Last week our youngest daughter graduated from university. It was a milestone. It seems that I am in a year of milestones, or a touching down on some stepping-stones that over the course of our lifetime traverse an array of terrains. We only see the steps as we encounter them. They leave a trail of joys and sorrows and the curve of their destination is yet unknown to us.

This year has seen big birthdays, and graduations, one daughter moved out, one is to be married, and one back home for a moment. We are sort of empty nesters. And these significant moments, these times of celebration, completions and beginnings are caught in my chest with tears of happiness, gratitude and memories of our parents, especially my mother. We lost my dad when I was young and she put me through university and made me a wedding. We had so little, and she did so much for me, and it was her joy. How they all would have loved to share these moments with us. How blessed we are that they guided us to our path. We feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to provide for our children, and delight when they reach goals, and that echoes our parents, and their quests for our journeys as well.

My sister had a favourite rhyme; one that as a child I remember her inscribing in my little blue autograph book. It has stuck with me. “The future lies before us just like a path of snow, be careful how you tread on it for every step shall show.”

I am fulfilled with my life, my friends, my family and I am thankful each day for all that I have. Graduations remind us of this feeling, a sense where we have come from, and what lies before us, a sense of continuance from generation to generation, and the unbelievable expanse that lay ahead for hopes and dreams. “Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference.” Arie Pencovici