Dad's Graduation

On Saturday Dad graduated from Universal College of Healing Arts and is now able to become licensed as a massage therapist. It has been a long hard year of working and studying to reach this goal, but he did it! The school does not have an actual graduation, but instead has what is called a 'commissioning of hands ceremony'. Considering the ways the 'graduates' have been taught to use their hands to bless others, it is a fitting title.

We trekked to Omaha to the school, which was a first time visit for many of us. It was fun to see all the places and meet the people we had been hearing about for the last year.

The graduates all signed the book of graduates. Everyone who has completed the program at this school signs the book. It was a pretty fat book. Note the roses in the vase at the back of the stage. These were for the family and friends who came to the ceremony. The staff made sure all of us got one, and now we have a lovely vase of roses in the kitchen. :)

Sorry this picture is blurry. Four members of the staff chose an essential oil and put it on the hands of the graduates. Each oil had a purpose, such as healing or calming, something they hoped the graduates would be able to give to their future clients as massage therapists. Of course, this also doubled as a great time for the staff to personally congratulate each graduate.

The 47th graduating class from UCHA! Way to go, Dad! We are so proud of you for all your hard work and perseverance in the last year! God has made you into a wonderful massage therapist, as all your clients will attest. I am looking forward to seeing how He has you use that gift in the future.

I think I mentioned the roses. Somebody watched Shrek 2 one too many times... From here we went home to celebrate with pizza and ice cream. Congratulations, Dad!! We love you!