Bursting with Pride and Lemons.
“Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one. Start each day believing in yourself and watch the magic happen.”
I remember my High School graduation. it was a small group of kids, actually only 10 of us! I remember the excitement of finally getting my cap and gown and the frantic feeling of finding the perfect dress to wear, but mostly I needed to get the cutest shoes I could find! Graduation was held at the local park in one of the community buildings and since we were such a small group it was very intimate and personal. Each teacher got to reminisce about a grad, recalling all the funny and frustrating moments of the last year. We laughed at jokes. We cried with sadness and joy, when it was all over and we could finally eat the wonderfully prepared BBQ our parents had created for us. I remember the mixed feeling of excitement and terror walking on the stage, receiving my diploma and feeling a little bit more grown up. I was ready for my next journey. It included my own apartment, new dishes and a full load of college units. Life on my own seemed exciting and scary all at the same time.
It's been a while since that day and I will never forget it. I can only imagine what High School Seniors are going through now, but I am sure it's a mix of excitement, sadness and joy. As we celebrate them driving by in car parades, hanging all the banners we can around town and streaming online videos, let's remember this class will be one of the most adaptable and resilient. Life has thrown them a truck load of lemons. I have no doubt they will sort out the best ones, add all their sweetness and create the most amazing lemonade we have ever tasted. Congratulations Class of 2020, you deserve every whoop and holler!
