A culmination of 4 years, nay a lifetime of study, was celebrated early this week.
My baby’s graduation.
D2. Vindhya Suresh.
My strong one. My survivor. My quite-ignored, unassuming, quiet, behind the scenes yet fiercely independent, compassionate sensitive heart of gold angel graduated.
Managed it through the Global Pandemic, through online study, cancelled, postponed, deferred, delayed clinical placements.
Left home as we knew it when she was five. To her new home.
Winced when ‘saw’ became ‘was’ and ‘write’ became ‘wirte’ in essays. Relieved when I’d attended a school camp and observed her classmates’ equally interesting take on spelling.
Watched like a hawk as she worked through maths books from Singapore.
Thought her writing skills were a little sus until one bright day she published an inspiring children’s story which now has pride of place in her college library.
Initial years with only husband working and the stay at home mom not wanting to place two little girls in after school care, meant some extra curricular activities had to be given a miss. Yet swimming was/is a constant in her life, swim squads and then volunteer lead coach for Special Olympics New Zealand.
And finally the occupation of her dreams.
The morning was spent in photo shoots at a park near the arena.
The Afternoon was the Ceremony.
Her father appeared to be unfashionably late initially.
Doors were closing, no sign of him.
He’d texted, “I’m seated”.
I replied, “Obviously not”, staring at the glaringly empty seat beside me.
D1 pointed ahead.
And there he was, seated on stage, part of the Stage Party/the academics.
He’d wanted to surprise her/us 😶😎.
We’d cheered and clapped as her name was announced, she walked up to receive her award, was capped, and he was there a little ahead, waiting to greet her on stage. We cheered even more as he hugged her and gave her a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
A wonderful surprise for a wonderful occasion.
Went on to get official photos taken.
The day ended with a delicious meal at our favourite Italian place.
Felt and feel immensely proud that my feisty Disney princess is now in a position of being able to give, to serve.
Draped this magnificent kanjivaram black, with copper, black and gold pallu and border. Presented by husband 25+ years ago.
I’d initially intended draping a white/yellow or a blue kanjivaram silk and she’d insisted I wear rich black.
Posted an unofficial click, courtesy of
D1 and cousin Vanitha Sarkkunan. Will probably receive Official photos soon.
Photos of the graduate are in comments. She’s in a beautiful white kanjivaram silk with lilac, blues on borders and pallu.
Bavani’s Happy Place 