By Donna

It was the eagerness to do for self
that let me know you are special.
It was the strong-quiet demeanor that showed me you are grounded--a thinker.
You would ask me, “Why can't I go to school like Chris”?
Your look of sadness each time the school bus pulled off.
But as I promised your turn did come.
Brand new backpack hanging on shoulders
Smile adorning your face from ear to ear.

Waking you up for school the next day however
was laughable when you said,“But I went already”.
To our surprise though through the years,
you embraced the school ritual,
and repeated the routine year after year
to place you where you are today.

If I had known the years would come and go so quickly,
I would have let you sleep a bit longer
holding your Barney,
dressed in the Dart Vader Halloween costume turned pajamas.
I would have sat with you longer at the table
while you ate your cold oatmeal
as I watched your skinny legs
swinging from the chair still too high for your feet to touch the floor.
I would agree with you that The Power Rangers
can solve the world problems- especially the Pink and Yellow ones.

But I wouldn't have gotten the moments like this
to see the man you are becoming;
to see the great father you will be.
As sand flows through the hour glass
life can come at you quickly.
If you are ever unsure of time’s speed
take a moment to look back at pictures
to see these melancholy passing of days.

On this plane, we are here to fulfill our purpose and not let them be dormant.
My advise to you, is to maintain balance,
embrace love as if it can go at any moment,
and be flexible to change.
It is important to keep moving and adapting.
Messages from the patriarchs

and the folks that love you will keep you planted
in knowing who you are and the history of family.
You are not here to be the same
or align with status quo when inside of you
something more intense grows.
As the others in caps and gowns line up and step
to the classical tune of Pomp and Circumstance,
move to your own beat
and march with the passion and greatness of the graduate.