Congratulations to all of you!
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer
Tips of the Day –
1. Carry extra Kleenex. I passed out cotton handkerchiefs to my immediate family while we were waiting for the ceremony to begin.
2. Bring throw away cameras and give them to others so you can simply enjoy the moment and not be in charge of capturing it with photos and video.
3. Snacks for sure
4. Give short specific stories while toasting the graduate. Share memories and future hopes for them. Even if you are shy, gear up and do it. They will remember and appreciate you. You will too.
5. You could gift everyone at the celebration meal with a photo, or CD of one or two songs that has upbeat words about the day. I gave HEAVENLY DAY by Patty Griffin. I knew the graduate loved that song.
6. Make it happen…a group photo. Put someone in charge of that detail.
7. Dance. Sing. Even if you never do that, do it for yourself and the graduate. You don’t get this day back. Go for the fun.
8. If you can’t stop crying which might surprise you, start counting everyone around you who is holding a camera. It shifts you. Tears are good. Tears all day, not so good.
9. Embrace everyone. Your ex-partner and their family are all part of who the graduate is today, even if you never witnessed that.
10. You’ll be talking about this day forever. We still laugh about the rain, the songs being off pitch, the great stories people shared and of course, that moment of your child walking across the stage in the cap and gown and you standing and cheering.
“Stories were full of hearts being broken by love, but what really broke a heart, was taking away its dream—whatever that dreams might be.” Pearl S. Buck writer
Have fun celebrating,
Natalie
www.emptynestsupport.com
Natalie@emptynestsupport.com
800-446-3310 Los Angeles
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
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