SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A record number of students graduated from Sacramento State and were honored during three days of graduation ceremonies at the Golden 1 Center. Sadly, not all students were able to walk across the stage to get their diplomas.
Janet Florez accepted a Posthumous degree for her 34-year-old son Gregorio Florez who died due to a medical condition while watching a Sacramento Kings game in December last year.
“I didn't think I'd be as emotional as I'm feeling,” she said. “I was really hoping my son would be wearing (a cap and gown).”
She traveled over 300 miles from San Luis Obispo to accept the diploma on behalf of her son, walking across the stage in the very same building he took his last breath.
“You're not supposed to bury your children.. for me, I know my son would not want me to roll up in a ball and crawl in bed and stay there,” said Janet Florez.
She made sure his memory would stay alive by keeping him nearby — walking across the stage with a photo in hand while his fellow graduates honored him.
“I really feel like he's with me in spirit. I got his picture here and I've got him in my heart,” she said. “It was really difficult watching all the young men walking through the tunnel, and thinking that should have been my son, but he's here with me in spirit.”
