Graduates

I blinked and another year passed.  

I watched 35 high school graduates cross the stage today.  Birds leaving the nest . . . I am torn between pride, relief, mourning, and anticipation.  Their success or failures are my mirror.  Their lives are the summative assessment for an educator.  Should the state develop a competency test to determine if I am proficient at preparing parents, workers, and citizens; would I pass?

What would be on the test?

Did you prepare each to make a contribution?  Will they search and struggle until they determine what they have to contribute?

Can they love someone more than themselves?

Will they embrace babies, love, death, and taxes?

Are they able to distinguish between having a closed mind and having integrity?

Will they build a world of compassion; yet, stand up for what is right?

Can they harness technology while having the wisdom to soak up every moment with their children?

Can they design our future while nurturing our elderly?

What did I give them of value?

Will they seek a life of value?  Do they realize their worth?

Oh my, oh my . . . the world is so big.  Fly little birds, fly!

PS  Don’t forget to drop by the nest and see this old bird once in awhile.