Today, we honor and celebrate the children who have worked so hard to excel in the classroom, dominate on the gridiron and volunteer in communities near and far to help others.
Today, parents and grandparents get to see their offspring walk up the stage to receive their diplomas and walk off the stage as they prepare to make their way in the world as young adults ready for the challenges of college or military service or employment.
Today, there is no shame in taking any of those paths, even if they are baby steps into a world filled with uncertainty, one that will someday have them shepherding and nurturing children of their own or providing comfort and love to those left behind.
Today, they begin of the circle of life from girl to woman, from boy to man. From high school kid to collegian or soldier or employee.
Today, the grown-ups shed their tears, jockey for that digital camera shot or video with a snapshot of a life having traveled so far so fast in that split second, from infant, to toddler, to little kid to pre-teen to teenager.
Today, the camera shot comes full circle from that very first snapshot taken just after birth.
Today, we tell these young people how proud we are of their achievements, of their sacrifices, of their potential.
Today, we say "thank you" and welcome them to the real world where paths are ready to be considered, choices made.
Today, after the pomp and circumstance, the realization that a new chapter begins, not only for them, but to those who guided them along the way.
Today, we thank God for the 17, 18 or 19 years of staying the course and readying them as they make their way into the world we can continue to offer our wisdom and experience from paths already traveled.
Today, it's their chance to begin that journey as young adults.