Graduation Toast

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