Anthony's Graduation

On Saturday, May 24, 2014, Anthony graduated from Calvin College with a double major: Mathematics and Philosophy.  He heads to University of Oregon in the fall to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics.

 Calvin College Arena packed out for the ceremony:

Anthony being congratulated by President Michael Le Roy:

Each department has up a poster of all its grads.  Here are the posters from the philosophy and mathematics departments:

Lots of hugs and congratulations from family and friends:

Celebrating together with a very special friend, Brianna:

A sampling of pictures with some of his profs - first picture is of his research team from his freshman year (and since Professor Bolt has an Erdos Number of 8, Anthony and Rebekah now have Erdos Number 9, which is way cool!).

Good-bye to good old North Hall, home of Calvin's math department:

Leaving campus as an alumnus:

A Goodly Heritage

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.  Psalm 16:6

Today, April 20, 2013, we celebrated Grandpa Nick Van Dyken's 100th birthday.  Though he went home to his eternal celebration 3 weeks ago, the party went on here too!  Extended family from around the country gathered, and we had a wonderful celebration and reunion.  I imagine it will be the last time the extended Van Dyken family gets together - all descendants of Peter and Margaret Van Dyken - but the singing and fellowship reminded me that we are part of an eternal family that will one day be reunited in an eternal setting, never again to be parted.


Cousin Philip inherited Grandpa's pipe and pocket watch, seeing them just makes Grandpa materialize before me!  It's really amazing how evocative a few items can be.

Speaking of memories, each table had a bowl of jelly beans.  Grandma and Grandpa always had these on hand.  When I was young, Grandpa would portion these out on the counter - one of each color for each grandchild.

Other memories of Grandpa included the hats he wore.  He did so many things in his life - was a photographer and butcher and fire chief and carpenter and electrician and inventor and harmonica player and father and grandfather and  .  .  .

Cousin Matt enlarged precious old family photos.  This photo is of the 45th anniversary of Peter and Margaret Van Dyken, my great grandparents - along with all ten of their kids.  Great-Grandpa lived to be 100, and most of the kids lived to be in their 90's.  Grandpa Nick missed his 100th birthday by less than a month.  He was the fifth child and the last surviving sibling  I'm hoping my longevity genes come from this side of the family!

Cousins from various generations checking out another photo.  I believe this one was also taken at the time of my great grandparent's 45th anniversary, but it includes all the spouses and grandchildren.

Reminiscing amid the photos - the one on the right was taken in 1927, when Grandpa was 14 years old.  He is standing second from the left.

The youngest generation having fun together :-)

Honoring Grandpa Van Dyken

Today, the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter, was Grandpa Nick Van Dyken's funeral.  I was so touched at the show of support by the fire department and police department of Ripon.

I was pleased to pull up and see "Engine One" from the fire department there behind the hearse; it just seemed right given all his years as chief -  

 - and when I turned around I saw a squad and a fire engine pull up on the other side with many firemen on board.

And then at least 3 police cars showed up with officers to honor Grandpa as well.

In the picture below the pall bearers are getting their instructions, and the firemen are standing ready to flank them as they walk to the grave site.

Over and over again today I felt so touched at how fire-fighters and police from the City of Ripon turned out to honor Grandpa.

Our last earthly "good-bye" to Grandpa.

After the graveside service Dad talked with some retired firemen who had worked with Grandpa.  I overheard a story about Grandpa extricating a boy from an old milk can!

As well as driving Engine One to the church, they had another old fire engine there as well, "Ol' Gertie"

I remember as a kid ONE TIME getting to crank this siren on Ol' Gertie, which, of course, was at Grandpa's house, since he lived at the fire house!  It's amazing the sound this little siren can produce!

Caleb and I at the church, standing by Engine One.  Unfortunately the rest of my immediate family couldn't be here.  Anthony and Jacob are away at college, and David is in Ethiopia on a spring break missions trip.

Ol' Gerie, Engine One and the squad.

Again, just so good to see this support from his old department.

I took the picture below as the luncheon was finishing and breaking up - really nice to see so many there.  It was a blessing to feel the support of so many friends and family.

A picture of Grandpa and his fire chief hat - 

Next month we gather again to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday!  The celebration has been in the works for months, and family is coming from across the nation.  It was realized when this was planned that it might be with or without him present.  It did feel a little weird today to say to someone leaving the funeral, "Are you going to be here for his birthday party next month?"  It will be a good reunion :-)