May 1925. Marie Scott is born in LaCrosse, Kansas.
May 1952. Marie Scott watches her husband, Chester Eugene Scott take the long walk down the hill and into a brand new Memorial Stadium at the University of Kansas.
May 13, 2012 Marie Scott, who turns 87 tomorrow, attends Kristi’s graduation celebration at the University of Kansas. Sixty years have transpired since she saw Chet make the walk.
60 years.
As I huddled with Miss, Tay, Ann, and thousands of others on the side of the hill awaiting “the walk,” my mind kept floating back and forth. I remembered the many times my Dad had recalled his walk in 1952 and told me how amazing it was to walk down that hill and know he was going to climb back as a Doctor. I kept picturing him telling me how it felt and seeing it written all across his face. My Dad LOVED KU. I didn’t attend, but feel as if I did. My Dad’s love seared me. My love seared Krits. Funny, huh…
Standing beneath the huge shade tree on Sunday, I kept getting up on my toes and looking up the hill for any sign of Krits coming. I kept looking and looking for what seemed like hours, in actuality, it was about 30 minutes before I glimpsed her smile and her beautiful face beaming in the distance. I yelled down to Miss who was on the grass below me and just inside the ropes. “Get ready,” I screamed. “Krits is coming.”
Krit’s is coming.
Her commencement, her graduation is the beginning. Krits is coming. Krits is going to work in KC and her new company’s slogan is “THINK KC.” Krits has always been an ambassador of sorts wherever she’s been. As her new work life commences in the coming months, the world had better get ready. My daughter, my best young lady with a giddyup in her step and a confidence and conviction that comes from deep within, is coming. Krits is coming.
May 1925, 1952, 2012 aren’t just dates. The chronology doesn’t tell their story. May 1925, 1952, and 2012 will always represent a commencement of sorts to me. Mom’s “coming out” commencement, followed by Dad’s. And, 60 years later, Krits commencement from KU. Krit’s is coming. And, someday, some year in the future I still picture Krits as the next expression of BTL. I can see this with 2020 clarity, I just can. Who knows, maybe 2020 it is.
Rock Chalk, Krits. Rock Chalk…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Congrats to you ALL!
Congratulations to Kristi and the Scott family! Very exciting! And yes, she will set the pace for the future. Can’t wait to see the fruit!
Chet,
I said it to you on the phone and I wanted to say it again……..hearing this story your Mom shared about your Dad and the long walk down the hill to accept his Medical Degree and now experiencing this long walk with your daughter is just a beautiful gift and special memory, you, Miss and family will have for the rest of your lives! OK, I did cry (I must be getting old) as you told me on the phone, just a beautiful poignant story that captured the whole moment for all of you! Chris and I congratulate you and Miss and we know Krit is on her “Heroes Journey” and ready to bring a full heart to what ever she chooses to do. What a great day for the Scott family!
Pete
Beautiful! Legacy and destiny, both embraced in the moment of “commencement.” Congrats to Krits and the entire family.
Thanks everyone…