Chuck Eesley PhD graduation, M.I.T., 5 June 2009 — with Terrie

Chuck in his MIT doctoral regalia — the red-and-black gown of the Sloan School — holding his diploma, beside his mother Terrie in a red jacket. Behind them: the columned portico of one of MIT’s Maclaurin Buildings under the great dome. Flowers in the foreground. Other graduates and their families spreading out across the steps.

This is the diploma day Terrie had committed Chuck toward years earlier when she mailed his Duke acceptance back herself — the moment in Chuck’s memorial speech where she had said “don’t worry, I will find a way.” The PhD that started with that decision is in his hand here.

Eight years and three weeks before her death.