It's Official....Steve's a Doctor!

Steve graduated with his degree in osteopathic medicine on May 15, 2010. I'm so happy for him. He has truly worked harder than I've ever imagined someone could work for something. He studied and struggled and he pushed through sickness, injury, and exhaustion. To say that I am impressed and proud would be an understatement. Steve has worked for this day for most of his life. He is now officially a doctor and I am so proud of him. I know he doesn't like me to toot his horn, but on this day I feel justified. Steve graduated 7th in his class....of over 170 students! I was always so impressed with how he never shared his grades with anyone. He didn't want to be competitive in medical school (which, if you know Steve at all, you'll know that a competition comes second nature to him). He was in school to gain an education so that he could some day be the best doctor possible. He has grown in so many ways.

He's grown spiritually. Many times Steve would come home completely exhausted from an exam and would say, "I had a lot of help on that one." I know Steve has come closer to the Lord because he has relied on Him so much through the last four years. It's been neat to see Steve work as hard as he did and then turn it all over to the Lord. Time and time again Steve has talked about how the Lord has guided him in things large and small.

Steve has grown intellectually. Well, this is a bit obvious. But I've seen Steve grow from someone who knew enough to get in to medical school to someone who knows enough to actually be of help to others. He has studied so hard through many sleepless nights to learn the science of medicine. Then I watched him spend his third and fourth years of medical school learning how to treat people, how to understand the process of healing, how to deal with them and their families, how to be a good doctor.

Steve has grown as a husband and a father. These past four years have proven a wonderful trial for our family and I believe Steve has come out victorious. I have always been grateful for the time that Steve is willing to dedicate to our family. Even when he has been on crazy-busy rotations (like surgery in downtown Detroit), he takes time to connect with the family. He makes sure the kids are tucked in bed and that I'm taken care of. On numerous occasions Steve would take the kids out of their beds long after they'd gone to sleep to hold them and rock them. I am grateful that his priorities have included our family at the top.

In short, I am so proud of Steve. He has labored for this degree and we had a great time celebrating it. On our way to Kirksville we decided to visit Nauvoo one last time. Steve's parents met us there and watched the kids while we did a session at the temple. It was so neat to be back in that temple. In Kirksville we were able to see lots of good friends, hang out with family, visit the Wal-Mart a few times, eat a celebratory dinner at the Pear Tree, and of course attend the long-awaited graduation. I can't say it enough, but I am so proud of Steve. As he walked across the stage when his name was read, I was filled with so many feelings of excitement, anticipation, relief, and appreciation. It was a wonderful day!

Now for the photos.....

Here is Steve getting robed...the official moment!
The Kirksville newspaper did a story on the graduation and
Steve was the one pictured for the article! Here is the link.

The Graduate. (not Dustin Hoffman)

I'm sure Sarah had some game going on here. She's probably the princess and Grant has just saved her by defeating the terrible dragon.Steve's parents.

My parents.

Jared Chase, Curtis Nielson, Steve, & Matt Nelson.
These four were pretty much joined at the hips during first and second years. They all studied so well together. They are all such great friends. Can't believe they're all doctors now!

Nelsons, Chases, Laters, Parks

Jenny Parks and me.

Tana Nelson, Margi Chase, me.

Brian Parks, Scott Rynearson, Tyler Moss, Nate Nielson, Cameron Cartier, David Hill, Trever Wilkins, Matt Nelson, Steve Later, Jared Chase.

Project Night Group: Katie Rynearson, Saysha Nielson, Melissa Moss, Jessica Gowdy, Katie Wilkins, Tana Nelson, Kasey Later, Margi Chase

Those project nights were definitely a saving grace for me...these girls made it all bearable!

Kasey, Katie, Melissa, Jessica, Saysha, Kathryn, Katie, Margi, Tisa, & Tana. We all met up at a park for a shower for Kathryn....she had her first just three weeks ago!

All our kids at the park.....I can't believe how they've grown!