Last Saturday morning, I woke up at 6 o'clock to light streaming in through my window curtains. Minutes later I could be found in the kitchen rolling out the dough for stickie buns that I was making for my graduation party that day. A few months ago graduation wasn't even on my mind, let alone grad parties. So when a dear friend of mine brought up the idea of hosting a party together, I didn't really know how I felt about this whole grad party thing. Sure, I was happy to throw a party with this friend, but in my experience, grad parties could be kind of awkward affairs. But who knows, I thought to myself, maybe hosting a grad party will be different.
And it was. Six thirty in the morning saw me sliding pans of sticky buns into the oven. By eight the kitchen and yard were all a jumble as the quiche was thrown together, tables set up, flowers arranged. All the while I was a little nervous for the party. After all, I'm not the biggest talker of all my friends and I had a feeling that I was going to explain my gap year to a lot of people. I also didn't have a sense for how many people would show up. Did we have enough food? Did we have too much? Will it rain or will the whether hold up?
Somehow, ten o'clock rolled around and some people showed up. Eleven rolled around and there were even more people. By twelve there was quite a crowd. I spent my time floating around, greeting people, hugging old friends, smiling. Although I was pretty tired by the last half hour, I sincerely enjoyed myself.
Why was it fun? Well, despite the fact that it constantly threatened to rain, I constantly answered the same questions, and I wasn't able to indulge in the bubble blowing with my friends, I enjoyed getting to see and talk to the people that I care about, and who, I have reason to believe, care about me.
Time after time I saw some dear old friend walk in. Time after time I was absolutely thrilled to see that they had made it. My coaches were there. My theatre people were there. Many of the adults who watched me grow up were there. And yes, not everyone was able to come; my extended family lives out of state, other friends were out of town. Regardless of whether or not they were there, I suddenly became aware of the number of people that I cared about.
Sometime throughout the day, this party became less about celebrating my graduation and more about spending time with people I truly care about--the people that have contributed their vibrancy, support, and love to my life. And while I am thankful for the cards and the gifts that were given to me yesterday (and I promise, guys, thank you cards are coming) I am most thankful for the reminder that I have good people in my life.
Saturday that old phrase about it taking a village to raise a child came to mind. And yes, it appears that a village has been in my life all this time. From my family to the honorary members of my family who watched--and helped--me grow up. From my friends who inspire me on a daily basis to my teachers and coaches who have pushed me to the edge of my abilities. I can't count the number of amazing people who I count as my friends. I can only hope that you feel as lucky as I do when I think of my loved ones.
Thinking back on Saturday, my feelings are hard to articulate. The only word I can come up with is thankful. Having just been reminded that I have many beautiful and inspiring people in my life, I feel all the more thankful I have had the good fortune to know them. For who would I be without my village. Who would I be without a web of support--of love. Who would I be if I didn't have people in my life that believed in my ability to contribute to the world, in my intelligence, in my potential. Who would I be if I didn't have people who believed in me?
Well, I can tell you one thing--I sure wouldn't have the guts to leave home.
So, in a nutshell, thank you. Thanks for letting me into your lives. Thanks for helping me learn how to read, how to act, how to swim. Thanks for giving me tools, advice, and feedback. Thanks for pushing me, for challenging me, and cheering me on. Thanks for the gifts you have given me, the time you have given me, and the love you have given me.
I can only hope I have as much love to give in return.
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