Monday, June 02, 2008

Rite of Passage

Rite of Passage

Tassel swinging from a rear-view mirror on a warm, summer's day. Green and gold glittering in the bright light taking me back to my own tassel, also green and gold with an 82 in the center. Different place and time but still, the rite of passage remains the same. Our children graduating, facing a brave new world. A world with the same challenges we faced and yet, new. The cost of college tuition has increased at rates that far exceed cost of living. The amount of students applying for entry often far exceeds available slots.

The graduating class, so full of hope and expectations for their future. A future that is a blank page, waiting to be filled. A fresh start, leaving high school behind. A reminder to our children, that we will always be their mothers, fathers and they will always be our children. And as such, we will always be there for them, to help when asked. Never be afraid to ask for help and to ask before you sink too deeply into trouble.

The next rite of passage for me will be saying good-bye when I leave my child at a school in another state. A state that is hours away by plane and even further by car. A rite that will have me wanting to break down but wanting to be excited for the life she is about to begin. A new rite for me, empty nest, at least for part of the year. Where will our passages lead us? Life never has any guarantees and passages have a way of intertwining, creating new opportunities when least expected. One must be aware of the clues presented to be able to take advantage of those opportunities, keeping not only eyes and ears open, but the heart for when following your heart, your passage will somehow take you to where you are supposed to be.

Oh, and when you go off to school, no parties--no drinking, no drugs, no sex... and rock & roll. Okay, you can have your music but none of the other stuff. :)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I sat here smiling while reading these wonderful thoughts and feelings you've shared. I've been there, and it is survivable, but not without tears! Lots of tears!

Anonymous said...

I had one of those hanging from my car, with an 81 on it. What great memories. How time does fly.

Beautiful writing about this rite of passage. Bittersweet, I know, but overall it is going to be a time of joy and excitement.

XOXOXO

Anonymous said...

So so so wonderfully written. (((HUGS)))

Cindi said...

you have a wonderful attitude about all these changes in front of you, b. but that doesn't surprise me. you will make the best of whatever comes...
it's only life after all.