By Brenda Black
“I couldn't have done it without
you,” he whispered in my ear as we held each other tightly in a
moment forever engraved on my heart. My college graduate towered over
me and I felt so small, so proud, so sad, happy, weary and wonderful
all at the same time on this very special Mother's Day.
Just a short three years ago, I wept
and cheered my way through his older brother's commencement. That
didn't make it any easier this time around. But while I compare the
emotional strain from the first to the last of my graduates, I can't
help but count the cost it took to get each of them to such a
destination. A thousand prayers, unending words of encouragement, the
late night study tips and long-distance consoling, nor the financial
support, will ever calculate the end value. Once in a lifetime
experiences plus the beginning of life long friendships plus the
solid, well prepared launch into adulthood equals worth it!
But back to that phrase: “I couldn't
have done it without you.” Can any of us truly say we accomplished
any of our greatest achievements by flying solo? I don't think so.
Parents, teachers, friends, spouses,
peers, bosses and total strangers help us throughout our lives. Mom
gave me life and instilled creativity, Dad taught me to drive and
disciplined me. My teachers taught me how to read and write and a
pony named Spunky taught me to love riding. My kids taught me
patience and joy and one forced me to master the art of washing
chickens while the other insisted I learn to hunt. My husband holds
my hand through many a crises, loves me as I am and listens to my
heart. I have editors that polish me and friends that challenge me.
Yes, I am convinced, I couldn't have done much without all of these.
The month of May presents many
opportunities to ponder the people in our lives who have co-piloted
our destinies. Moms get thanked ceremoniously in an effort to make up
for the millions of times we take them for granted. Children get
applauded for their academic prowess and paraded through high school
and college gymnasiums dressed in caps and gowns. But, hopefully May
is not the only time we pause and give notice.
When my son spoke those words in my
ear, his simple, loving, sincere sentence meant everything to me. Of
course I trembled and choked back tears. I tried a half-hearted
attempt at jokingly agreeing. Down deep, I was
simultaneously drowned
and raised on a tidal wave of emotion. It meant the world to me!
Our words don't have to be many to say
much. A special occasion is not necessary. Just once in a while and
whenever you get the opportunity, tell the people in your life how
much they've contributed to the person you've become. No one does
anything great alone. But each one of us can do something great when
we take the time to just say thanks and let others know how they've
impacted our lives.
