The Waiting Game & Graduating

 

“Waiting for a train to go.
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.

“Everyone is just waiting.”

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.”

-Dr. Seuss

 

It’s that time of year again! Grads of all ages, sizes, and expertise are ready to take the plunge into the next chapter of their lives. It was actually ten years ago this month that I had my own high school graduation. I remember posing for pictures in my royal blue gown under a giant cherry tree in our driveway. I wore a yellow shirt and black pants and I was having a good hair day. I broke up with my boyfriend that morning and went shoe shopping that afternoon. I remember it was hot and sunny and I smoked a cigarette in a mini van with four other grads across the street from our school. We didn’t talk about the upcoming ceremony. We didn’t talk about college or summer trips. We just sat in that car…waiting…and smoking to kill the time.

 

My mom, an associate dean at a local college, has a tradition of giving grads a copy of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” on graduation day. It’s the ultimate graduation gift with a thoughtful letter to the grad scribbled into the front cover. As if that weren’t special enough, she requires the grad to sit and listen as she reads the story out loud. Every time I hear it makes me tear up a little. Dr. Seuss is genius.

 

So, ten years ago I sat in my mom’s arms as she read me this story. It starts off so profound,

 

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!”

 

It’s all very exciting with, “brains in your head” and “feet in your shoes”.  It talks about life as though can’t lose!

 

“Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.”

 

And then, the story takes a turn. And this is where one of my favorite lessons were learned.

 

“Except when you don’t because, sometimes, you won’t. I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true and hang-ups can happen to you.”

 

And ain’t that the truth!? Life is not perfect and it doesn’t always go the way you though it ought to. Sometimes you’re in the dreaded waiting place. Sometimes you’re left all alone to make impossible decisions. Sometimes you’re required to jump without seeing the bottom. Life can be a scary place. And although we may not have all the answers; although we may not have all the best tools; somehow we do make it through. With the help from our families and high fives from our friends; nods from our neighbors and kind words from blog land; hugs at church and pats on the back from coworkers – we get through it.

 

So to all you grads out there, ”Congratulations!” You’re on your way…

 

“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!”

 

To read the whole story, click HERE!