On a Wing and a Prayer

Every year about this time, I think about the “on the threshold of adulthood” high school (and college) seniors that are anxiously awaiting their graduation day and try to imagine the intoxicating thrill ride that is in store for them.

Being old and jaded and unable to remember what I had for dinner last night, let alone how I survived those most important formative years, I live vicariously through these kids as they try to find their way in the world.  If I could, I would love to pass on my well founded and thoroughly researched words of wisdom to help them over the bumps they may encounter in their young lives.  Yet, I would hope they falter just a bit.  Enough to learn how to pick themselves up, brush themselves off and get back in the saddle and ride tall.  Everyone should have the opportunity to make mistakes, without judgment (who died and left anyone the King or Queen of opinion and other peoples’ actions anyway?), and gain knowledge of themselves.

If given the chance to address these know-everything (when did mom and dad become so stupid?), egotistical, self-centered, self-absorbed, full-of-themselves youths (you know, kind of like we were at their age) I would want to let them know that the toughest element, yet most fulfilling component, of the whole journey is being true to who they are and what they stand for.  Pretty scary thought, considering.  But making good decisions takes practice and if they learn along the way (then apply what they discover), they will be a lot further ahead than the average bear – and still be able to look themselves in the mirror and sleep well at night.

I would also have to pass on the best counsel that was given to me way back when and it still comes in handy.  That suggestion would be to laugh.  Laugh out loud, long and often.  Laugh with others.  Laugh when the going gets tough.  Laugh while reading greeting cards in the store and watching little kids eat ice cream.  But, most importantly, laugh at yourself (but don’t laugh at others, unless they start laughing first).  Chuckle, giggle, cackle, hoot and snort for the entire world to hear.  The little crinkles and creases that will emerge from chortles of rapture and delight are worth every nook and cranny that defines your happy face.  Besides, Botox will probably be available soon in the economy size.

And, I would like to personally welcome them to the ranks of their elders.  Not only for the possibility that they will someday be our caretakers, custodians and fillers of the coffers of Social Security, but also the designers and architects of the future in our businesses, schools, cities, states and other sundry leadership positions.  And, lest we forget that these starry eyed youth may someday be the bearers of our grandchildren, we can only hope they remember the first-rate, high quality things that we taught them when they were knee-high to a grasshopper and that they pass it on (accurately) to future generations.

Graduates, I wish you well on your journeys.  Be happy.  Be safe.  Do your laundry frequently enough and buy new underwear as soon as you think you need it (it may already be too late).  And know that you are loved unequivocally… just remember to call home weekly to double check and make sure.  And, take the time to laugh… you’ll be glad you did.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-