Single Mom Surprises Son With Backyard Graduation Ceremony
Single mother and Hurricane Katrina Survivor Ayanna Tatum made sure her son's graduation would be memorable, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
As social distancing has become the “new normal” this spring, a lot of meaningful life milestones, from bar mitzvahs to weddings, have had to be postponed or enjoyed in new ways.
Now, as the country’s high school and college seniors are in graduation season, many, if not all, will miss that special ceremony that marks their passage into. One family, though, got pretty creative. And the results were rather heartwarming.
From surviving Hurricane Katrina...
"I would like to introduce you to the Baylor class of 2020," a voice said into a microphone. Derrick Williams heard it and was instantly intrigued. He had no idea his mom had been planning something.
"I was like 'Oh, she's up to something,'" said Williams, speaking of his mom Ayanna Tatum, a single mother, who brought her family to Houston from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
According to Williams, his mom was always trying to raise him right, and that included placing a big emphasis on education. And Derrick certainly did not fail to meet her hopes and dreams.
His mother, Ayanna has herself worked in education for 13 years and she put herself through college, stayed on campus with her two kids and eventually got her own master’s degree. And through all of this, her number one goal was to guarantee her children would make it too.
Words can't express how proud I am of my son. We have come a long way from being Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Single mom, no family, out here raising them by myself and still having the vision that my children are not going to be a statistic.
Ayanna Tatum to ABC News
He made her proud so she made sure to celebrate him
At 22, Derrick was scheduled to graduate from Baylor this year with his pre-med psychology degree, but the ceremony was cancelled because of COVID-19. "I was a little disappointed. I mean, you expect to have your family and friends there, and to walk the stage," he said.
His mother Ayanna found a way to celebrate Derrick’s graduation in the family's backyard.
I thought my baby has worked so hard, and if there's anything that I can do to celebrate his hard work.
Ayanna Tatum
In the backyard, there was a podium and a big banner, and it was done with a professional hand. Tatum's friend, LaTosha Fraley, the owner of Blown Away Balloons and Treats, did the décor for free.
"Graduates, please take your seat," an administrator said on the microphone. Derrick even wore his cap and gown, there was a commencement speech and a "quarantine diploma." To him, this was just another proof of his mother's powerful love.
It was a good moment for me to feel the overwhelming support and love that I have felt, basically, since I was a baby.
Derrick Williams
Derrick is heading to medical school at UT McGovern in Houston to become an orthopedic surgeon. For his mother, this small improvised backyard ceremony was more precious than anything else. "Honestly, this gave me more satisfaction than the actual graduation in Waco," Ayanna said.
The heroism of survivors and mothers
There is a reason why the phrase "mother instinct" exists. Ayanna is one of the many mothers out there who have made enormous sacrifices for their children, working against social circumstances and obstacles to bring them the best life that they can.
Even if you don't have children, or if your experience with your own mother was not ideal, we can all experience the sacrifices that mothers have made. In their efforts to give their children the very best, they also ensure that the next generation will be formed of better human beings.
More inspiring heroes:
- Two Friends Save an Old Man From A Deadly Fire By Climbing the Building
- Hikers Finally Found After Surviving 18 Days In Wilderness
- Heroic Uncle Rushes Into Burning Building to Save His Niece
- Nurse Adopts Hospitalized Baby Girl Who Went Months Without Any Visitors
- Brave Chaplain Runs Into Burning Notre-Dame to Save Priceless Relics
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.