A Congratulatory Note to the 2018 Graduates (Mainly My Own!)

Once again, graduation season is upon us and this year is particularly bittersweet. It’s my youngest daughter’s high school graduation and today’s blog is dedicated to Emily Rose.

Emily Rose,

I  have been watching you for the past 9 months as you cheerfully went about your life, closing out your senior year with never-ending college visits, prep classes, exams, graduation announcements, vacation ideas and, now, multiple checklists for your future dorm room.  Looking back, I remember my own high school year and graduation (not entirely— and certainly not clearly!) but I don’t remember my mom crying quite as much as I have at the mere thought of a daughter moving away the following year.  Full disclosure: my sniffling for one full year has not all been due to seasonal allergies — of which I don’t suffer from!

I think back to when you were younger and relive each milestone leading up to your senior year. You had so many people talking for you when you were a baby, you decided you didn’t need to put forth the effort to speak until you were 4 years old. And you haven’t stopped chatting it up since then. You blamed your brother for saying the “F” word and he got the punishment of his 7-year-old life. What you failed to mention was the “F” word was “fluffy” and you were highly offended at being called such a horrible, terrible name. 

You were (still are!) the calmest of my bunch, until someone would try to take that darn bottle away from you— far longer than you should have been drinking from one. Regardless of what the baby books say about when to change over to a cup, you turned out fine. You have now replaced the bottle with smoothies and acai bowls and all is well with the world.

You have accumulated about 20 nicknames throughout the years but I want you to always remember, your full name is Emily ROSE, not just Emily! It’s been my personal quest to train every mother, child, teacher and coach and keep from rolling my eyes when they call you by only the first part of your two-part name. (Although Lucy Lu, Sugar Cube and ER are fine with me too.)

I should apologize now for not taking better notes in your baby journal (in my defense, I wasn’t good at your brother or sister’s either) or accidentally mixing your baby teeth with your brother’s (who can really tell?), or not keeping the clippings from your first haircut. I was a little preoccupied with worrying you would never speak and then wondering if you would ever be able to say “Scooter” instead of “Tooter.” There was so much to think about back then! I’m also sorry for gloating and taking personal responsibility for every one of your athletic successes and blaming your father for your endless asthma issues. Although, I am sure I am correct because I am the better athlete (according to me) and he is the allergy sufferer. The truth is, you are a great tennis player because you are determined, and an amazingly good sport because you are a fantastic human being— all credit goes to you on your very own.

I am most grateful you have a kind spirit and a servant’s heart. You get full praise for being the child that has kept many of our holidays from going down the tank. Who else would collect everyone’s holiday list, go out and order or purchase the presents, wrap them and then hand all of us a pen to sign the gift cards in the nick of time? Your sister and brother adore you and your niece thinks you hung the moon. Your dad proudly took on carpool duty and the nightly job of making your asthma concoction to keep you allergy-free for most of your life. I am blessed to have had the privilege of raising you for the past 18 years, fighting with that darn nebulizer on more occasions than I would like to remember. Thank goodness we have never had to use the EpiPen, although we have stabbed many an orange in preparation. Emily Rose, I often wonder who has taught whom the most lessons? You are wise beyond your years. You are and will always be my “Sugar Cube” and I will be only moments away if you ever need me.

 

I want to share 4 truths with you as you travel your next journey. I have found them be hopeful and helpful:

Learn to Be Your Own Advocate

Realize your value and acquire the skills to be capable and able to always take care of yourself. Speak kindly but be bold and unafraid to stand your ground when something isn’t right.

Find (and Be) a True Partner in Business and in Life

You will soon be out into the world of business and you must find a calling that brings you joy. Find the same with your friends. You are a product of the 5 closest people you hang out with and you have always made great choices. I feel certain you will continue to do so. (I love you Taylor, Lourdes (#2 mom), Will, Elizabeth and Paris)

Fail Proudly and Often

That is where the best lessons hide. Own your mistakes and expect there will be many. You will find value in the broken paths and rocky roads. It will breed character, tenacity and perseverance. 

And Never, Ever Give Up.

If you want it, go for it. Period.

I love you Lucy Lu. Happy Graduation.