This week my beautiful granddaughter Latrice will graduate with the high school seniors in our town.
It is a nervous, uncertain and exciting time for these young men and women.
They have hopes and dreams. We all remember that sense of accomplishment and freedom.
“We’re adults now. We can do anything we want to do.”
I remember it well. I thought the world was mine and my future was mine to shape.
Admittedly, I could not have done much on my own at that time. I went off to Sacramento to attend dental assisting school, paid for by my parents. I lived in a cute apartment with a friend. That, too, was paid for by my folks, along with my car, gas and food. It felt good to be independent.
I was anything but independent.
There is still hope today. Our kids are making plans for summer jobs and trying to find their way.
It cannot be easy for these brand-new adults venturing into the crazy world of today.
It was hard enough during my parent-supported freedom in the 1960s. These days, they face far more hurdles.
Just as we did, they will make mistakes. They will fall and they will get back up. Eventually, they will find their way.
I have watched a lot of kids grow up in this small town. I have watched some struggle but even more succeed.
I have hope for our young people. We hope and pray they will all be healthy, happy and successful.
God bless our kids and all of the 2026 graduates.
Life is good today.