12:10AM
A day long anticipated
Friday, May 28, 2010 at 12:10AM 
Tonight, on my 48th birthday, my 16-year cancer survivor graduates from high school with academic honors.
For parents who worried about the long-term impact of chemotherapy on her cognitive abilities, her department award in Japanese (memory, concentration) was especially gratifying.
When I waited for Emily to come out of that original, dangerous surgery to remove her kidney, this was one of the days I dreamed about.
Reader Comments (30)
Congrads to both of you.
G
Congratulations, Tom. And Happy birthday. Enjoy the day, for daughters grow up way too fast.
;-) X 20,000+
Sweet!
Good for you Tom. Good for the whole family. As a brother of a 2 time cancer survivor, it's always a blessing to see others come triumph. Especially kids. jim
ps- I love the new digs! I don't think I missed checking in on a daily basis, more than a couple of times the whole time the old site was active. One of 3 absolutely must read daily, sites for me. Thanks.
What a day. God Bless you all.
Tom - was so touched by Von Mei's story in PNRM back in the day, and thank you so much for sharing the great news here, and the photo. Just returned from TheologyandPeace.org conference in Chicago. Stimulating and hopeful, and in the break times I'm talking about you. Thank you for all you are doing for all of us on the planet. And thank you for sharing your dreams and then being apart of their coming to reality.
Wonderful - congratulations to you all.
Congrats, Tom. That has got to be an incredible feeling. And, more importantly: Congrats, Emily!
There is no worse feeling for a parent than when your child is sick, their recovery becomes your only thought.
A great triumph to celebrate and give thanks for on your birthday.
Congratulations, Tom and family!
Congratulations!! Happy Birthday!
Congratulations Tom! This is a joyous blessing for your entire family!
As a father that just learned that our two year old daughter has leukemia - this post gives us hope!
Happy birthday Tom and congratulations to Emily!
I and mine will keep you and yours in our prayers, Dustin.
A proud day. A proud Dad!
Congrats ... to all of you!
Cheers!
What a blessed day for the entire Barnett clan! Special BD wishes to you Tom and profound congratulations to Emily.
Have read your site since its nascent days. That picture is my favorite that you've posted.
Dr. Barnett:
Congratulations to both you and your daughter. That is an amazing accomplishment. I am also graduating from High School and I received a full tuition scholarship for Army ROTC at Indiana University. Your presentations and writings have been a big inspiration to me and my decision to pursue a career in the military. Hopefully you'll be able to come down and speak to our detachment at Bloomington one day. Again, congratulations to you and your daughter.
Best Regards,
Alex Pappas
Happy Birthday my eloquent friend
You and your family have come a long way
After all your accomplishments
You deserve this special holiday
Sylvia
We spent yesterday with our 3 year old niece who was born with a hole in her heart. You can imagine how grateful we all are for the skill and competence of the surgeon whose hands held that tiny heart. She is a delight and calls herself a "Ballerina Princess."
Many more birthdays to you and yours. Take a break form the "world" and just enjoy.
Hearty congratulations to the whole family, and especially to the proud grad. One of the true joys of the internet is the faces that accompany learning. 10 years ago, I would have read your books, and admired your ideas. Now, I can read your books, admire your ideas, and well up at the news of your daughter graduating. As you've said so eloquently in so many places, it's a different world.
"I see babies cry; I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know."
-Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World
Tom:
I just wanted to slip in a quick word of warmth and congratulations. I am very happy for both of you.
Warmest congratulations.
Bravo. God bless you all.
Priceless portrait! (Fathers of daughters know what I mean.)
Congratulations on your "...day long anticipated."
The blessings will continue.
Best wishes, Dustin.
Congrats Tom and family.
Found out yesterday that my Mom's cancer is back. Three years ago they gave her six months to live. Beating the odds again. Need lots of prayers folks, so any help would be appreciated.
Fabulous news ! My 4 year old just completed ALL treatment. I can relate! An amazing birthday gift!
Congratulations! It's great to see kids grow up.
Life can be wonderful and rewarding. May you both live long and prosperous lives.
Best wishes.
That's great! my grandma is 90 years old and recently went through an operation to remove a tumor in her neck. Mind you she was born a country girl in a country with no running water or electricity....Conditions are getting better!
It's nice to see how you take one of your arguments (the world is NOT going to hell) on a personal level!