Last week I attended a very moving high school graduation ceremony. My step-son Henry was graduating – the last of my 4 kids to complete grade 12. Given the challenges facing teens these days, it hasn’t been the easiest of rides, so I was especially grateful that he had made it to this moment. He attended a small high school here in Victoria.
As I sat in the audience looking up at all their beautiful faces filled with so much excitement and possibility, I felt very moved. I really was excited for each and everyone of them despite the challenging times they are entering. Perhaps it was because of these challenges that I found their positive and hope-filled spirits so moving. The diversity of students was also really inspiring.
There was a young man who had moved here a few years ago from Afghanistan, reading a beautiful speech that he had painstakingly written in English. There was a woman near my age who had gone back to finally finish her diploma, along with many other young people who had obviously overcome great personal challenges to be there that evening. A beautiful community of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and friends, all joined together in support of these graduates, providing support, encouragement, and praise.
Our culture does not have very many rituals that draw us together in this way – births, weddings, graduations, funerals – that’s about the extent of it for most of us. Attending this ceremony reminded me of how important it is for us to come together to bear witness for one another – to support one another.
Witnessing all of you resting in recliners, in silent support of each other, reminds me of that same kind of community spirit. Each of you bearing silent witness to one another’s pain, broken hearts, worry, and loss. Sharing in a common desire for peace, strength, ease, grace. We are stronger in community and in the knowledge that we are more alike than we are different. Happy Graduation Henry!