Connor, the oldest of my three grandsons, graduated from the University of Colorado this week. His older sisters graduated years ago. I didn’t attend their graduations because they were out of state. I didn’t want to miss this one.
Connor is a young man with many talents. He’s a journalism major, who wrote a book in fourth grade. He has a beautiful singing voice and plays guitar. He and his roommate throw big parties and invite the whole neighborhood. But mostly, he is a sweet, kind, thoughtful young man who makes me smile when I remember the past twenty-two years with him.
When Connor was two years, I picked him up from daycare every Thursday. We came to my house, sat in the rocking chair and watched Monsters, Inc. together. Connor knew every word of the movie. At the end, when Sulley sings, “You’ve got a friend in me,” Connor jumped off my lap, threw his hands in the air and sang along. Even then, he had the voice of an angel. It was pure magic.
Sometimes I think Sulley shaped Connor’s character more than I did. This is the official description of James P. Sullivan:
“Humble and caring, Sulley is extremely modest. And in spite of his utmost devotion (to his friends), his moral standards remain more important to him than anything; he is willing to sacrifice his personal gains for what he feels is right.”
This is Connor! But he’s much better looking.
This week Connor graduated with a bachelor of science degree, with a special interest in sports journalism. He plans to stay in Boulder for a year, while he looks for a job in his field. My darling boy is all grown up.
As Connor prepares for the world ahead, I am reminded of Sulley’s song, written by Randy Newman. It was our song, too.
“When the road looks rough ahead and you’re miles and miles from your nice warm bed, you just remember what your old pal said: Boy, you’ve got a friend in me. Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me.
“If you’ve got troubles, I’ve got ’em too. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. We stick together and see it through, cause you’ve got a friend in me. Yes, you’ve got a friend in me.
“And as the years go by our friendship will never die. You’re gonna see it’s our destiny. You’ve got a friend in me!”
I love you, sweet man! I always will!
Grandma Lynda
What a lovely tribute to Connor! He has always, through ups and downs, been an amazing person. Best wishes to him in all his future endeavors!
What a beautiful post. Congratulations to Connors and grandma. You wrote very well. So glad to be back to your blogs again on this Saturday morning. Happy Mother’s Day to you too.
Dita
He sure is a great kid!
Connor is an example of what can happen when a young person meets adversity, as did he and his cohorts, but are backed and supported by a strong and loving family.
Cherish those memories!! And Go, Connor!!!
Gee, I wonder who he got his writing skills from, hhmmmmm!
He is a handsome and a caring young man who has been lucky to have a “friend” like Grandma Lynda! He’ll go far and continue to make his family proud. ❤️👏👏👏
My heart melted.
What a beautiful tribute for a wonderful, handsome young man. I know you are so proud of him! He chose a path and worked hard to achieve his goal! I know he will continue to reach for his dream!
What a great post! Congratulations Connor! Your grandson is amazing and it sounds like he’s ready to take on adulthood. You go Connor. You can be and do whatever you put your mind to.
Love love love Mr Connor. Thank you so much for the invitation to his graduation party Jason and Erica. What I love most about Connor is his love for life. I loved when he shared his highlights of his college days. This young man is fearless, personable, and determined. I look forward to updates every now and then on his progression. Way to go Hein family.
Congratulations Connor & Grandma Lynda!! What an achievement! He’s such a handsome blend of his sweet parents- he’s got Jason’s twinkle in his eyes ❤️
Happy Mother’s Day💐💕🎉
Are you kidding, it seems only last week he was leaving for the unknowns of college at CU! Congratulations, Conner! And this milestone is only the beginning–we look forward to hearing of your next accomplishments. You go, Buddy!
Very sweet. I love the month of May for just this reason: multiple high schools and colleges near me in NYC, and a few times per week you see young people and VERY Proud adults out on the streets and in the restaurants!