Vernon applied and got accepted to ASU. Then he told us he took arts as a major, planning to pursue a career in photography. He chose this college because both their photography classes and the football team were among the top in the country. Deep down, I hoped Vernon would choose a more pragmatic profession like a physician, lawyer, or engineer, but I saw the happy faces of both my men, and smiled approvingly.

I swore to myself not to cry when he moved to Phoenix, but he noticed the tears in my eyes and promised to call often and visit at least once a month. He kept his promise,...