My best friend for nearly 20 years is graduating law school this year. She is a single mom who has gone through a nasty divorce, lost her family in a plane crash on New Year's Eve months before attaining her bachelor's degree (noone came, she didn't walk, she received that degree in the mail), and she's gone through a nightmarish time since then getting her parents' affairs in order (no will), etc etc. But through it all she's been as involved with her son as possible, she's kept her up her grades in a tough law school program, and will graduate this coming year. She has NO family except an aunt and grandma who live on the other side of the country, and the only friend she's kept up with outside her classes has been me and my mom (everyone else moved away or they're still partying--something we grew out of 10 years ago). My family, and my mom, want to do something to make this super special--something to recognize her sticking to it when things got hard, alone much of the time, and we just can't let her walk that graduation line without being celebrated. I'm looking for ideas for a party, for gifts, for just different ways to let her know she's not alone and that we're very proud of her. My whole family was very close with her whole family growing up, and so we want to do right by her. I am starting early because I want to make sure that money doesn't hold us back from anything we may choose to do. Your thoughts/suggestions would help a lot! TIA
I also have a best friend of over 20 years and if it were her I would fly in her aunt and grandma for the graduation and afterwards take everyone out to a fancy restaurant to celebrate. At the restaurant present her with a tennis bracelet or something to show how much I love her and how much she means to me. It's just a thought and what comes to mind because good friends are more like sisters and those are hard to find! :-)
WOW, everyone else beat me to it for great ideas! I love the idea of flying in the relatives and the taking a special vacation on a regular basis! I also like the bracelet idea as well.
Another suggestion in case the relatives are unable to fly (or the cost is too expensive, or some other reason), might be to gather some of her friends she attended law school with, neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc. to have a nice party or dinner out. What month is she graduating?
You are an awesome friend and she and her son are very lucky to have you and your family in their lives. Please keep us posted on what happens.
I love Khristina's idea. Another thought, or just an addition, would be to plan something fun for everyone to do after the graduation and dinner. Maybe your family and your friend and her son could go on a short vacation together (after aunt and grandma return home)? Galveston is always fun, or anywhere you think all of you would have a good time and make some great memories. It could even become a tradition that every other summer, your families share this vacation. I do love the idea of a tennis bracelet as a gift...another thought would be a charm bracelet with a meaningful charm or two, that you could continue to add to over the years. Maybe a special gift for her son, as well...bringing the aunt and grandmother into the celebration is such a wonderful idea. Your friend sounds like an incredible woman, and you are an awesome friend, as well!
A., your friend is so blessed to have you in her life! I see that you love photography-- since you have a life-long relationship with her, do you have access to photos of her family? Could you put together a life time srapbook for her of all of the special people in her life-- perhaps a "theme" of how proud they were and would be of her? I am not a Creative Memories Consultant, so I am not trying to sell you anything. I will tell you if you have one in your life, they have a new method of constructing albums on-line-- you just add in the pictures and the text and they print out a lovely hard bound book for you. If you do not have a consultant, I would be happy to connect you with mine. I love the idea of flying in the remaining relatives, too... I am sure that whatever you do she will be deeply touched!
Warmly,
A.
I don't have any ideas but I think you are a WONDERFUL person! My eyes watered when I read your note. Bless you for your generosity and compassion.
