The End and the Beginning

This morning I took Jilly to school – for the last time.  This was something I had done so many times, but not so much recently as with growing up comes independence in the form of a drivers license.  But today – graduation day – with Mallory home and guests staying for the celebrations – we needed all available cars.  So I drove her to school.  I pulled up at the best spot – she hopped out and away she went.

It is late and we have had a wonderful evening of immediate family and a few of our closest friends.  A small intimate gathering of 40 or so – 40 is intimate in our family.  But that is how Jilly has always been – private, quiet, deeply connected with a small circle of friends.  So while there is so much I could say – it seems that what I shared with her earlier on a card should suffice to set out my thoughts on the matter.

 

Mallory asked before the ceremonies started this morning if I would cry.  I said I didn’t know, but I did not.  It was a delightful ceremony and full of joy, happiness and no small amount of pride in your achievements and success.

Writing this is a little harder!

Suffice to say, you are and always will be our baby girl.  Yet you have blossomed into a young lady and are also now a high school graduate. You have earned and deserve all the accolades that come along with that.  Dr. Davis used a word as you received your diploma that I think sums you up perfectly – TENACIOUS!  I don’t think he used that word in his descriptions of any other. 

You seize the opportunities provided and make the most of them.  You are an incredibly hard worker, but are also a loyal friend.  Your organizational abilities to balance all you do in your scholastic endeavors, your social time with your friends, your beloved hockey, and your other activities including choir and helping others less fortunate constantly amaze me.

We have been truly fortunate to raise two beautiful, talented, hardworking and strong daughters.  YOU have found your voice and you are looking forward to the path YOU are charting.  We look forward to so many more great things ahead of you.

 
A thought as you go on…

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

~Marianne Williamson