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Graduations

by Beth Alexander Walsh

     

      It is that time of year again. Students are donning their caps and gowns and celebrating their accomplishments. I have been through these celebrations before. I watched our first born walk across a university stage to accept her degree last year. She is back home with us now, whittling out the next phase of her life, while negotiating her adulthood in our house. Most of this happens in our meat loving kitchen (she is a vegetarian), where I become territorial over space and clutter, but we have found a rhythm together and I am happy to say I enjoy her company more now than ever.

    

      My house is doubly blessed this year. My other daughter is graduating from college with a hard earned dual degree, while my son is receiving his diploma from high school. I have watched my daughter thoughtfully change schools and majors without the slightest hesitation to achieving her goals. Her tenacity for problem solving and work ethic bode well for her future.

   

      My son's graduation, however, makes this years celebration different; giving a feeling of finality to my parenting odyssey. This is a year of lasts. The last Parents Open House and school fundraiser. The last drop off in front of the school, where I wish him well as he leaves my car. The last concert and musical performance where I have shed a few tears. I have been awestruck with his musical talent and dedication these last four years, and equally impressed with his ability to juggle it all. It will be sad when he is gone and his piano and guitar playing are no longer the soundtrack to my daily life.

    

      It's funny how most of our years of parenting are spent eager and impatient for our children's development. We can't wait until they sleep through the night, take their first steps, or finally get out of diapers. We tell ourselves life will be easier when they can tie their own shoes and do homework without our help... and isn't it wonderful that we no longer need a babysitter and great that they can now drive themselves around town. Then suddenly their senior portrait is put into its frame, and we realize how incredibly fast the time has passed, and long for those busy days of childhood. Now, it is our children's turn to be eager and impatient for their own future.

   

       I want all three of my graduates to know that being their Mom has been the single most important and gratifying accomplishment of my life. I could not be prouder. I leave them with these tidbits of advice, along with pieces of my heart, as they make their way into the world.

     All of the disappointments, and even the accolades of the past four years do not define you.

     Plan for the future, but keep in mind that life has a way of bringing you to unintended destinations, and it is the bends in the road where the most learning takes place.

     Make regular appointments to the dentist. (Just do it!)

     Try to say or do something kind for someone else everyday. It will come back to you tenfold.

     Dreams require hard work.

    Trust your gut.

    Learn to find gratitude in everyday life.

    Sleep is important.

    Live within your means.

   Make your bed in the morning, it will set the pace of your day.

   Sometimes, friendships need to end.

   Happiness is often a decision.

   Life always happens in the present moment...don't miss it.

  And...

  Your Dad and I love you more than you could ever possibly know! 

Congratulations!