My Patient’s Graduation Was on Wednesday, June 4^th, 2026

My patient’s graduation from Whitney Young High School took place on Wednesday, June 4^th, 2026 at the Arie Crown Theatre in McCormick Place. When we were at school earlier in the day, the Whitney Young High School staff remarked, “He knows what is going on! He’s so happy!” My patient was clapping and smiling all day. He had worked very hard. His family turned it up: Pizza and graduation cookies! Yum!

I was still technically working, so I wore my work black gym shoes and black pants, but a more dressy black blouse and makeup for the occasion. Whitney Young High School let all the graduates know during graduation rehearsal that they had a strict graduation dress code and my golly gee I was determined to adhere to it. I was asked by the school to also wear a graduation cap and gown. They even gave me a white and blue stole. Depending on the website you look at, this was supposed to be the colors for nursing and humanities.

I had to go on YouTube to figure out what I needed to do to keep my graduation cap on my head. I remember when I graduated as an undergraduate student that this was a problem. I saw a video that recommended using a lot of bobby pins and hair clips, which I rushed out to buy at my local beauty supply store. I wore orange disposable gloves. I wanted something to represent the school colors besides my graduation stole.

My patient looked too cute in his graduation outfit. We both were determined to show up and show out.

It was delightful to see all the students dressed up for graduation. Some of them had me sign their yearbooks! It was just to sweet! Whitney Young High School runs from the 7^th grade to the 12^th grade. In other words, some of the students had been waiting for this day for nearly six years.

This is why you have to be patient for something.

Needless to say, like most things in this life, my patient’s graduation was a group effort. My patient’s extended family was there. The nurse who has been with him since he was six months old was also there. My patient had partied so hard all day that he fell asleep during his own graduation party!

I took tons of pictures. I received virtual flowers and ballons from people on my iphone. The ceremony was recorded and placed on YouTube the very next day. This was another event I felt honored to be apart of. I literally remember when it was yesterday that I received that call I almost did not pick up.

I am grateful I took the call.

My Patient’s Graduation Quilt is Done!

My patient’s graduation quilt is done! I couldn’t be more pleased. I could not wait until I went to work on Monday to show his family and I texted pictures to his mother. She literally cried when she saw it: “It’s soooo beautiful! Thank you for such a lovely and thoughtful gesture! I am in tears! It is an heirloom! I want to wrap up in it!”

I texted pictures to people in my sewing circles. They said, “What a rewarding career! You must be so proud!”

I was. I was literally crying. I was not prepared for how emotional this would all be for me.

My patient’s graduation took place on Wednesday, June 4^th, 2026.

Obama Center Visit with the Chicago Lyric Opera and Committed Knitters

Committed Knitters is a knitting and crochet circle that meets on the University of Chicago campus at the Arts Incubator. They usually meet on Wednesday afternoons from 11 am to 3pm. It is led by Dr. Alva Batey-Stepancic. She has gone above and beyond to create a warm and welcoming environment. Although I generally work during the week during this time, I am still a member of Committed Knitters. I do try to attend as many events as my work and school schedule will allow.

This was one of those events that I knew I simply could not miss.

Dr. Alva received an invitation for Committed Knitters to attend the Auditorium Acoustical Commissioning at the Obama Presidential Center on Friday, May 28^th, 2026, in the Elie Wiesel auditorium for a private performance by the Chicago Lyric Opera singers.

The Committed Knitters helped out tremendously with the Whitney Young High School 50^th anniversary yarn bombing project.

I literally cried during their performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Amazing Grace.” The Obama Center was preparing for their grand opening on Juneteenth, Friday, June 18^th, 2026. The Chicago Lyric Opera singers were doing just a practice performance, but truth be told, they were more than ready for the stage. It was a sincere honor to be there. It was an honor to be a part of the Committed Knitters knitting circle. The Committed Knitters members wore their t shirts and took a group photo.

Thank you Dr. Alva and all the Committed Knitters! The Whitney Young High School yarn bombing would not have been a success without all of you!