A Happy Day...and a Sad Day

[Ed Caffrey]

No Knife content, but a big part of my life has changed. The family went to Bozeman, MT. on Thursday evening for my "Baby Girl's" official collage graduation.

Although Mandi graduated last fall from Nursing School, the official graduation ceremony took place yesterday. I guess it never really hit me until we walked up on that stage and I "pinned" Mandi, and they handed her a Diploma.







The "sad" part of the day came later....we drove back to Great Falls, and proceeded to move Mandi into her first apartment. I know it sounds "soppy", but the house sure seemed empty last night with just Cindy and I. I know Cindy is feeling it too, so I guess now it'll just be the two of us.

On the up side, I guess I can look forward to having someone to take care of me when I get old and broken down!

[J. Doyle]

Ed, congrats on the raising a successful daughter. It must be awesome to see your kids succeed and reach their goals. I can imagine that it's difficult to watch them grow up as well. Especially when it comes to moving away. But if it's any encouragement, my mom and dad eventually found that the new 'free time' allowed for alot more little vacations and outings together. It really helped them bond and sort of renew their relationship.

As a new father myself, I'm only starting to experience all these things. My son is only 5 months old but it's already all too evident that they grow up too fast. He's not the same newborn baby that we held in the hospital only five months ago. He's turning into a little man already. Good luck with the adjustment.

You clean up pretty nice, by the way.

[Doug Lester]

Congradulations to you and your wife. You did what parents are supposed to do and that is to raise their children to be successful adults. Life happens and, even when it goes right, there is sometimes a bit of a down side to it. Often to gain something you have to loose something. Blessed be.

Doug Lester

[cdent]

Little bit of distance, but chances are Mandi wouldn't be one 'forget' anything.

Nice pictures!, Craig

[BrianT]

Congratulations Mandi on your graduation! Congratulations to you Ed and Cindy for getting her there.
Great pictures of a proud family celebrating a great accomplishemt.


I dont know what to say about the empty nest other than I will be there some day and I know it is going to be tough.

Brian

[DougCampbell]

Congratulations Mandi, Cindy and Ed, great accomplishment for you all!!! Don't fret Ed, there is life after they move out

[jim poling]

Hi Ed, Please pass along my congratulations to Mandi, and a congratulation to you and Cindy.

Jim

[samf]

congrats to to you and cindy
sam fogler

[Erik Fritz]

Congratulations to You and your wife for raising such a fine upstanding girl that stuck it out and got her degree.

[TexasJack]

Congratulations to your daughter! It may be hard to see your kid leave the nest, but she has to make her own life. I'm sure she'll do an amazing job of it.

It's obvious that she's lucky - she got her mother's looks!!!!

[Ed Caffrey]

Her Mother's looks... Thank goodness for that! I would feel really bad forcing a girl to go through life looking as ugly as me!

I know every now and then when those two are out and about, somebody will mistake them for sisters....and it really makes Cindy feel good. Not sure how I got so lucky as to snag a beautiful lady like Cindy.....but sure an glad she puts up with me.

[bbarnettAUS]

Congrats all round. Just remember Ed, theyre never that far away.
Cheers Bruce

[boatbuilder]

Everything has already been said , but I just wanted to say, you and Cindy have raised a fine young lady that has made you proud. Congrats and I am sure she won't be far from the nest.
Take care
Jim

[Dana Hackney]

I can relate, Ed. It is a bitter-sweet time.

You have a lot to be proud of, friend. From the little bit of time that I been able to
spend chatting with Mandi, it's easy to tell she is a fine young lady...a rare find for some
fortunate guy when the time comes. Good on her for all the hard work and effort she's
had to expend getting that degree!

It is nice that, at least, she's close by.

Congratulations all, again!

Dana

[Kostoglotov]

Congrats on your daughters graduation Ed