The sole purpose for taking our trip south to La-La land was because our nephew Tavis MICHAEL Dickerson-Young was graduating from USC’s Keck School of Medicine as a Medical Honor Student “with highest distinction”.
We left Jalama Beach Park and headed to Newport Dunes at Newport Beach, CA. We headed there because there are virtually no other RV Parks any closer to where the commencement was held.
Traffic is the absolute worst I have ever been in. It wasn’t too bad until we hit “The 405”. from there to our destination was literally bumper to bumper for over 3 hours. It was impossible to change lanes (well I forced my way over when I had to) and getting off somewhere with any hope of getting back on was out of the question.
As a result of the heavy traffic I experienced another first. I peed in a cup while driving in traffic. Had no choice. Had to pee so bad it was beginning to hurt. Of course there is no cup big enough to hold the contents of my full bladder so all I could accomplish was a slight relief of pressure. Had to do it one more time before we got to where we were going. Wanda took great pleasure in my discomfort and subsequent cup peeing. I’m a big fan of outdoor peeing but not so much cup peeing in a moving vehicle.
When we arrived in Newport Beach my sisters Kim (T-Mans mom), Michele (T-mans Aunty Shell) and T-Man came over to see us. We had a great time and went to dinner at Back Bay Bistro which is on the water at the resort we were at. Lots of laughs like it always is with my sisters. I have to say no one has better sisters than mine. They are funny and wonderful. We all wished Mona was with us but she had her own graduation to attend. Her grand-baby Myiah is graduating from High School in VA.
The next day, Saturday, May 17th we drove to the USC Campus for the commencement. We took the 73 to the 405, to the 605, to the 110 to the 105 and it was an adventure. Fortunately it was Saturday and traffic was merely heavy and not the nightmare it was on Friday.
The ceremony was great and everyone in attendance was very proud of the graduates they were there for. Kimmer brought an air horn to blow when T-Mans name was called out. Of course it was handed off to me and I felt the pressure. Would I do a good job of blasting that horn? Would I blast it too long and drown out the calling of other names? Nope. Did a great job with just the exactly right amount of air horn.
After the ceremonies the was a very nice reception at the quad across the street. A massive tent with food and drink aplenty. 175 newly minted doctors and their friends and families. Great music, great weather and of course much picture taking.
Then it was time to get some dinner. We went to downtown La-La and to a restaurant in the heart of the city, Project X. I think they call it that because the menu seemed like a bit of an experiment. It was hard to figure out just exactly what they had on to offer. The waiter explained they’re mostly small plates meant to be shared and usually each person would order 2 or 3 plates. There were 7 of us and only about 12 items on the menu. It was different and the food was good, the company and conversation better.
So about Dr. T-man. His mom, my sister Kim (Kimmer) has had medical issues with her back forever. Many years she had a fusion of her lower spine and most of her life she has been in pain. When T was little he decided he was going to be a doctor so he could help people. He is very altruistic and has already done much to help others. He’s grown up with little resources and has realized his dream of becoming a doctor by virtue of his academic prowess. He was sought after by all the best medical schools and had his choice of where to go.
In addition to graduating “with highest distinction” and “Dean’s Recognition” he was accepted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. A very small percentage of medical professionals are accepted into this “Honor Society”.
Needlessly: We are all very proud of him.