My stomach churned like an ice cream machine trying to produce a decadent dessert I am too intolerant to consume. Yet, my mind raced with paralyzed thoughts that ran into one another. In the freshness of my morning an emptiness filled my throat and I battled the commonality of words riddled with COVID-19. What can I say? What do I say? How can I help? Can I reach them? How are they feeling? In an effort to organize my thoughts and emotions I closed my eyes and searched my soul. The lens of my spirit walked through the territories of my inner self. Anxiously, I waited for the report of what was found. Sifting through redacted words I found the sentence I was looking for: You are our heroes; thank you for saving us.
I love superhero movies and TV series! I have watched all Marvel films and found my eyes glued to the screen while binging shows like Supergirl and Agents of Shield. However, I realized that it is not the moment they annihilate an estranged villain that I most admire. It is the struggle, the fight, and the resilience when they face an enemy that is most difficult to defeat: themselves.
No matter what school or program you are graduating from this summer you are our heroes. You have handed the world the keys to hope by facing your own discouragement. I will not disrespect your moment by saying I can imagine the difficulty, but the world will forever pay homage to you for being there in our time of need. While some fight on the front lines of our battle against COVID-19; you stand in our homes and hearts helping us to fight the battle against our self-despair. I do not give myself the luxury of feeling sorry for you because the power of your pursuit has eliminated the hopelessness of many. All of you carry a burden that looks like a lightweight cape flowing in the wind of your success. However, I understand that it is that very cape that pulled you into a position you did not ask for. Each of you were birthed into a time where COVID-19 would change the future of history and write a chronicle we beg ourselves to forget and remember. Thank you for being the ink of power, hope, and determination.
As every hero needs to be encouraged, I leave you with this:
You are at the center stage and the orchestra has been cued to your instruments. Take your time and live in the light of what you have produced. This production is purely your own. It has no genre, no title, and no description. Follow the prompts of your heart in this moment, and the ones to come. Families will expect you to smile but cry as much as you need to. Loved ones will expect your disappointment, but dance to the rhythms of joy playing in your soul. Friends will look for a text, phone call, or social media communication, but turn off your devices to exist in your solitude. Do the things that are for you and you only. Our battle is not over. You must restore yourselves because the world still needs you.
Congratulations to every class of 2020!!!
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