There’s a look of contentment you see in your children from the time they develop their unique personalities. It makes you smile with love and gives you peace. This is that look for my son Howie. I took this photo yesterday after he received his diploma and was announced as Doctor Howard Eckert at the Gannon University commencement.

Thanks to the Physical Therapy Department at Gannon University. A small team of dedicated teachers spent three years (post-college graduation) turning 38 young men and women into doctors of physical therapy. It was a road that covered a lot of geography for clinical assignments. Howie lived in more places in the last few years than I lived in my life, and he never complained because he loves what he does. Socializing with all the people he spent these years with at a dinner was heartwarming, and I’m so thankful to them.

There is nothing easy about choosing a career. Kids face a lot of challenges, but when they find what they love, and a team to guide them, it’s a joyful route. To all the moms and dads out there worried about what your kids will do — here’s a picture to look forward to. I have tons of posed shots, but this one speaks to me.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa.