Becca's milestone

Becca, left, and friend Cate

It's a good feeling when you realize there are some folks you've known for so long that you take pride in the accomplishments of their kids just as you would your own. And so it was that we went over to the home of our friends, Eric and Sue, on Saturday night to join in celebrating their daughter Rebecca's college graduation.

We've known Becca since she was in diapers. She is just days younger than our son Jordan, and both will celebrate their 23rd birthday in the next couple of weeks. I have fond memories of seeing the two of them toddling around the house, horsing around on Jordan's bunk bed, laughing at TV shows and, as they grew into teenagers, solidifying their friendship as if they were sister and brother. Since our families lived two blocks away, it was pretty normal for one to visit the other and vice versa.

Becca started out at Carroll College in Helena, Mont., then transferred to Portland State, where she finished her studies this month and got her degree in anthropology. She's working as a part-time kindergarten classroom assistant at the same elementary school where her mom teaches, and she hopes to land something soon in the area of marketing.

Scott's dog, Speedy

With two older brothers, Scott and Steve, one might imagine the little sister could get overshadowed. Not Becca. She's got a big personality -- outgoing and energetic -- and curly blonde hair that would stand out anywhere. She wound up serving as a "groomsman" at Steve's wedding six months ago and has been there for Scott, a captain in the Air Force, since his return from Afghanistan earlier this year.

As we left our friends' house, we congratulated Eric and Sue on a job well done: Three adult children, all with college degrees, all in good health and all living within three hours of Portland. We've seen each of them grow up, along with our similarly aged kids, and we share in the pride of seeing Becca join the ranks of those with a bachelor's degree.