Graduation is here. Those individuals with whom we’ve shared the joys and challenges of life’s explorations and discoveries are graduating and preparing to spread their wings and transition to a wonderful new place in their lives. We relive the touching moments we hold dear, memories that are engraved into our minds and will be cherished forever.
Yes, we have mixed feelings. Our children have become so much a part of our lives, that it feels like part of us is being extracted. There will be a void, but it’s up to us to fill that void, without holding onto our offspring for selfish reasons. Maybe your child has grown, but you have also grown. You have faced many challenges over the years and have learned as much by being with your child, as your child has learned by being with you. Maybe the knowledge you have acquired might allow you to help others.
It’s time for our children to move on, to create their own space in the world and to achieve the happiness and fulfillment we have always wished for them. The transition may be challenging for them, also, but, even with all its uncertainties and surprises, they will face what lies ahead and succeed. Maybe some of the tools we’ve shared with them will help them. Maybe some of the tools they have or will acquire on their own or from others will help them. No matter where the tools came from, their decisions and achievements will be totally theirs. Their accomplishments will be based on their choices and applications, and we’ll be proud of them.
No matter what their present choices, which may change over time, this next generation will take on the responsibility of caring for our earth, along with the people, animals and plants that inhabit it. We put our future in their hands, just as they put their trust in our hands as we nurtured them and helped them to discover the individuals they are becoming. We have completed our role in this part of their lives, and now we can watch them surpass our accomplishments as they head out into the world. In them, we’ll live forever, and in their children, they’ll live forever. We planted the seed, nurtured it and watched it grow. Now we can savor the beauty that lies ahead.
To the graduating class of 2008, believe in yourselves, and may all your dreams come true. To my graduate, Darren, I’m proud of the man you’re becoming and the accomplishments you’ve made. Enjoy your life. You deserve it.
To discuss this or other issues, Dr. Levine can be reached at 661-251-7748 or 661-269-4704.