Tag Archives: graduation

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with Joy that long endures May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours. ~Irish Blessing Sitting down to write this month’s letter from the editor, fresh cup of coffee in hand, just as the writing juices began to flow I got a much-welcomed interruption. My beautiful daughter Grace phoned, talking a mile a minute, sharing every detail of her day. “Mom, I need a car. …

One semester down, seven to go. Wow, that was intense. Definitely not what I expected. Many people have been asking, “How did your first semester go?” They usually have enthusiasm in their voices, almost as if they want to relive a part of their college experience through me for a few seconds. I usually reply with a huge smile, “It went well, I love college!!” But honestly, that is just my “easy” answer. My first semester of college was most definitely one of the hardest times of my life…but also the best learning experience I’ve ever experienced….. Click the magazine …

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King Ladies, once again we close in on another year’s end. I ask myself once more, where did the year go? The quote, “The days are long, but the years are short” is beyond fitting. This issue is dedicated to forgiveness and fulfillment. In a year in which our country has faced such challenging times, I know you will find reprieve in the beautiful articles in this issue. The other day, I stopped at a local gas station. …

Before I left for college, all the world’s well wishers bombarded me with advice. Everyone it seemed, needed to tell me how to succeed in college: “Get lots of sleep.” “Go to church daily.” “Keep your books with you at all times.” All this advice was great and I am thankful for all the love and support I have been given, but nothing really prepared me for the change that occurred. I watched my family walk away, knowing it was going to be awhile before I saw them again. After the first few weeks it all began to sink in: …

Ladies, spring is in the air! As I prepare for the spring edition of 5ive for Women, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our own “Rays of Grace” upcoming graduation. Will you please indulge me as I use this forum as an open letter to my very own amazing Grace? Dear Grace, I am on two committees helping to get ready for your all-night graduation party. With every meeting  and every discussion, your fast-approaching graduation becomes more of a reality. Your official status as a young adult has me simply blown away. I thought I was going …

I’m one month into senior year. It’s weird how fast time goes. A lot of days, I still feel like a freshman; yet, in less than eight months, I will be walking across the stage to receive my diploma. Recently, I have been thinking about how I’m really going to miss my school years. Most of my favorite moments are just the fun conversations with people who at times know me better than I know myself. On top of that, here are a few of my favorite memories . . . Click the magazine below to read the rest of …

I was sitting in Zorn Arena trying to look like I wasn’t sweating through my jacket when my daughter filed in with her high school graduating class. The announcer asked the kids to locate their parents in the audience and wave to them as a way of thanking them for getting them to this day. As my daughter looked up at us with a big smile on her face and waved, it happened. I saw her as a five year old smiling at me and waving goodbye as she entered her kindergarten classroom. I was stunned at how all that …

As I write this, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy” plays in my head. I love summer! The Theisen household welcomes the sweet, slowed-down pace of summer with arms wide open. June is for graduations and weddings, and we get to celebrate both. Our eldest, Joe, graduated from college—we are beaming with pride and it’s a joy to watch him go! We’re also ecstatic to see our sister move into a new and exciting season as she marries her best friend. It may be summer, but the livin’ isn’t always easy for everyone. Yet, Angela Meyer would never let you …