The first Dr. Hyatt E. Moore in history, being readied for the ceremony by wife and mother, on Father’s Day, at Stanford.
Besides the name, one thing my son and I have in common is that in high school we both only got one “B.” Of course for him it was something of a disappointment. For me there was general rejoicing!
As he was growing up, I never knew he was smart. I knew he asked a lot of questions but I thought it was just conversation. He was active, and hefty; I figured he’d make a good truck driver. That was fine with me; the world needs truck drivers. I cared more about his character.
When he started getting into programs like GATE (Gifted and Talented) I just thought, “Wow, they’ve really dumbed that down.” And at a high school awards program when his SAT scores were announced, a hush came over the student body; I figured they must be good.
Skip ahead, wrestling (literally) through the Naval Academy, graduating with honors, following on with studies in cryptology, then a Naval officer on both submarines and high altitude aircraft (never able to tell me anything about it) . . . living internationally, marrying lovely and talented Nicole, returning to studies he earned two masters degrees simultaneously at the Naval Post Graduate school, electrical engineering and computer, again with honors.
By this time I was starting to get it: Maybe he’ll run the trucking company.
After nine years in the navy he got the idea he wanted to pursue a PhD. He approached leadership about it but there was no open door. So he left the navy for Stanford University. Now, after four years, and while he and Nicole have been raising three children (and now another coming) he just today was hooded with his PhD in Electrical Engineering.
For the first time in history, there’s a legitimate Dr. Hyatt E. Moore. (Before it was always just junk mail to my house.)
You’ll say I’m a proud father, and of course you’re right. But I’d be just as proud of a truck driver of noble character.
As far as recognizing intelligence in another, who can ever know? As I’ve often thought: We’re all intelligent, just in different areas.
And that’s good enough for me.
_______________________
PS Electrical engineering can be applied in many directions. At Stanford he’s been working in the Medical Department, in “Sleep Studies.” Having experienced a dose of PTSD himself he has a particular sensitivity about sleeping well. But that’s all coincidence. His studies are statistical. If you want a peek at the “software solution” he’s designed, check out a video he’s put together for peers (narrated by his theater-trained sister Allison). Click here to see the video.
And if you understand it, get back to me and explain it.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
6:06 pm
I love the fact that you were proud of your son through all the stages of his life, but not in the sense of the “helicopter parents/my son is better than your son” way of most modern parents. I love that you would have been proud of him as a truck driver. And as for character, I can remember you telling me about praying for godly characteristics for your children before they were even born. Congratulations! You have amazing kids!
7:03 pm
Congradulations……You are most proud and can be. Enjoy the moment.
I just wrote an article on parents work schedule and the outcome of their kids. Parents put their kids at risk if they work more than 60-80 hours a week, combined.
How did you and Ann do it? The success stories need to be told.
7:33 pm
Congratulations to the both of you!
7:37 pm
So proud for you and Anne!!! You are great Godly parents.
In Christ,
Christine
9:15 pm
Congratulations to Hyatt IV!!! So happy for you and Anne as well. Beautifully written Hyatt…….again.
9:50 pm
Congratulations to you both……that video is more than I want to know.
4:35 am
lovely photo, too!
6:22 am
Congratulations to the entire family! Enjoy the honor of your son’s accomplishments…. and about that video… Huh? Allison’s voice is so melodious that I wanted to listen even though the content was way beyond my comprehension!
6:45 am
Huge congrats!!
May God bless his steps forward, post-PhD. I’m sure a bit of rest (no pun intended) is part of his picture for the days ahead.
8:13 am
That boy’s got the right combo, all right. Intelligence AND talent/character. The former being God-given, the latter shaped and inspired by great parenting. Reason to rejoice, what a landmark moment!
8:14 am
Congratulations Hyatt and Anne! Good stuff, as always. Yes, we are all intelligent. What would we do without truckdrivers? I think Einstien did such a great job of putting it in perspective when he said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Thanks for sharing Hyatt.
9:07 am
OHHHH congratulations again to you and Anne on raising such an outstanding person, both inside and out!!!! That is all you can ask for in life and you both have five to be so proud of!! WOW! You are both so blessed! Best! Lisa
10:31 am
Congratulations to Hyatt and Anne. Incredible archers sending a quiver of arrows to the bulls eye.
10:45 am
Having a son & daughter-in-law who have both achieved PhDs, I have some understanding how you both feel. thanks for sharing news.
I did watch the video; in a broad sense I understand. the good news is to know that if I ever need the sleep tests, I can make sure the “team” know of good software to help with diagnosis.
12:24 pm
Hyatt, you are just so honest and open about your thoughts…even when it comes to your kids….how refreshing. But you don’t just say what you’re thinking, but it comes across with love….and that is what the Bible tells us to do….speak the truth in love. Well done!
And CONGRATS to the family….a great achievement! I remember the pride at watching my Dr. daughter get hooded! Such an accomplishment and a joy!
1:46 pm
Rejoicing with you over Hyatt’s accomplishments! (I fell asleep while watching the software solution video. Great tool!)
2:24 pm
What more can a man want when he looks at his children & grandchildren and can say I am blessed.
9:57 am
You must be very proud. A great accomplishment AND noble character. That makes us all proud!!