There are many important
events in one’s lifetime: there are fewer true milestones. And fewer yet that
one actually remembers and marks as being such.
One is born – but I have
never met anyone who recalls that event.
One dies – but again I have no
way of knowing if one actually recognizes that passing.
One gets married (or most of
us do) – that is a highlight and very noteworthy milestone.
One has children (if one gets
lucky or one wants them) – definitely a milestone in my life those two cute little
babies who have turned into wonderful men.
One starts adding on the
years – and although so far I have loved every age that I’ve been, I can
imagine that there will come a time when it is less desirable, not from a fear
of growing old, but simply a “I’ll never have time to see, do, be all I want”.
One has losses – not pleasant
milestones, but the love that remains warms one all the same.
Graduation though, that’s a
true milestone: a marking of the distinction in between childhood and
adulthood, regardless of one’s age.
For many it’s the high school
graduation – 18, a driver’s license; being able to vote; one’s first
more-than-a-summer-job.
But for those who continue
with their studies graduating from University is the biggie – a stepping away
from a more controlled and known environment into the “big unknown”: it’s
exciting, it’s scary, it’s the whole ball game all rolled into one.
My two twin nephews are in
the Class of 2014: I had the privilege of being able to attend the first
graduation this past weekend in Tennessee, USA – my sister will attend the
second mid-June in Washington state, USA.
To both of these young men,
my advice would be: there will be so many more milestones in your lives, both
positive and less so – enjoy them all, but keep a special place in your hearts
for that moment when you finally achieved that first degree.
And never forget, as the
commencement speaker said: “You make a living by what you get: you make a life
by what you give” Greg Vital.
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| Michael May 4, 2014 |
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| June 15, 2014 |
