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| 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
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| My graduation: May 19, 1996 |
***
Wow.
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.
How wonderful for her. How wonderful for you. Pay it forward , indeed.
ReplyDeleteMaria, fellow Meharrian.-graduation date May 19, 2007.
Oh Maria! That absolutely brought tears to my eyes. I love knowing that you, too, my virtual sisterfriend, shares this date with us. Thank you for being on this journey with us.
DeleteMonday morning, half awake, drinking coffee. Skipped over here from Ms Moon's blog. Just clicked and read all the back stories and started bawling myself. I don't feel like I have any power to help anyone in important ways because I'm not important myself. But I know that is foolish talk. So I'm going to take all the lessons from here and try to live them, try to live better and to be less insular and stuck in my own little world. Wonderful writing, as always, and perfect quotes and music and soul. Congrats to her. Wow!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Bethany. Can't believe you went back and read all that -- thank you! Any friend of Sister Moon's is a friend of mine. And yes, we do have all kinds of power. Power beyond measure that we just have to own.
Delete*delurking to comment - I love your blog!*
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I was her (more than) a few years ago: an HBCU grad coming out of law school with no prospects and no hope. It took me a bit longer before "God went wild", but someone pushed (kicked) open a door for me, and I came through it like a bolt of lightening (I'm the youngest executive staff member in my company).
This week, I set something up for a young lady from my undergrad alma matter that will set her up professionally for the rest of her career. I am so overwhelmed that I had the chance to do this, so I know exactly how you are feeling Dr. Manning!!! (Sorry this response is so long!)
*we welcome lurking and delurking here*
DeleteSo glad to have you here and to hear your testimony! And I never mind a long response. Sometimes you just got some things to say. :)
I, too, read the back stories and I am in awe. God is amazing and I love to see His handiwork!! This definitely reminds me that no encounter, no matter how brief or insignificant it seems, is without worth. Everything happens for a reason!! And all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteAaaaaah. Ain't that the truth? Good having you in this space, Alisa Renee. Good having you here.
DeleteFirst of all, I want to say to all you Doctors out there: I'm jealous of your robes!!! Why won't they let me out of the pointy hat?? It's not fair!!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, this was a great tale and I'm so glad you told it. Each one, teach one. She ain't heavy, she's your sister. And all that.
When you have love to give, give it. It always pays off. Congratulations to BOTH of you!!
You know I love me some Psonya! Love the things I read on your blog (always) and knew that you could relate.
DeleteAnd as for the robes and hats--our Law grads at Emory have the best regalia ever! Soft, velvet PURPLE tams with gold tassels and swanky gowns to match. You need to get on your institution, dog! You shoulda BEEN out of the pointy hat by now. . . . LOL
nice
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI'll say it again: You are a World Class Mentor! So glad you feel the love coming back at you. This is a wonderful story, for both of you. x0 N2
ReplyDeleteI did not have to scroll down beyond the photo to know exactly who was pictured and who the hero of the story was... perhaps because you made me care for her in a way that let me know her without actually knowing her. I held my breath for her and sent pleas out in the medical universe, asking it to make room for her. I exhaled with your earlier post, the follow-up to the cryptic one, but now I am more than exhaling, I'm grinning and celebrating with her and with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being and for being who you are!