I'm pretty sure it was just a few years ago that I graduated from high school. I spent months planning for the perfect night, in the perfect dress with the perfect date. The following day my friends and I headed out to my family's cabin and continued the festivities without a wink of sleep. As I recall it all 25 years later, the happy memories come with ease. The mind is good at filtering out the rest.
But as I witnessed the convocation last week of my God-daughter Saige in Gimli, Man., it all came rushing back and seeing those 50 students at the culmination of their learning career, thus far, became extraordinary.
As Saige sat on the stage waiting to receive her diploma, I ruminated upon her life -a couple of her earliest years we spent living together, with her mom -and I became keenly aware that each and every one of those children has a story. At 17 and 18 years of age, they have all endured challenge and difficulty, as well as achievement and triumph. Some more outwardly, others in a way only they or a handful of close friends and family will ever know.
Six of the children on that stage had been caught in a devastating house fire on New Year's Day this year. It wasn't mentioned during the ceremony, though I know many in the auditorium were thinking about it as one by one these bright young adults received their recognition.
How easily things could have turned out differently.
No one died in the fire that night because 19-year-old Jordan Welsh made an incredible sacrifice to ensure that fact, and as a result, ended up with burns to more than 60 per cent of his body. He was recently released from hospital, is now back in his community and continuing to heal at home with his father - who also suffered injuries that night - and young sister.
To be able to witness Saige glide across the stage - at six feet without heels - and accept her recognition for years of hard work was a blessing. When I factor in the past few months of her own healing and extra tutoring required to complete her Grade 12 year, I am deeply inspired by her.
And here is the thing I am reminded of: Life is not easy, nor is it to be taken for granted. In all schools and communities across our country young people must work through immensely challenging circumstances and personal adversity. Many face a myriad of problems most of us don't want to acknowledge, whether it is an unwanted pregnancy, an ailing parent, a lack of money, substance abuse in the family... the list goes on.
Though oft-attributed to Plato, it was Ian Maclaren who said: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
Graduation brings much cause for celebration, not the least of which is the acknowledgement that at such a young age many young adults have already experienced - and overcome - great obstacles. Whether your path has been "easy" or "hard," it has been your path. To all the graduates this year: Congratulations.
Kirsten Andrews offers courses, workshops and private consultations on Simplicity Parenting in the corridor. For info visit www.SeaToSkySimplicityParenting.com, like it on Facebook or email [email protected].
