Celebrating my 39th birthday at a high school graduation party wasn’t exactly how I envisioned the day. Initially, I had planned to attend a concert, but plans changed. The concert date fell through because of the graduation party and then to top it off, my date couldn’t make it to the party either due to an unexpected out of state work trip. So, I arrived at the celebration feeling a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the party itself was wonderful, a joyous occasion filled with energy and excitement, and I was so happy to have been included! It just wasn’t what I had anticipated for the night, but it actually turned out so much better than expected.
Around a hundred people gathered to celebrate the graduates’ achievements. Amidst the festivities, something unexpected happened—the entire group sang happy birthday to me. It was incredibly sweet and heartwarming, yet I couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed standing up in front of everyone. I felt awkward, but their gesture made me feel recognized and appreciated, even though it wasn’t my party. I smiled from ear to ear the entire time (and tried to fight back the tears that were forming from falling!) and my daughter was so kind to record it all for me so I have this sweet (and slightly cringy haha) moment to look back on forever.
As the celebration continued, I found myself deep in thought. This party stirred up many emotions and memories for me. I never attended my own high school graduation because I had my daughter and graduated from night school early. Missing out on that milestone meant missing out on other significant high school experiences like homecomings and proms as well. It was a challenging time in my life, and being at this party brought back those memories.
The festivities and fun had by the graduate and his friends, filled with hope and excitement for the future, then started to remind me of my own daughter’s high school graduation. Her graduation was an emotional time for me (her entire senior year actually!), a blend of pride and a tinge of sadness for the moments I missed in my own youth and knowing that she would soon be leaving me to start her own adult life. She was at the party with me, and having her there was a comforting presence. Yet, it also reminded me of those times and all the changes that have happened since she graduated.
Reflecting on these experiences, I realized how much they all shaped who I am today. Despite the bittersweet memories, I am grateful for the journey. The party, though not initially planned, turned into a meaningful experience. It reminded me of the importance of celebrating life’s milestones, both big and small, and cherishing the moments with loved ones. I was sure to encourage my daughter to enjoy that period in her life and not miss any of the moments as they came. I’m so glad I was able to share that time in her life with her and now also be a small part of this young man’s journey as well. I wish him all the best in all the blessings that are to come next! And again, feel so incredibly lucky that he and his family included me in such a milestone moment in his life. It was an amazing night for everyone.
When I left the party, way past my bedtime (haha), I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the kind gesture from the guests, for the memories shared with my daughter and everyone else there, being asked to be included in such a momentous occasion, and for the reflections on my past that continue to shape my present. Life has a funny way of bringing us full circle, and sometimes, it’s in the most unexpected moments that we find the deepest connections, most wonderful people, and insights that we can carry with us into the future.
Congrats to all the recent grads out there and best wishing for your next chapter!
As always, with love,
-LS