Good Morning, Dr. Seguin...

Yesterday unfolded much as I hoped it would. We had arrived without drama and difficulty and ensconced ourselves in the uber-convinient Holiday Inn across the street from Sandlin's Lab and site of her defense. The Beer, Salmon, and Crab Dip had made their appearence at the baggage claim without incident after a hassle-free trip from Alaska. Grandmother's had been scooped up after similar clean connections. They were assigned to the penthouse floor with special keys that gave them access to the snooty peoples lounge and free food room which they shared with us during the critical "waiting for the decision" moments.

Sandlin's Talk was well attended, favorably received and scripted like the 5 year effort of preparation that it was. I have just enough Science to understand the elements of what she was talking about but not a clue how the work was done. In that respect, it was most intimidating. We practioners sort of understand why things work biologically but how those fundamental insights are achieved are just a big mystery to us, too.

Nana gave the new PhD her Dr Suess book, "The Places You Go", after we all signed it. I inscribed the following story which I could not resist also giving as a toast at the beer and salmon fest that followed:

Amy Tan, the author of best-selling books like the Bonesetter's Daughter, tells of giving a speech to a large audience with her mother in attendance. Afterward, she asked her mother what she thought of the talk. She replied that she didn't really remember much about what was said. Aggravated, Amy asked "What were you thinking about?" She replied, "I was just looking at all those people watching the speech and thinking: That's my daughter up there, that's my daughter up there...." Sandlin told me after the toast that this had brought some of her labmates to near tears. I have to say while in her Talk, that is exactly what was going though my head and bringing tears to my own eyes: that was my daughter up there, my daughter.