Friday, May 4, 2012

ONE YEAR DOWN

~MY BELOVED AND I~
1977

As incredible as it seems this month my Mr. AGPMan will complete a full year of night classes.  I first shared with you about his plans to return to college in August of 2010 and if you'd like you can read all about it HERE and HERE.  After some scheduling delays, last May his classes finally began.  Only a few more months of studies and then come November he will complete his accelerated courses and FINALLY graduate with a Computer Science degree.  On Thursday evening while in class he was measured for his cap and gown and was given information about ordering announcements.

Can this be true???
ONLY A FEW MORE MONTHS?
Oh my goodness!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!
In many ways this past year has flown by.  Equally there have been many challenging days that were difficult to meander through and I felt like some of those days would never end!

My guy has studied long, long hours.
Taken and passed many difficult tests.
Studied.
Read.
Studied more.
Read more.
Studied more and more and more.
Read more and more and more.
Went without sleep.
Went without sleep.
Went without sleep.
Went without sleep.

He questioned
WHAT HE WAS DOING A GAJILLION TIMES
before finally settling in for the long haul. 

And me, you ask?  Well...Can I be honest here?
 Hmmmm....
OK...HONESTY!
Right?
Well, early on I spent many
long
long
long
long
hours alone.
(Being lonely in your house when not alone is not a good feeling!)
At first I pouted over the loss of our routine life.
Then I got depressed.
Then I got angry.
I prayed a lot.
I prayed a lot.
I prayed a lot.
I prayed a lot.
Finally...
I began to embrace a new normal.
I read.
Blogged too much.
Painted.
Sewed.
(Did more special orders than I dreamed I'd ever do.)
Prayed more.

I said
WHAT HAVE I AGREED TO? A GAJILLION TIMES
before eventually finding
peace
peace
peace
peace
While embracing God's amazing grace.

Both my hubby and I have learned a lot over the past twelve or so months about our lives and each other.  None the least being that although grueling at times it is possible to go back and right a past wrong.  School is often difficult when you are young, but it can be REALLY hard when you are older.

But, we are strong.
Committed.
Resilient.
Blessed.

And...
He's still my man.
I'm still his lady.

Truthfully it all feels a bit surreal.

For so long the husband of my youth and I lived with such intensive regret over him not finishing college that sometimes pressing onward was tough.  This last year has been quite a ride emotionally for both of us and I'm grateful it is over.  Only a few months to go now and my hubby's hard-earned and long overdue diploma will be in hand.

We've certainly taken the LONG WAY around the world!

Note To My Mr. AGPMan:

The finish line is in view...the race is almost over!  I'm still in your corner and more proud of you than I can say.  Never too late...never too late...never too late to be what you could have been!
YOU CAN DO THIS!  YOU CAN DO THIS!
I love you most
xo~Beck

~~*~~

Gotta go~

Love to you...

22 comments:

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Good for your husband! In this crazy economy it is hard to know what the right decision is. Seems that this is the right one for you guys. Congrats for being on the home stretch!

Unknown said...

Congratuations to both of you. without eachother this wouldn't have been possible.

EllenaElizabeth said...

What a great milestone to have reached. Great work and congrats to you both.

Lynn Stevens said...

Congratulations to your hubby on his accomplishments and to you for standing by him through it all.
Not an easy road I'm sure!
hugs Lynn

Jacoba said...

What a wonderful achievement! Congratulations on both your stamina to continue and finish this. It takes two to tango, behind every great man there is a great woman. Well done!
Have a wonderful day on the day of the official ceremony.
Love to both of you from Holland,
Jacoba

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Mr AGP!! I know your side of the story as my husband went back to school for 3 years to grab two degrees knowing the economy was changing. I'm glad for it and we are blessed by it, but it was tough. Hang in there, he's almost done! Hugs. T

Jeannie B. said...

What a tribute to the fact that dreams are always possible. Ps you guys are such a cute couple!

Anne said...

Rebecca,
I can't imagine going back to school or my spouse for that matter.That is quite a challenge.But wait.... in saying that I will share this.
My husband in 1996 had a life changing accident at job he once had.He was lucky he survived.Because it altered him he could no longer do what he did.He did have to go back to school.And learn something he knew nothing about.I was working and he was in school.And he did it.He worked hard and achieved it.God always watches over us and cares for us.I know he was watching over your husband as he worked hard to achieve his goal.And he watched over you to be strong and supportive.I am so happy for you both.Now it is time to celebrate!
Anne

Julie Marie said...

