Vocal Point : Graduates, our hope for your future includes coming home
Graduation announcements are beginning to appear in the mailbox. Sure enough, a couple of kids from our neighborhood will soon receive their diplomas; that piece of paper which delineates the line between youth and adulthood.
Like many of their peers, they will be thinking, “I’m done! No more Spokane! No more school! I’m out of here!”
Ahhhhh, I remember those days, and those words, well.
Still, my wife and I are not ready to see our young friends leave this neighborhood’s cocoon.
Why? Well, we’ve enjoyed sharing this space with you. We were lucky enough to meet you shortly after your parents brought you home. We’ve watched you progress through the trials and tribulations common to all young people. We’ve seen you become the master of your trike and then your bike; we’ve watched you shout for joy and sometimes wiped a tear from your eyes; we’ve met your friends, and listened to your music, albeit sometimes from afar.
We’ve enjoyed your company. It’s been fun greeting you in the morning as you’ve headed off to school. We’ve gotten used to hearing your “Hi!” and seeing your trusting smile whenever our paths have crossed.
And, we’ve enjoyed laying in an extra store of Halloween candy, secretly hoping to add a bit of frosting to your day. And yes, we’ve derived pleasure from the energy we’ve seen as you’ve said “Thank You!” before blasting off the porch to seek your fortune elsewhere.
We’ve reached out to you in friendship and you’ve responded in kind. Consequently, we’ve had you in mind as we’ve voted “Yes” on numerous school levies. Our goal in doing so was to ensure that the schools you’ve attended have been safe, curriculum-rich learning environments.
Each of you is unique. Your diverse personalities have caused us to attend a plethora of concerts, art shows, debates, parades and athletic events; all at your invitation. Having you as a friend has been a source of pleasure, and a special blessing for the LaCombes.
Indeed you’ve become “our butterfly.” We look beyond all the childhood stuff and see the beautiful person you’ve become. We’re not looking forward to the impending moment when the wind will catch your wings, causing you to fly away. We know you have a lot on your plate right now. You’re dreaming of a bright and glorious future, and you have a list of “needs” and “wants” stretching miles beyond your visible horizon.
You ask, “How can you folks have a clue as to what we’re thinking?” The answer to this question lies in the fact that we were in your shoes, just a short time ago. We remember thinking: “Boy, oh boy, it’s taken a long time to get to this point in life!” Consequently, we realize you have to go. Indeed you have a lot of work to do if “your dreams” are to become a reality. But we also know that life sneaks by so very quickly. And it’s this reality which causes us to brazenly ask for a favor, even as you are gingerly trying out those new found wings.
Our dream is that you will find happiness, success, contentment and true love as you travel the road called “The Future.” Our dream also sees you coming home to this “Old ‘hood” from time to time. We look forward to meeting your spouses, seeing your children, and hearing of your accomplishments as we trace the progress you’ve made in dreamland, together. And finally, we need to look into your eyes and to touch your hand. We want to know that you’re both happily ensconced, and safe, in your world, wherever that may be.
Why?
The simple explanation is that you’re not just any kid on the block. Instead you’ve become part of our extended family, and as such, we feel you’re a pretty special person.
That’s why saying goodbye simply isn’t an option.