A Special Note: With graduation season upon us, I was reminded of this poem I wrote for Ashton when she graduated high school. She and Austin loved Dr. Seuss (me too!) and we always read the book Oh, the Places You Will Go. It’s a popular book to give to grads but I decided to write my own, more personal version! This is always a sad time for me as I say good-bye to our WHBC and HPS grads. Some of these kids I’ve watched grow up and can’t believe they are leaving too – it never ends for me! Wait until next year when Austin graduates…oh, the tears! Anyway, I thought this poem might be something that you’d enjoy or might like to share with someone. I saw it on Ashton’s bulletin board, at college, these last few years too, by the way!
ON THE LAUNCHING PAD
Oh, the people you have seen
Some were nice, some were mean.
There’s always evil and always good
And you’ve been shown what you should.
Lessons big, lessons small
Take them with you one and all.
For the hands you held so very tight
You’ll let go of now as you take flight.
And though I want you in my nest
I have to do what I know is best.
So fly, little one, all on your own
But know you’ll never be alone.
My prayers will be your extra wings
And my love overshadows all bad things.
Because you know the greatest tool
Someone you never met in school
You met at an altar through your tears
And He has kept you all these years.
And as long as you will keep Him, too
No one or thing can frighten you.
So don’t put Him on your dorm room shelf
And make a god out of yourself.
Fail we do but God does not
For there isn’t a fight He hasn’t fought.
He’s never lost and He never will
He was victory then and is victory still.
So count on Him and no other thing
For His joy outlasts what temptations bring.
His everlasting arms will be your home
Visit often and you’ll never roam.
You’ll find safety there and all you need
His lessons are the ones to heed.
And so as this time draws ever near,
And you’ll leave, with dreams, away from here,
Remember me, who thinks you’re grand
The fairest princess in all the land.
I was chosen for this special task
What was it? I’m glad you asked.
To raise God’s gift and have the pleasure
To have and hold life’s greatest treasure.
“Wake up!”, I’d say, “open your eyes”
For every day was a special prize.
And I was the winner every minute
Of every day ‘cause you were in it.
My soundtrack has played a symphony
Composed of moments with just you and me.
But now that you’re a big girl in training
Be always the sunshine in hearts that are raining.
For you’ve been my sky, my sun, and even the moon,
You grew up too fast and are leaving too soon.
I need many more years and many more days
I need much more time, I can count all the ways.
But your needs come first and I’ll never forget
This is your sunrise, not my sunset.
You’re ready, you’re set, it’s okay to go
Even if my emotions are tossed to and fro.
I know it’s your moment and your time to shine
I’ll watch from afar, and say, “That one is mine”.
You are amazing, my angel, I’ll whisper that cheer
Just as I’ve told you all of these years.
So when you’re asleep just know Mom is praying
And if she were there she would still be saying
“I love you to the moon and back again”
But this time I’ll add,
“Come home soon to see your mom, brother, and dad”.
Until then, take us with you and there we will be
And remember we love, love, love you …
Especially me.
