May 19.

Her graduation: May 19, 2012

My time

After all of the hard work

And all of the things I sacrificed

Now I finally know my worth

The whole of me it has no price

I thought I'd never make it this far

I underestimated myself

And though my life has truly been hard

Now I know the greatness of my wealth

I'm rich in love 

I'm rich in peace

I'm rich in hope yeah 

I'm rich indeed 

I'm ready

This is My Time

All that I'd hoped for is mine

It's mine, it's mine

I'm ready

This is My Time

All that I'd hoped for is mine

It's mine, it's mine

It's mine. . . . 

You'll know when that moment comes

And childish things are put aside

When you've learned to embrace your true self

And you really begin to live your life...

When you begin to live your life you'll see...

Just how ready you are...

I'm ready

This is My Time

All that I'd hoped for is mine

It's mine, it's mine

I'm ready

This is My Time

All that I'd hoped for is mine

It's mine, it's mine . . .

It's mine.

~ lyrics by Kindred The Family Soul

My graduation: May 19, 1996

***
Wow.

It all started with one moment in time. That led to a relationship that somehow became an awakening so profound that I couldn't even talk about it coherently at first. Then it set in that in the end, all things work for good. Finally I found some words to express what had left me so awestruck . . . . and for the world of people who were rooting for you, I am so happy that I did.

Thank you for allowing me to share your graduation photo. I knew that same world would want to see you standing tall and whole and smiling. Your face is filled with the pride that you have worked hard for and that you have always deserved.

My friend, Stacy H., who was one of the people cheering for you saw this photo and asked me if I was at your graduation. My answer to her was this: "No. Not physically. But I was there in spirit."

And I know that you know that I wasn't the only one there that way. 

It's so hard to believe that we still haven't met each other face to face. But now I know for certain that you don't have to be standing directly in front of someone to care. No, you do not.

Thank you for teaching me a lesson in bravery, faith and resilience. Thank you for being the true embodiment of "grace under fire." Because you did and you are. 

I am so proud of you. We are so proud of you.

This is your time. And we all know that you're ready.

I know for certain that you will pay it forward, too. That's how it works, you know. That's how we show our gratitude.

xo, 

Dr. M

***

Happy Sunday.

Playing this song for all of us today. Because really? This is all of our time. It always has been. . . Kindred the Family Soul sings "My Time" . . . . so beautiful and perfect for this moment.

To the world full of people who rooted for her. . .who offered well-wishes, prayers and positive energy. . . . thank you. Your energy, your thoughts, your belief made a difference. You do know that don't you? Let this entire experience be our reminder to seize our one moment in time. No matter how many times it comes to us.