My darling girl, Hannah Holly, my whole heart, graduated high school last week. On holiday Monday, we gathered in her backyard for a casual barbecue and family hang to celebrate her accomplishments as well as her 18th birthday which falls on the 7th. I was tasked with writing and delivering her toast. It was emotional to compose and even more to relay it to her, aloud, assembled in a circle of people who love her deeply. I waffled a lot because I was trying not to cry and I kept losing my place and pace but out it came. Afterward, we raised our glasses to our best girl and tipped them up in joy.
And now, after the dust has settled and I have a spare moment to myself after getting back to work, I want to preserve the wisdom written for her here so that those who couldn't make it for whatever reason could at least partake in some small way.
Hannah's Graduation Toast
You did it! You graduated high school. It
must be a really proud moment for you. All of that hard work you have put in
paid off and your rewards lie ahead. Chasing your dreams requires great effort,
passion, and hard work – the best is truly yet to come.
I hope you take a moment to applaud
yourself for all you have accomplished. It’s a no small feat. You graduated
with honors and still managed to work at your job and play rugby – your
strength and your perseverance is admirable. Imagine what you can do it with
all of that fire moving forward?
You’ve reached a milestone that isn’t in
any way related to growing up; it’s about being
grown up. You have infinite potential to do amazing things with your life and
this is where that sentiment holds true, on the precipice of all you’ve
accomplished head long into all you’ve still got left to do.
It is good to have an end to journey
toward, but it is the journey that really matters. Ernest Hemingway said that.
He’s right. It’s never really about where you are going; it’s about how you get
there.
As you face this new chapter, allow your
old sentimental auntie to impart a little wisdom that I hope will help you
along:
·
Even in the most challenging of times please never forget that you have big
beautiful voice and the power to enforce change. Never accept a seat at the table when you are capable of heading
it.
·
The longest distance between two points
is a shortcut. Wanting something immediately means you will most likely pay for
it later. Be willing to work hard now and get your hands dirty. I promise you,
it’ll make all the difference.
·
Please remember that you always have a
choice, no matter the situation.
·
Be brave enough to say I’m sorry, or I
love you, or I forgive you. They are human superpowers we all employ. They are
important.
·
Only spend what you have.
·
Success is not measured by your job,
your education, how much money you have or what kind of car you drive. Success
is determined by who you are, how you treat others, and how you conduct yourself
in times of adversity.
·
Embrace gratitude. Never forget those
who helped you along the way and don’t look down on anyone unless you are
helping them up.
·
Combine your confidence with a desire to
make the world a better place for you and your fellow man.
·
Surround yourself with people who remind
you how amazing you are and avoid those whose only aim is to discredit you. In
the famous words of Michelle Obama, “When
they go low, we go high.”
·
Life as I’m sure you already know
doesn’t follow a carefully thought out plan. Be prepared for the unexpected.
Celebrate the highs and don’t forget to ask for help during the lows. It’s okay
to fall and fail and reach out. That’s how you continue to grow.
·
Be kind. Especially to yourself, love you.
Your primary goal in being a grown up, to be able to navigate this crazy, often
times unjust world, is to care for yourself first, so you can do good for
others and arrive to where you want to go with wisdom, courage, and a happy
heart.
Congratulations to you on your
graduation day, my love. You are awesome. You are wonderful. You are strong.
You are powerful. And, you are going places. Believe it. We do. As always, you
did us proud. Go forth, make good choices, be brave, count your blessings
often, and don’t forget to take a moment every now and then to look around and
marvel at all the goodness in the world. Kiss the joy as it flies.
Love you forever.
***
Still gets me in the feels reading it back now. I'm sure it always will. Love is awesome.
In propinquity,
Nic
