It rarely happens that I get to celebrate multiple occasions in a single week. I completed 25 years of teaching at the University of Tampa, celebrate my 25 year Silver Wedding Anniversary with my beautiful bride on the 20th May, and my son, Rohan, graduates high school.
It promises to be an emotional and reflective week. I can’t seem to get my head around all of these milestone events in my life – all at once. As I explore my emotions and share my thoughts with my readers over the next few days, I want to quietly count my blessings from the good God above. I yearn to celebrate these events with my Mom and Dad, who are no longer with us. I know they are smiling down with pride and joy. For some strange reason, I miss them more at times like these. Life may not be fair, but it’s the only life I have. And I intend living it to the fullest. How else will I ever honor my parents, and those that I love?
About Hemant Rustogi
Wow. And I was there for the first two. Give my best to Rohan; he’s an impressive young man. Wish I could be there for his graduation.
Congratulations on all of these monumental milestones! You have had such a tremendous impact on so many students – challenged them, inspired them, and shifted the course of their lives in ways you may never know. I personally want to thank God for our paths crossing that fateful day in Judi’s office – the right place, at the right time, with the right people. A brief moment that forever changed my path – you’ve inspired and ignited a professional dream I never knew I wanted. Just as you have honored your parents and lived life to the fullest, I will one day honor the opportunity you afforded me and live my life to the fullest – as a PhD. Cheers, Rusty. And thank you.