Medical School Graduation

Saturday, June 2 was a good day. It was the day Brad graduated from medical school.

My parents arrived Friday afternoon, and Brad's parents followed that evening. We were in the middle of packing for our move but they all kindly ignored our bare house full of boxes. It was so awesome of them all to come and celebrate with us!

Saturday morning we got all dressed up and made our way to the Alaska Airlines Arena - venue of graduation. After we had received programs and sat down in our seats, I opened the program to find Brad's name. There it was, listing his honors and accomplishments. The culmination of all Brad's hard work over the past four years hit me and I just cried. They were tears of relief and pride, but mostly of happiness. "Good tears" as Lainy calls them.

The speakers did well (particularly the student speakers). Brad sure looked handsome as he walked on stage and received his doctoral hood. He only did a small double-take when he was announced as Dr. Hansen for the first time. He even had a small speaking part in which he presented the class gift to Dean Ramsey. (The class gift is a scholarship paid for by the students in Brad's class to help future medical students. Brad was the recipient of similar scholarships and he was happy to help present.)

Listening to the speaker

Very blurry picture of Brad with his diploma

Presenting the class gift (Apparently he said something very funny)

Then it was time for the Physician's Oath. All the graduates stood and solemnly recited the Oath together. I could tell they were taking it very seriously. I think it's really admirable that they take an oath to respect life and to consecrate their own lives to the "service of humanity". Pretty awesome.

We waved and clapped as Brad walked by during the recessional. Then we stayed for a few minutes to take pictures and say goodbye to friends. I lost it again as we said goodbye to the Miller's, our dear friends. I met Juliann our very first day in Moscow 4 years ago. Hard to believe it's over!

Juliann, Spencer, Brad, and Me

Leah was very proud of her Daddy

We spent the rest of graduation day eating good food and celebrating. It was so fun to have our parents. They have been a big part of getting us through medical school. We love them!

It was a day to be remembered!

Congratulations, Bradley Hansen, MD! It's been quite a ride.