My daughter's graduation party was truly a celebration of faith, family and friends.
Now let me rewind for a moment. She actually completed her PhD program in May 2020. But, since we were in the middle of a pandemic Jackson State cancelled graduation. She was hurt! All her hard work wouldn't be celebrated and she wouldn't get hooded. I felt her pain and in true mommy fashion tried to figure out a way to lift her spirits... Vacation, new bag, money...nothing worked! She felt cheated and there was nothing I could do about it.
I lost my husband to COVID-19 on January 23rd and to help with the feeling of loneliness, I would stay at my daughter's house on the weekend. This one particular weekend she received an email from Jackson State. The email stated that anyone from 2020 who wanted to participate in the 2021 commencement exercises could. She read the email to me and I immediately yelled," Do Over!" You see not only would this give her, her moment, it would give me something to take my mind off the fact that my husband was gone.
I called my mother and told her it was time to plan a party! Ari chose an elegant/rustic theme with greens, golds and white for her party. ( Babaloonz did an amazing job!) She invited 70 of her closest family and friends and asked everyone to wear white. The backyard party included a DJ, Torcedor (cigar roller), open bar, and servers. Guest were treated to Chicago's famous Garrett's popcorn as a way to pay homage to our hometown. Guest danced the night away to Chicago House Music, Old School RnB, and rap music.
Her dad and his family came down from Chicago and her line sisters came from all over to help us celebrate our PhD.
We gifted Ari with a Louis Vuitton Damier Azur NeverFull GM tote and wristlet. Every girl deserves a nice bag!
Ari's look: Burberry pants, white tank top from Pretty Little Things and white Steve Madden open toe heels.
My look: Tory Burch track pants and sleeveless polo shirt with Steve Madden multi color heels.
