Over the years I used Ben as a model, an assistant, a sound engineer, a second camera operator in video, and so much more. He's a wonderful kid and he just graduated from one of the top three high schools in Texas. One of the top 50 high schools in the country. He was in the National Honor Society, a varsity cross country runner, awarded as a distinguished athlete scholar and so much more. He graduated with a grade point average over 100. Seven of his eight classes last semester were Advanced Placement classes. He'll be attending a private college in upstate New York in the Fall. He earned a merit scholarship to the school that he chose. Suffice it to say I will miss the best assistant and most patient model I ever had. Without a doubt the smartest kid I ever met. But I think he'll have a blast for the next four years.
Makes every karate practice, soccer practice, swim practice, tutoring session, boy scout meeting,homework helping session and Pokemon card tournament I ever went to with him seem like it was all worth it.
What does he shoot with? Still using a Sony a57 and a couple of inexpensive lenses. But he's mostly a video guy. Will be follow in my footsteps and pursue a career in the visual arts? Naw, I hope we've done a better job raising him than that...... :-)
That second picture, with Belinda fixing his tie, is absolutely precious. YOu have every right to be extremely proud. An I'm sure, should he want to pursue a career in visual arts, he'll kick butt. Good luck to Ben, and lots of strenth to you, missing your kid. My daughter is not yet 6 and yet I dread this day already ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all three of you Mr.T. Team Tuck put this one over the wall.
ReplyDeleteJohn W
Vancouver, Canada
Congratulations to the both of you, Dad and son. He will have a blast in New York. My daughter headed to NYU a year ago and has been enjoying the experience tremendously. Not to mention that it's also a great place to network.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ben.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of him and his mom.
Well done, Ben!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I like that portrait too.
Congratulations to Ben and Mom & Dad! It is both exciting and a little sad to see them leave the nest but you have raised him well and he will thrive.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son and to his parents. Enjoy this summer. My Ben (a year ahead of yours) went off to college late last summer. Our home changed in almost unimaginable ways. The quiet,the readily available assistant, model, company going to the store, gone. What really changes is your son, who in the proverbial heartbeat, becomes more man than boy. It is my hope you will have the joy of befriending the young adult who will return (however briefly) at Thanksgiving. It does much to soften the pain and the useless but inevitable tears.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ben and also you and Belinda. Many more accomplishments to come I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ben! And to his parents. My three are long gone from the nest, but my wife and I still miss being a young family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those wonderful news and photos - and congrats to all of you!
ReplyDeleteGodspeed Ben.
ReplyDeleteContratulations to the three of you! Well done.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, both to Ben, and to you and Belinda. Perhaps your next book should be one on good parenting ... it seems that you know how.
ReplyDeleteKirk,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
His smile says it all.
- Ron
Congratulations to all of you. A big day in your family's life.
ReplyDeleteWill the assistant dog get his room?
/Xpanded
Hi Mike, I could ghost write the book but I have to give Ben's mom 99.5% of the credit for the hard work!
ReplyDeleteAnother commenter asked if Studio Dog would be taking over the boy's room. The answer is no. Studio dog has three or four other rooms that she thinks she already owns....
Proud Dad and Mom...GOOD JOB! Well Done, Ben!
ReplyDeleteTell Ben to start checking the LL Bean catalog and ordering his winter wardrobe now!!!! Winters are long, and cold and dark up there (did I say it gets COLD?)
He will love every freezing minute and do GREAT.
Congratulations to Ben, and a hearty job well done to you and Belinda!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Ben!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the family, it's a great day in your life.
Pride, joy, and tears; walking out the door, certain to succeed as you have prepared him to do. Well done.
ReplyDeleteGood sow ole man, Congrats are in order To young Ben and yourself. Upstate Ny is gorgeous I know spent 8 yrs in
ReplyDeleteNew York.
Congratulations to Ben as a student and you as a parent.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! We are at the beginning of the journey but as your blog has shown it goes quick!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you and Ben.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bittersweet time. Focus on the joyful aspects and a job well done by all.
ReplyDeleteKirk What a touching moment and how you can be proud of your offshoot!
ReplyDeleteThis is simply...GREAT!
ReplyDeleterobert
Sounds like a fine young man - I know you and Mom are very proud and it's a great feeling for your kids to turn out well!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Ben! I went to school in upstate NY. Some great XC running up there, esp in the fall when the leaves are changing. Get ready for real winters too!
ReplyDelete