B+ = PERFECT!

I got the best phone call this morning at 7:26 a.m. Great because I had turned off my alarm and would not have gotten up to get the kids ready for school in time...the best because my mom was calling to tell me she got a B+ in her College Algebra class!

With my previous academic career I didn't think I could ever be pleased with a B+, so let me tell you what makes this B+ so awesome!

Several years ago my Mom decided to go back to college. Inspired, perhaps, by her father's academic prowess (he had a doctorate and was a school superintendent) and the collegiate status of several of her children, she uncovered decades old credits from LDS Business College and started classes at Columbia College. Things were progressing nicely and before long there was only one required class left on her list...College Algebra.

She was terrified at the prospect and expected at least two semesters of lower level mathematics to work up to it. Fear lead to fleeing and the college career was abandoned for several years.

Last summer she decided to conquer this obstacle. She studied hard and much to her surprise (but not to ours!) she was able to test out of the first class and enter right into Intermediate Algebra at SLCC. She registered for class and experienced much stress and more studying. I wasn't much help, despite my decade old passing of the AP Calculus test. I tried to give her encouragement and continually suggested she call her brilliant son, Danny (Mr. Mechanical Engineering Ph.D.), with questions. Each exam was a test of self-confidence and faith. She could hardly believe it when she passed the class. (None of us ever doubted it would be so.)

College Algebra started with the Spring semester. The professor was kind and effective and as the semester was drawing to a close the only remaining obstacle was the May 3rd final. Despite the best efforts at homework, exams, and extra credit, if Mom didn't get at least 50% on the final she would fail the class.

At 5:45 p.m. on Monday she began. 7:45 p.m was the finish, but the professor generously gave a few extra minutes. Knowing she would be emotionally and mental exhausted after the final, and completely unsure of her performance, I rallied my siblings for an 8:00 p.m. Surprise Celebration at Mom's house. Dad bought white roses and we all brought dessert.

The stars aligned and with last minute plans my three sisters and I managed to get there (all without kids!!!) as well as Danny and Kiersten and family. When we saw her driving up the street we all went into the garage. As the door came up and we started to cheer (with the graduation march playing from the kitchen) Mom immediately started crying. It was perfect.

She, of course, was worried she didn't pass. We assured her that she did and promised that if things didn't go that way we would celebrate again next semester. She replayed the stress and emotion of the final for us. It would be at least 48 hours before grades were posted.

We ate and laughed. Danny and Kiersten headed home, Dad retired to his room, and the girls chatted until late in the night. It was a wonderful night I will not soon forget.

I called last night, "It has been 50 hours, is your grade posted?" "No, not yet." Then I got the call this morning.

I am so proud of you Mom! I can't wait to celebrate your accomplishment again when you graduate in October! I love you!