The Graduates

"When the dreams you're dreaming come to you,

when the work you put in is realized. Let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind."

Last month my son graduated from high school, completing Tulsa Technology's Electrical program with certifications in all 11 programs. And in a way, it feels like I graduated too. We celebrated the moment with a sense of pride and accomplishment and if success is measured by where you started versus where you are, then the end of this chapter in both of our stories would certainly qualify.

"I ran for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours" -Forrest Gump

Movies have a way of fast forwarding through a particular period of time. A series of glimpses into days, months or even years, all stitched together in a 30 second montage accompanied by some sort of inspirational soundtrack. These move the audience past the work, through the mundane or tragic parts, the early days of seemingly endless routine in some persistant wilderness, a process, a healing, a becoming and the triumphant arrival of a particular moment in time. Of course it doesnt quite work that way in real life, but those days do pass, the light does eventually come. Wait for it.

When we began this journey, I could not see beyond the day let alone the distance between that day and now. In real life there is no fast forwarding past the tragic parts, the early dark days and darker nights, but they do indeed pass. Father Time is relentless and methodical.

Only we know all the details of this chapter of our father and son story, we share them just between us, but the most visible parts are written in the smile of pride on his face and wrinkles and lines in mine.

We both graduated last month. The journey has taken us through good times and bad, highs and lows, setbacks and victories, but in the end, it was absolutely worth it all.

"Today, I thank whatever Gods may be for my unconqurable soul. For I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul." - Invictus