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