Graduation brings back so many great memories for me, which is surprising considering I wasn’t even planning to attend my own. I had thought about going a few times, but I was dating “Adventure Guy” at the time—he was three years older than me, and the idea of going to grad without him felt strange. Call me crazy, right?

In the end, a friend of mine fell ill and asked if I would go in her place. Of course, I couldn’t say no to helping a friend. That left me with just one week to find a dress. I must have tried on dozens of frocks before realizing that the perfect solution was a pattern and some fabric. Thankfully, my mom, an accomplished seamstress, whipped up a charming dress in a matter of days. Problem solved! Feeling extremely pleased with myself, I just needed a few accessories, and soon enough, Cinderella was ready for the ball.

The evening went better than I had anticipated. In fact, I had a moment where I found myself wishing I had spent more time with my peers, enjoying high school life, and less time being someone’s girlfriend. I shook my head, realizing just how much had been happening around me that I’d been oblivious to. It was as if high school had passed me by, and I was trying to catch up in a single evening.

In true Cinderella fashion, as midnight approached, our entire graduating class dispersed, cramming into limos and heading to Prospect Point, a popular lookout in Stanley Park. It was a chaotic mix of mingling teenagers, along with another graduating class from a West Vancouver high school—there must have been over 900 people there. It was crazy and exciting.

As I stood alone, a guy from the other school approached me and asked, “How are you? Are you glad to be done with school?” I replied, “Of course!” We ended up chatting for a long time, talking as if we’d known each other forever. He was a nice guy, though I wish I could remember his name—Mike? Mikey? He was so excited about his future and that night.

We eventually parted ways, with him saying, “Nice to meet you, have a GREAT life!” I doubt he knew how much his words would impact me. He was just a new friend, someone I’d never see again, but his enthusiasm and genuineness left a lasting impression. It was the highlight of my night—words from a stranger that I can’t fully explain, maybe it was the emotions running high, or perhaps too much champagne, but I remember that moment vividly, and it has stayed with me ever since.

Fast forward to now… my younger son will be graduating from high school in a few weeks. I’m both happy and sad—these are exciting times, for sure. He was recently nominated by his peers as valedictorian, and I was over the moon with excitement for him. Naturally, he downplayed it, telling me there weren’t many students in the running. Regardless, it’s a huge privilege, and I’m not sure it has fully resonated with him yet.

I can’t help but wonder how he’ll address his graduating class and what his words of wisdom will be. Will he talk about the fun times they shared, how science was tough, and how math was even tougher? Maybe he’ll mention how F. Scott Fitzgerald wasn’t his favorite, but he actually enjoyed Shakespeare. Or perhaps he’ll reflect on the New Zealand rugby tour and the great season they had.

There’s so much to reminisce about, and I’m sure friendships will be at the heart of it all—after all, there would be no memories, no laughs, no stories without them. Whatever theme he chooses, I know he’ll be on point and reflect in his own unique way (even though I’m dying to help him).

I often think about my chance meeting with a stranger on Grad night and his kind words.  I would love to know who he was and tell him, it’s been a GREAT life!

LC

xo