Graduation Day..such a proud day for all parents...

Yesterday was quite a day! Laura's Graduation Day! We are so proud of the fine young lady she has become. I don't know where the years have gone, and how she can possibly be finished with High School. I must admit, as she walked across that big stage last night, I did have a little lump in my throat. I did well with holding back the tears though, surprising myself! I wish my parents could have been alive to see her too - they would be so very proud of their only grand-daughter. I see a lot of both of them in her...Yesterday would have been their 67th Wedding Anniversary.

Last night's ceremony was the 224th graduation from FHS - the oldest high school in Canada. As they flipped their tassles to the right side of their Mortar Boards (or "helmets" as they call them) after all had received their Diplomas, the Principal remarked that it was probably one of the largest "tassle turns" in Canada... over 400 graduates.

In my day, they presented every award and scholarship on stage, and it took forever. Now they present them in the Grad Assembly during the last week of school, and just announce them on Grad night as each graduate receives their Diploma- a much better idea. Laura had an impressive "list" read behind her name: "Laura Kelly Hubbard, Black Kat Scholar, Academic Large Black F, Small Black F, Secretary of 2009 Grad Class, Editor of The Graduate, recipient of Epsilon Y's Men's Club Scholarship, recipient of Brian Goodine Memorial Award for outstanding Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement, and recipient of FHS Yearbook Award and Medal for Leadership in production of The Graduate." Whew!! My heart did a big pitty-pat as she walked across the stage.... I guess all the hours of nagging, proof-reading essays, keeping on top of tests and assignments, driving to and from, and all the rest was well worth it. My parents philosophy on raising kids was "keep them so busy they don't have time to get into trouble"... It seemed to work on me, so I applied the same principle - and it worked on my two as well!! We are SO grateful that both our children have gotten through school with no major problems or difficulties, and have developed a good work ethic, working hard to achieve their goals. What more could a parent ask for?

Graduation always seems to be a time to reflect back, not only on good memories of one's own school days but also on achievements in one's own life. I am so grateful for what I have, especially my family. I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and children. It seems that graduation is an opportunity to pass on wisdom and advice to the younger generation. On the many Grad cards I've written in the last few years, to my own children and many of their friends, I have always given the same advice that was given to me by a wise friend, upon graduation from University: Live your life with no regrets. Do your best to make wise decisions and choices, and once made, stick to them. If it turns out to have been a poor choice, learn from it so you don't make the same mistake twice. Take advantage of all life has to offer - travel, make new friends wherever you go, try new things. Then when you are older you can look back and say "I did it all, I have no regrets", rather than "I wish I had done this"...or "I wish I had taken that opportunity"..... This verse from a Graduation card sums it up nicely:

Be proud on this day

for the things you’ve accomplished

the way you have grown,

and the goals you have met.

Look now to the future

and face it with courage

and don’t waste a minute

of life on regret.

For the future you’ll have

will be just what you’ll make it-

be true to yourself

as you follow your star,

For you have the power

if you choose to use it

to reach any dream,

so remember- reach far!

Peace,

Linda

"...and the young will dream new dreams, new dreams of courage for the age to come."