The big day has come and gone. It slipped by. No, not really, it whizzed by with lots of fanfare, hugs, kisses and, of course, there were a few tears. It was a traditional happening, one with lots of pomp and circumstance if tradition was followed.
For the 273 graduates in Westside Eagle Observer country, if I correctly counted the photos in last week's special section of the paper, it was indeed a special day. A day that to the grads, five or six years ago seemed centuries away. But, as the day drew closer, speed seemed to pick up and then suddenly, almost with a crash, 273 young people were poised on the highest peak thus far in their educational process.
What followed was a long sigh of release. Already those hugs and cheers begin to dim and reality begins to set in as surely as the tossed mortar boards bounced with a crash.
Down through the years I have written many Off the Cuff columns and editorials praising the achievements of our youth as they begin their climb up the ladder we call life.
I wondered what words could be written to today's young people who are so far advanced in their learning process and maturity when compared with my generation. The year 1952 was a century ago and the complexities of our society, its culture and the advancements and accomplishments since that day of my graduation can often be misunderstood and sometimes unappreciated.
Today's grads can scarcely understand the lack of knowledge we achieved in those primeval days. Consider: We had just come out of a great war which followed a deep depression, both of which tested and tried men's souls like no other. Our recent eight-year depression, that is still ending, coupled with the challenging and frustrating war and wars that continue today, must seem just as great as those earlier challenges. Perhaps they are. In fact, perhaps, they are more so in different ways.
Today's generation of grads has grasped some of the stories and history of challenges that occurred more than half a century ago, along with the many personal and national obstacles that have occurred -- and continue to occur.
Yes, today's grads certainly have better education than mine could possibly be since, in many ways, so much more history has occurred. Compare today's electronic world with the Dick Tracy wrist watches which were unheard of miracles in our youth. So, we salute them -- today's youth -- who hopefully have learned from these recent years and who can better grasp the challenges they face and must conquer.
So, congrats, grads; we salute you. During your formative years, that date to your childhood, you conquered the challenge when you took your first steps; you graduated to the tricycle stage and then moved upward past training wheels on that first bike. How did you learn those things? Through the patience of parents and others. You prevailed. And you were congratulated and bragged on for those accomplishments. But you were not finished. The transition from three wheels to two included challenges and balance. Further adventures awaited.
Ah, yes. Then came those first days behind a steering wheel. Then came the driving classes and practices on the family tractor or pickups in the pastures or on back roads. There was learning how to change a flat, the importance of checking the oil, how to shift gears, though this seems to be bypassed for many. Finally, there were those tests, written and driving. And you passed. Moms and dads held their breath as you ventured out alone. They paid those higher insurance bills. They kept their fingers crossed and there were probably lots of prayers thought or said. And you came through. You became personally acquainted with insurance premiums and car payments. You even had to really change your first flat tire.
As you conquered those things you, rightfully, were congratulated. So here you are, graduated from school. You're ready to go out into the world and ....
Whoops, what is that standing in your driveway? It looks like a monster standing there; its powerful engine silent, waiting for the spark to fire that diesel. And that huge, how many feet-long trailer, already hitched to the bright red cab, with all their wheels ready to jump forward as you work a complicated gear system that will move the monster.
That's where you are today, grad. The semi of life waits expectantly for you to climb into the cab, slide into the driver's seat and move it out.
Just always remember in the cab, in your brain, with you is a blueprint from your past 12 years, containing many lessons that should equip you in your future endeavors. But wait, you must pass your personal CDL test that is a continuing challenge every day of your lives. They are always there -- challenges. Some are expected; others will be thrust in your face. Just like slick roads, snowbanks, flooded streams, engine trouble, and so often the question, "What do I do now?"
Choose your roads wisely; keep checking the cab and the engine and tires; do you what you realize is best for you and those you love and who love you. There will be mistakes; there will be forks in the road; there will be times when you take the wrong fork. Shift gears, back up and then get back on track for the bright future that awaits you. And we, who watched you in your formative years, and on that special graduation day, will be proud of you -- and humbly thankful that all who had a part before that special day hopefully provided you with an accurate compass.
Congratulations, grads. And bon voyage!
Dodie Evans is the former owner and long time editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 05/18/2016