Photos by Amber Lynne Photography
My husband, Steven, has been working on his master’s degree for the past two years and finally, the day has come… He has officially graduated and received his master’s degree!
To say that I am so proud of this amazing man of mine is a huge understatement. To be able to get it done while having a newborn to wake up to in the middle of the night for diaper changes and feedings. Studying late at night when he had to get up early to get our oldest ready for school.
Scheduling his tests at midnight because that is the only available time he had since he works all day managing a team of people and most days can be very demanding. Giving up his weekends to write papers and work on school term projects. It was so hard to watch. I know at times he was exhausted but he kept going. And even though it was probably the most difficult thing he’s done, we knew he would get it done because he’s our real-life superhero.
A father’s job is to lead by example and Steven is setting the bar extremely high for our boys. I love that Cayden is old enough to see how hard his dad had to work to achieve this. I love that he got to witness his dad doing homework, studying, getting ready to take tests, and the reward he got from it.
As Steven opened the envelope containing his master’s degree I gathered the boys and had them watch and cheer on their daddy. Even though Steven hates recognition, I make it a point to celebrate all of the things he does because I want him to feel supported and loved. I want him to know that he is a big deal to us and deserves all of the recognition for this enormous accomplishment.
One thing that blew me away was when Steven’s dad came to visit in July. I will never forget what he said to me. He said, “What Steven did impresses me more than basketball. He’s the first one in my family to get a master’s degree. I never thought anyone in my family would ever have one of those”.
If you know my father-in-love’s family, then you know that speaks volumes.
Steven, if you read this I just want you to know that there aren’t words that exist to describe how proud I am of you and how much I love you. You did this all while never missing a beat with the kids or myself. Thank you for always setting the best example for our kids, thank you for doing this for us.
We are no longer accepting bachelor’s degrees in the Burks’ house. It’s a master’s degree or higher. Sorry Cayden and Jaylen. That is now expected of you both thanks to your daddy.
Congratulations to both of my 2023 graduates!
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