Libby, our younger grandchild graduates from South Carolina Upstate next Monday. And on Tuesday she gets her Nursing cap. Do you have any idea how very proud we are? We’ll all be there your Mama and Papa and sister and just about all the family--and of course sitting there smiling, your grandparents (us.)
We were there when you were born. And we’ve watched you slowly like a mighty fine plant make your way up, up. It hasn’t been easy. It never is. But despite “through many dangers toils and snares” you will put on your graduation robe and stole. Growing up is never easy for anybody. Just getting through Grade school is sometimes a challenge. But high school and adolescence all at the same time—well, whew—you got through it. And college with all its new challenges and fears came your way. And guess what? You did it. You were a runner in school. And you were good—we saw some of your races and grandparents are a very fine judge of races.
You have put the same intensity in school as you put on those long hard runs and we are all
proud, very proud of all you have done. And so we will all be there as many of us were sitting in those stands as you ran and ran.
I could say all kinds of things—-but you know…you know how much we love you and how proud we are of you. One of my favorite stories which comes out of the South tells that the finest high school athlete was noticed by scouts all over. They would make their way down that country road and then that dirt path that led to that little four-room house in the wrong part of town. Finally the young man decided on what school he wanted to go to. And the Coach came and the reporters from the local paper and even the state paper were there that morning. He signed and his Mama standing there was so proud.
He worked that summer until it was a time to go off to his first college practice. The last morning his Mama got up early and put on the grits and the country ham and bacon. She rolled out the big biscuits he loved so much. She piled his plate full of eggs. After he ate a Van rolled up outside to take him to the school. He went back into the bedroom got his one suitcase and was ready to leave. And his Mama a little ninety pound woman reached up to hug her great big son. And before he turned to leave she whispered in his ear, “Son, remember who you is. Always remember who you is.” He turned, picked up his suitcase and walked out the door.
And dear Libby after you walk across that stage always remember who you are. For if you do that you will run this other race—much harder than the track—and despite all the ups and downs you will make it as you made it through all those years back there—and all the struggles and the hard times.
We love you much. We always will. And we will be in those bleachers from here on out yelling and cheering as you run the race that is coming up.
I love Langston Hughes poem called “Mother to Son.”
“Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it, And splinters.
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
‘Cause you find it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’ honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”
——Roger Lovette / rogerlovette.blogspot.com
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