This comment is to Mr. AGP...Way to go Mr. AGP!!!... I know how much your beautiful lady loves you and stands by your side in all you do...and I know that all you do is for Rebecca as well...she is so very proud of you and so am I... much love to you both and congratulations!... xoxo Julie Marie

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Oh Rebecca, congrats to your hubby. Things like this are hard on a marriage. I'm sure he did not want to be away from you so much. My hubby is a volunteer fireman, and has missed many dinners, and special occasions. I was angry because this was after all just volunteer. I now understand, how much it means to him, and go with the flow. It's all about compromise, and understanding. Blessings to you and your beloved.

Hugs,
Debbie xxoo

Sonya Badgley said...

Dear Rebecca,
I'm sure it was really hard for you both. But look what's waiting at the finish line...how wonderful he got to go back. :) I'm happy for you both.
As you know my DH is very ill and trying to look at our blessings and thanking the Lord for them and thanking Him for our struggles. Which is hard to do sometimes. But we our cherishing every moment we have been given. Life is SO short...it really is.
Love and God's blessings to you both,
Sonya

NanaDiana said...

My gosh- I can hardly believe that was a year ago already when you first posted about this! Man...it is one of those "time flies...but seems like forever" sort of life dramas! I am so proud of BOTH of you, Rebecca, because I know the commitment it took on YOUR part, too.

You are right- being lonely (while not really alone) is a gut wrenching feeling-one I have felt many times in our "line of business"...xo Diana

Unknown said...

Congrats to, Mr. AGP Man that the end is near. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Woohoo! It is weird to be lonely when not alone. Been through that with hubby a few times as he works from home. 'But you're HERE, let's spend time together!'. lol
I know the road was hard and I am proud of you for sticking with it.
Stop by again if you'd like and see the pink, Paris candle I made.
Blessings!

Mouse said...

gosh that year has flown by and well done for achieving your dream too :) take care and can't wait to see the grad photos :) love mouse xxxxx

fannipauline said...

Congratulations to you both for a job well done........That's what life is all about isn't it - We are always striving to be the best that we can be...........As my grandparents said to me "always do your best and never let it rest - until your best is better and your better is best"
Hugs to you both,

Mr. AGP Man said...

Hi baby, how funny that I stopped to read this right now as I was cramming in a little study time waiting for you to get ready. Just trying to write a few lines of code while I wait as this week's assignment is a brain buster. LOL
I cannot thank you enough for giving me this time and standing by me through all the hours of study!

I love you so much and can't wait to get our weekends back.

Love,
me

Marilyn said...

Determination in action. What a great story to share, and the honesty of the hardships is what tugs at my heart. If I were a cowboy, I'd say yee-haw!! A wee leprechaun, dance a jig in your honor! A blog friend, just join in your happiness!!♥♫

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Rebecca,

Oh, that is so well written from your heart. And yes, it is hard(er) with age. I will never forget the phone call from my husband Pieter when he called me from Knoxville, TN after having completed the Senior Management Program at the College of Business Administration. Campbell's Soup wanted him to do this. Can you imagine for Steve having to do this abroad in another language, not his mother tongue? I was SO proud of him and it hangs here with pride in the office. Studying in your own mother tongue and getting As and A+ (Pieter is extremely gifted) is one thing but in another language is tough.
So you will be looking forward to calmer times, no more killer-renovations, on top of all the study. What will you both do with all the extra time on hand?!
Enjoy your weekend for now.
Love,
Mariette

Theresa said...

I remember when he started! I know that he has spent MANY hours studying and working to reach this goal! Stay strong and it will all be over soon:) Have a blessed day my friend, HUGS!

Debbie said...

Such an honest, heartfelt post Rebecca.
I so enjoyed catching up on your posts. Your photos are all so beautiful, and I love the way you write.
Have a wonderful weekend with your college grad.
xxxooo

Unknown said...

Rebecca, what touching post. The reward will be so great. Congratulations to your hubby. I love to read your blog and see all of your pretties. You are so talented.

Unknown said...

That's just fantastic! You're never too old to continue your education and what a great feeling you both must have!

Blog Archive