never being able to do so himself. But yesterday, a Samuel Galindo walked across the stage, and two generations later, a dream deferred was realized. My father, dead now twelve years, would have enjoyed the moment, I think.

And for all of you who’ve bought my books, thanks for helping me put the kid through college!