Emotional Graduation and New Beginnings

 

''You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!' 
- Seuss. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Random House, 2020. 

My baby bat graduated elementary school the other day and my heart swelled with pride and joy.  As most of you know, my birth story was a difficult one and this particular milestone holds a profound significance for me considering the challenging journey I had endured since giving birth. As a result, I am reminded of the fortune I possess whenever I celebrate my child's accomplishments and I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to experience the joys of motherhood when there was a time I doubted its feasibility.

I remember when my baby bat started kindergarten. I cried on her first day and I caught myself apologizing for leaving her there! To be honest, the day was more traumatizing for me than it was for her! To celebrate this milestone, I had gifted the timeless Dr. Seuss classic, "Oh, The Places You'll Go" to my little one on her first day of school. As an ardent reader and lover of books, I had always aspired to pass down my passion for reading to my child, and this book was no exception. For those unacquainted with the story, the book, written as a poem, encapsulates the journey of growing up, the choices we make, and the impact they have on our future. The author highlights the trials and tribulations we overcome, making it the perfect gift for my child on that significant day.

First Day of Kindergarten (August 31, 2015)

Now fast forward to several years later, that cute little kid is now a pre-teen and is graduating elementary school and the ceremony itself was lovely. As someone who is not Indigenous, I found myself deeply moved by the profound significance of acknowledging the land and its original inhabitants during the graduation ceremony. It was a testament to the importance of recognizing the historical and ongoing struggles faced by the First Peoples of Canada. I was particularly touched when one of my child's teachers heartfelt introduction to the ceremony in her native tongue, capturing the beauty and resilience of their culture.

I am acutely aware that a mere act of acknowledgment cannot rectify the injustices endured by Indigenous communities. However, I firmly believe that it represents a crucial step towards fostering understanding, empathy, and the potential for future reconciliation. It serves as a reminder that we must continually strive to honor and respect the rich cultural heritage and land rights of Indigenous peoples. By acknowledging the land and the diverse cultures that have shaped it, we open the doors to meaningful dialogue and collective efforts to address the past and build a more inclusive and equitable future. Another important moment for me was the principal's speech. She was reciting excerpts from ''Oh, The Places You'll Go'' and this evoked emotions that required considerable restraint to prevent myself from transforming into an emotional wreck!   

Yet another chapter in our lives has drawn to a close, leaving me with a profound excitement for the new beginnings that lie ahead. Like most individuals, our story resembles a rollercoaster ride, complete with ups and downs that life has to offer. Coinciding with my baby bat's impending entrance into high school this September, I embarked on my own academic journey as a university student last winter. Though I faced numerous challenges, I harbor no regrets about the delayed start, for I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to pursue education now. It is a testament to the timeless truth that it is never too late to cultivate knowledge and embrace the transformative power of learning. Being in University as an undergraduate student is an experience that surpasses all my imaginations and expectations. It really is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and endless possibilities. It is a very exciting time in my life as I eagerly anticipate witnessing the path my child chooses and the heights she reaches and I also get to witness the unfolding of her adult persona. Again, there was a time I thought this would never be a possibility and this is the best gift I could ever receive. It is such a wonderful opportunity to be able to imagine her growing into a remarkable individual and this fills me with boundless excitement. My deepest hope, above all else, is that she continues to embrace her innate potential and wholeheartedly endeavors to become the best version of herself. Just as I was the loudest and proudest parent in the room during her elementary school graduation, I vow to remain an unwavering source of support, loudly and enthusiasctically cheering her on every step of the way as she navigates the remarkable path ahead.

The famous book cover (Amazon)