Susan Mitchell of Lilburn is weathering a dilemma that would make the most level-headed mother weepy. Her two daughters graduate from two colleges Saturday — one state and 321 miles apart.

The solution: Susan and her husband, Alan, will split up and attend separate graduations.

Vino Wong/AJC (ENLARGE)

Susan and Allen Mitchell of Lilburn, have a graduation dilemma because their daughters are graduating the same day in two different states. Elizabeth Mitchell, 26, (framed photo at left), will graduate in Birmingham, Ala., and Megan Mitchell, 21, will graduate in Spartanburg, SC.

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"When I found out I was just devastated,'' said Susan, who discovered the scheduling conflict when she visited the school Web sites to look for graduation information.

Her husband, chief financial officer for a Fulton County manufacturing company, is bummed, too.

"What are the odds of this happening?" Alan said. "There is no way for us to drive from Spartanburg to Birmingham and make it in time."

Susan will watch Megan Mitchell receive a bachelor's degree at 9:30 a.m. from Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C. At 3:30 p.m., Alan will be there when Elizabeth graduates from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.

The couple considered flying between ceremonies, but don't have access to a private plane. Susan, a Gwinnett County Schools teacher's assistant, even telephoned the schools to ask them to think about reconsidering their dates. No luck. Susan and Alan grudgingly decided to separate on graduation day.

"Because we have been to a college graduation before for Elizabeth, I let Megan decide," Susan Mitchell said. "Megan said she wanted her mom. My husband is happy to go to the law school graduation."

Well, not real happy.

"I wanted to see Megan graduate from college, too," he said. "I'm sure she would like for me to be there."

Elizabeth Mitchell says she understands. The entire family saw her get diplomas from Parkview High and Birmingham-Southern College.

"It's sad," said Elizabeth Mitchell, 26. "Law school is a big deal, but ... I have already had two graduations. I didn't want to take [anything] away from Megan."

Megan, 21, is also a good sport. "I'm thankful we have two parents so somebody can be there for both of us,'' she said.

And even though Susan Mitchell couldn't be in two places at once, she found a way to send a "hug" to her oldest daughter 321 miles away in Alabama. When university officials hand Elizabeth Mitchell her law degree, a loving note from mom will be tucked inside.

Said Susan Mitchell: "We tried not to look at it as a depressing situation and be happy for both children."