Congratulations!

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

I release you.

The inevitable time has come. I knew this day would arrive at some point, even though many times I chose to ignore it's ensuing immanence. I feel comforted in knowing that it will not be a pioneering experience for me, as many have been there before me. Letting go is sometimes the hardest thing in the world to do. And letting go of the ones you love is always the most difficult. But the time has come to open my hand and release the love which I have formed in my words, my actions, my teachings and my touch for so many years. All these and so many more ingredients have moulded a love like no other I have known. This recipe has brought forth success, wisdom, courage, confidence, and the ability to see and follow dreams within you. I can say, like so many before me, that I am proud. Proud of what I see before me, proud of what I know will become.....proud to be able to say I have spent a good deal of my life, in the presence of a truly wonderful and inspirational individual. As you step on the stage of your life tonight, I will hold back a tear. I will rise with honor. I will smile a grin that will light up the auditorium, and most of all I will feel that the last 18 years of my life have had meaning. For you a door in life will open, and for me a door will close. Worry not for me, as I have worked hard to see this night through. Every ounce of my being has prepared you for this night throughout your young life, and I know you will make me proud...you already have.

This time in my life has forced me to stop and look back at myself. A time when I was there, on that stage, when I was your age. I peacefully reflect on where I once was and where I am now, in this time that has passed. This passage of time has enabled me to be your dad. It has empowered me to live when life seemed worthless. And now here we are, full circle. Congratulations son. Your dad is proud of you. But more than proud I am honored to have been a part of your life and to see you to this day. You will go far, just as far as you want to in life. I know. You, are a part of me. If I was to give you any advice it would be this: Live. Just live, and love your life. Never allow yourself to be where it is you would rather not be. Dream. Dream and always know that no matter how far fetched or impossible it may seem, your dreams will come true if you only believe with your heart that they will. Express yourself. Most importantly, never be afraid to say what you feel. Express yourself no matter the odds or circumstances. Your voice will make the difference of all that you gain....and all that you lose. Live and never walk away from your dreams without speaking your heart. Congratulations my son, as you are free now. I release you, to the world with all of my love, to live and love your life with all of the passion and ability that I was able to help nurture. The phrase 'good luck' would be an understatement.... Go now and just 'be'! I love you.