It was a fun few days with Crismon and Danielle at BYU for Crismon's graduation, April 24-26th. He graduated in the Honors Program with a Bachelor Degree in Chinese. Danielle graduated the next weekend from the University of Utah with a Masters Degree in Violin Performance. We are so proud of these two, taking on some very demanding courses. Crismon finished his last semester with a 3.93 GPA. They fly to Taiwan on May 27th to spend a year in Taipei. Crismon has a scholarship in the fall for more education in learning the Chinese language. Hopefully, Danielle, will have opportunities to teach violin. She regrets having to leave behind about 10-12 students she has been teaching this year. They have loved her and they are all sad to see her go.
We attended the Honors Luncheon at noon on Thursday and then toured the "Sacred Gifts" Exhibition at the Fine Arts building. It is the religious art work of Carl Bloch, Henrich Hofmann, and Frans Schwartz. We were so captivated by it that we forgot the time and actually missed the graduates processional into the Marriott Center. We arrived just 15 minutes before it started and saw the dignitaries outside, under a canopy waiting to go in to the graduation. Pres. Uchtdorf was there and spoke briefly. He was there as his grandson was graduating. He waved to us as we approached the building. Kind of embarrassing to be almost late, but they opened up seats that had been reserved for graduates and we got incredible seats. Turns out we were just off to the side and a few rows behind Crismon.
Pres. Cecil Samuelson conducted his last Commencement Exercises as President, and Elder Craig Cardon gave the Commencement address. It is always an inspiration to be there on the campus and feel the wonderful spirit there, and be inspired by all the graduates to continue to pursue an education. Danielle's mother was there, too.
Friday morning, Dad, Laurie Swain and I packed up their kitchen before the graduation ceremonies for the Language Arts Dept. in the Marriott Center. More packing that afternoon, Then a fun family reunion for the Swain family at Grandma Sue Swain's home not far from Crismon and Danielle's apt.
Sat. morning Crismon took us to Alice-Anne's home to visit with them for a short time and then they took us on to the airport. It was a delightful few days with Crismon and Danielle. We will miss them! After Danielle's graduation they went to Las Vegas with Danielle's parents to stay for several weeks before leaving for Taipei. The Swain's have done so much for them. We surely appreciate their many sacrifices to help them out.
