Graduation Day

Tonight is the quietest night, the air is still and there seem to be no trains in the distance, no birds twittering in the twilight. Even my neighbors are silent. It's as if the world has taken in all the excitement and let it out with one enormous hushed breath.

I left graduation this afternoon with a feeling of elation I couldn't explain, not to my parents nor to Dan in the voicemail I left for him. They aren't my children, but they were mine. For four years, they were mine. And today, I let all 360 of them go.

A glass of wine in an empty house seemed the way to mourn their leaving. And I am inexplicably sad. I know that each and every one of them will go on to do amazing things, some more amazing than others, but each in their own unique way. Last week, my class president asked me to give the class of 2009 advice on film, to be recorded for senior night and for reunions to come. I was caught off guard, told them I loved them, shared my favorite quote by poet Mary Oliver, and wished them well.

Now, there are things I wished I had told them.

1. Hold out. Hold out for true love, not the idea of love. For the right time to have kids. For someone who will take care of your heart like they do their own. Hold out for good champagne, cheap stuff will give you a headache. Hold out for friends who will support you and keep your integrity.

2. Travel. Alone. At least once. Find your own adventure.

3. Get a theme song. Play it in your head when you walk into a room.

4. Party like a rock star. Don't let the moment go by and wish it back later.

5. Drink. Even if it's only a Seagrams Cooler or more orange juice than vodka. Enjoy the small things in life like a pre-dinner cocktail.

6. Dance every day.

7. Rock those jeans, no matter what size you are! Love yourself.

8. Listen to your inner voice. Take the time to be quiet. Yoga.

9. Let yourself float high, but never lose touch with the earth.

10. Do one thing every day that scares you.

I stood on that stage this afternoon, called out each name with joy and reverence. This was a new experience for me, to be on the other side of the podium for once. To know what it is like to look out upon the potential of our future generations...that is something I will never lose, something that is mine to hold. For this, I am grateful.