Touch the Sky

This week we had a little graduation party for three girls in my neighborhood that are graduating this month. They belong to their parents, of course, but they belong to me too, as I’ve watched them all grow up from little tiny girls into the incredible women they are today and I LOVE them. I’m blown away by the intelligence, resilience, strength, humor, athleticism, wisdom, power and grace that each of them have demonstrated on so many occasions. It’s a powerful thing to be part of a village, raising our kids all together, leaning on each other and learning from each other constantly. We sit on the same sidelines and cheer each others’ kids on right alongside our own. We clap at the same performances, attend the same banquets, walk through the same school fairs, and as my wall fills up with graduation cards that aren’t even for my own kids, I find myself with a lump in my throat for all of them. I get choked up watching the senior dancers wave and leave the stage. The senior athletes cut down the banners that have been smiling down at everyone in the commons. All the farewell nights where this class signs off to make way for the next group to take their place. What are we going to do without these specific lights and all their individual personalities and the energy they bring to our circles? How can we be the same without their unique talents?? And at the same time, I’m so happy for them as they’re so ready to stretch to the next thing. Holding them back would only hold them back and no one wants that. So go fly. We’ll send you off with a big push of love from this entire community who believes in you. Touch the sky.

[“Touch the Sky” 12×12, available this weekend at the Art Squared auction in Spring City, swipe for more info]