As I complete a weekend of graduation hoo-rah, of course I am reminded of my own moments in a cap and gown.Every once in a while I catch myself wishing for a crystal ball, actually I would even settle for a really trustworthy magic 8 ball. I don't really want details, because believe it or not, I do like a little surprise. Often times I just want to know why, or how, or when. Looking back got me wondering, what would I tell me knowing what I know now? If I could send back a little note for Linda then to open just before she walks across that stage, from the older, wiser, better looking Linda now, ;-), what would I say??? I think maybe it would be a little something like this...
High School Graduation 1999
Dear Linders,
Today is perfect. I know your brain is only worried about if this hat is going to give you a hat-head line, and where you are going once you get out o f this itchy robe, but try to pay attention and remember this moment. Don't be sad, be really excited, because you are only going to get better. Go. To. College. Its really not an option like you are thinking it is, and do not worry, you will be great at it. In the next few years you will be smarter than you ever knew you could be. You will make your most treasured memories. Linda, you will learn that you are braver than you ever knew you could be. Do things that feel right, even if its a little bit scary or new. God will only allow good for you, trust him. No, this wiser me is not a bible beater or preacher, I'm just sayin it 'cause its true. Don't worry about staying close to your friends or doing what they do. They really love you for you, and when you all turn into grown ups, they'll still love you, every single one of them. You'll all plan a turning 3-0 vaca and still be celebrating life's greatest moments together for years to come. Nope, not kidding, they're lifers. Lucky! Smile lots and pay attention, today is your beginning. Congrats! I am really proud of you.
Your Girl,
Linda
P.S. You know that giant duffel of 500 crunched up dollar bills Grandpa John gave you? It will forever be one of the most impressive, exciting, jaw dropping gifts you'll ever receive. Go home and hug Grandpa John one more time, hang on as long and as tight as you can. Make sure you tell him you appreciate the ideas, traditions and gestures he has shared with you, and promise him you'll tell and repeat them for your own kids someday.
Undergrad Graduation 2002
Dear Kappa Kappa Linda,
Congrats! You did it. Not only did you show up for college, but you actually graduated with a 4.0 and really found yourself. Remember how comfortable school is for you, its what you are good at and believe it or not, its your thang. Who knew? Work will be hard, but don't let it get you down. Remember we are all better at somethings than others. Meh? What can ya do? These next few years will be brutal. Sorry, but you gotta be ready. Remember who you are. Remember how confident and successful you are today because that is who you really are. Enjoy the boys, the parties, and the fast fun life, like I need to say that, you will. Just pay attention to when its time to walk away, and never be afraid to do so. Love your parents and remember all they want is to be near you, no not always physically, they just love you and want to know you are ok. Try not be a total brat and maybe leave some of those strong judgements you have at the door. You never know when life is going to call your number for a hardship. And its going to call. You will never want a sibling like you do at this point in life, but is ok, your friends will become like family. Look around you at who is at graduation today, they will be around for a lot more. Love and appreciate them with your whole heart. Get ready for a wild ride missy, you will laugh, cry, love and leave...and thank God you'll do it all in a way you'll never regret. I am really, really proud of you!
Always,
Linda
Grad School Graduation 2007
Dear Ms. Linda,
Holy sh*t! Can you believe this day is here?!? You did it. YOU.DID.IT. And as we know it was no walk in the park. You did this with next to nothing on your side, and I am still so proud of you years later. I never knew you could be so tough, but girl you are. This period of losing every image, dream, idea you had for yourself has been so hard. Great news though, those old ideals got nothin on where life is going to take you from here. This is your fresh start, and know that doing this means you can and will do anything. When you get your student loans to repay, you will stop breathing. And when you kick yourself thinking you prolly should have not taken every single dime they offered you, remember this choice afforded you to stay home with that beautiful baby boy for his first year, and really, that was priceless. Know that you are on the upward swing. And don't you worry, you'll be better than fine. Your little boy will continue to be your everything, and in completing graduate school you have secured yourself a prideful, financially secure future with benefits, and paychecks, and time, and all those important grown up things you need to be the best mommy you can be. Try not to be so hard on yourself about taking him to daycare and not being there every single minute. Believe it or not he will understand and he will love you anyway for just being you (and when you hear his sweet little voice tell you himself, the rest of the world will melt away.) I know as you approach that stage to walk you will be taking in every little sound, smell, and feeling. You deserve this and if you can believe it THIS is your beginning. Congratulations, I have never been more proud of you.
Love,
Linda
