Wednesday, June 3, 2009

A Lot of Pomp and A Little Bit of Circumstance...

Monday was the day. My baby girl graduated from high school. Some people would say, "Two down, one to go!" and be excited that they were two-thirds of the way finished with raising children. Not so for me. Just the thought of the word 'go' makes my throat close and my heart start racing. I even went so far as to look up it's definition in the dictionary. So many interesting things were discovered. It means to 'move away from a place; depart; leave.' DUH. I already knew that.
This word is only going to become more and more familiar at our house as the days approach for

my girls to 'move away, leave, and depart.' In fact, the first sentence in the dictionary to illustrate the use of the word 'go,' was, appropriately, "Go before I cry." I could start an entirely new blog on that word and it's various tenses: 'Cry. Crying. Cried.' However, I was hoping for a few positive definitions so I continued my dictionary research. I think I came up with a few. Okay. Go! ' Go' can also refer to the act of passing from one person to another; to circulate. During her high school years, Cassidy has done a superb job of passing from one person to another. She has circulated amongst many a group of fine friends, both boys and girls. I won't say they haven't had their ups and downs, but in the end, they have all been just right for her. I hope she has been just right for them. Soon she will be going to BYU-I, where she can again practice the art of circulating! Watch out. Once she has crossed your path, you will never want to leave it.

'Go' also means to give entry to; to lead. These future leaders are about to enter a new phase of life. Among them you will find missionaries, magicians and musicians; drama queens and budding authors, heart surgeons, male models and super spys; politicians and great debaters, comedians, architects and interior designers. If watching what they could accomplish over the last three years is any indication, then these Summa Cum Laude graduates will be the hope for a brighter future on our horizon. I wish them the best. I expect the best from them. I know they will give the best they have got. And more. GO, and DO!

When things feel like the world is turning sideways, or even upside down, don't forget that you went to a great deal of work to get this far. The form of 'went' used here defines carrying out an action to a certain point or extent. A wise king once gave this advice, "See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man (or woman) should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." Don't run too fast. Go have a little fun. Or a lot of fun. Don't wish too soon for thing that are to come. Enjoy where you are right now. I am confident the prizes that will be won are well worth waiting for! To quote another famous man, 'Oh be wise; what can I say more?"Don't spend too much time looking back. All the memories you have made up to this point will stay with you forever; at least the ones that are worth remembering. Let the heart-aches and heart-breaks disappear from your mind. Open up your heart to all the new possibilities that are waiting for you.

Look forward and look up. The stars are there to guide you. Reach for them. Grab one from time to time. Share your light with others. Please Shine. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. And for a final piece of advice, I look to the words from our favorite band, The Oneders. "In every life there comes a time when the dream you dream becomes That Thing You Do!" Go. Do your thing. And do it great! We would expect nothing less.

2 comments:

Karalee said...

They should've asked you to read this at graduation! Perfection.

Mrs. B said...

I agree with Karalee.
So far I haven't been so sad to have my last child, yes my baby, graduate this year because I know they come back--and with grandkids sometimes! However, I am at this very moment choked up because of your words. They are amazing!
So is your daughter, she looks just like you.