“James and I talked on the phone for months and months before he came to the Center,” Julie Deden told the 60-plus guests at James’ graduation ceremony on February 12. “And one thing we all know about you now James is that once you have your mind made up you go for it and make it happen.”
“It was pretty chaotic (when we brought you in), and pretty intimidating. But look how far you’ve come — you can travel anywhere, and what about this wonderful meal with a Southern flair!”
That meal featured his mother’s own recipe for pot roast, along with rice and, not surprisingly, sweet tea.
Fittingly, James’ Mom Elizabeth came from Tennessee, along with his sister Laura and her fiancé Chad, and James’ nephews Tyler and Carl. James’ new roommates were also present. He is staying in Colorado to look for work.
“James has earned his bell of freedom,” Julie told the audience. “He can now move forward with his life!”
