Commencements

It took years for me to truly understand the meaning of ‘commencement’ with regard to school graduations. But understand I did and do.

The end of anything is the start of something else. Being fired from a job or resigning from one, is the end of one thing – the job – but the beginning of another chapter in employment, career, exploration of life. Beginning the new thing is exciting, exhilarating and often liberating. It is also scary. What will happen? What paths will I take? And where will those paths take me?

Last week one of Rocky’s grandsons, Ben, graduated from high school. He will enter the Marines in June and fly off to Camp Pendleton in California for boot camp. He has chosen his next phase of life – the military and all that includes. Where he will take it for the rest of his life only time will tell. But for now it is a solid path chosen. We wish him well!

This week my granddaughter Kira, graduated from high school. In fall she will enter DePaul University in Chicago to pursue her future in management of performing arts. There are many branches of that field of study, so no need to choose refined ends at this point. The educational journey will prepare her for what is ahead consistent with her interests in performing arts. And the management challenges pertaining thereto! Or maybe not. Who knows where Kira will settle over the years in her career. What detours will she encounter? What choices will pull her in which of many varying directions? And will these decisions all be consistent with her current interests? Maybe. Maybe not.

That is not the point. Both Ben and Kira are on a pathway into the future. The future is not known. It can only be wondered and dreamt about. Best they both learn to enjoy the journey because that is the ‘now’ of it. The future will unfold, mostly unintended, but it will fall into shapes hoped for and intended depending on the preparation invested by each of them. This is what we oldsters call ‘living life.’

The world is large and complex. Finding one’s way is complex and filled with details. Not all will be pleasant, but many are. Finding the fun and personal reward is the spice of life. It is worth the exploration and discovery. But it can only happen if the self allows itself the freedom to engage the journey of exploring and discovering.

Beginning that is the real commencement of life. Are we every truly ready to do this? Ah, no; but then we must step out of today into the future. That’s when it all starts. New beginnings.

May 26, 2022

 

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