"Advice for Moving On"

My daughter graduated from high school on Saturday, and will be going to Carolina in the fall. Today, Monday, I took her to the airport for two weeks in the Virgin Islands with her godmother. Every moment of the past month has been hectic, allowing little "alone" time together. We’d gone abroad for spring break in April to celebrate her graduation, but I wanted to give her another token to remember this major life event. A friend asked for a letter for her son who was graduating with Lyric, and I thought this would be a great way for me to share with both of them. Excerpts of my letters follow, imparting what I could to make their journey easier.

To Lyric Serena Angelique Thompson,
On The Eve Of Her Graduation…

Time has never passed so quickly for us than the almost eighteen years that we have been your parents. Our intelligent, beautiful, affectionate, cheerful little girl is now on the cusp of her independence, ready to fly to the heights of her own life, her own creation!

There is nothing we can tell you, but much we can remind you of that you already know: 

• A smile is the greatest gift you have to offer, and what people will always remember most about you. 
• When you truly care, lifetime friendships form. There are no mistakes in the cosmic card shuffle of connection. Treat everyone you meet as a friend, because they may well be your most important relationship. 
• Intention creates results. Your father and I built Satori, always knowing we could, though many others doubted. You can accomplish any dream you set your mind to, especially if you acknowledge and give thanks to the universe for your blessings. 
• Do what makes your heart sing—never settle for less. Even if it is a hobby, you need joy in your life. Spend some time in nature—it is the fastest path to serenity and grace. 
• Know that you don’t have to be religious to be spiritual. You are a child of God, an active participant in creation. Attitude is everything. Joy is infectious. Peace, whether in meditation, burying your nose in the ruff of a cat, or a walk through the filtered sunlight of a forest, is the foundation for knowing truth. Everything you need to know is inside you, if you listen quietly. What brings love and joy is the litmus for truth. 
• Always brush your teeth before bed and when you get up in the morning—and floss. The older you get, the more grateful you will be if you follow that advice! Love your body and take good care of it, but know that you are so much more than the package that holds you. 
• Be brave and believe in yourself. Those two things will take you beyond the limited thinking that makes life mundane. You can be all that you desire—Dream Big! Expect miracles and they will manifest. 
• Find a mentor, and never be afraid to ask for direction. If you find yourself in a position of doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some of the gruffest people I have met have had a heart of smooth satin. Don’t judge a book by its cover; remember, we are all one. 
• Respect and honor the earth and all of its inhabitants. If you travel, respect the customs of those you visit. 
• Try to make every place you live better for your having been there. 
• Take the time to play, explore, and know your self before you look for love. Love is a melding of two which creates three, each of you separately and one together. It is much easier if you both know your own hearts first. 
• Never forget that you are adored, cherished, and loved completely and unequivocally—our love for you is forever. We will delight in watching you fly, in seeing you soar in the vortex of light that you are to the world. We are overwhelmed with pride in all that you have accomplished. And, we are awed with the love you have given us. Thank you, for being our daughter! Go find your wings in laughter, love, wisdom and joy!

P.S. Don’t forget to write
~ Love, Mom and Dad

Carl Gibbs, Graduate!

When you are an old man, you will look back at your life as chapters in a book. You will remember the first chapter as your young years in Florida’s sunshine, and how they molded your spirit to playful adventure.

Your second chapter, your middle youth in these majestic mountains, will connect you with an appreciation of the beauty of nature. You will realize how blessed you were to experience both, and as you reflect they will be more fondly recalled than you can possibly imagine at this point in your life. You can’t wait to experience life: to see cities, to meet other kinds of people, to spread your wings and fly in your independence. This is as it should be! You are doubly blessed in having had a loving family, a unified family, throughout your childhood—a rarity in this day.

Your loss of your grandparents and the time your grandmother spent with you also will be an important part of this chapter. It was a powerful experience of familial ties and love that few children ever know—and it gave you the strength to deal courageously with death and loss—important lessons learned early.

As you leave for college, try to give yourself a moment each day to reflect or meditate—and ask your higher self for guidance on any questions in your life. It is a process that works! Know that you are a kind person, a good person, a fun person, and loved by many. Just saying those words to yourself can give you confidence when you are feeling shaky. Know that having a few close friends is more important and more rewarding than many acquaintances. It is the true friends that help you through the hard times. When problems arise and you feel afraid or unsure, go to nature for the peace of connecting to who you really are.

But, the most important lesson is to always remain true to yourself—the cost of friendship is much too high if it expects you to change to earn it. Your smile is your passport to joy—use it often. And, as you go out into the world, know that your family and friends are right behind you with their prayers and love and wishes for your every happiness and success in life!

Love, light, and laughter,
The Thompsons

~ Gabrielle M. Thompson, June 2002
© 2002 Gabrielle M. Thompson

Gabrielle Thompson lives with her husband Ed and daughter Lyric in the mountains of western North Carolina at Eco-Cove, a 117-acre wildlife sanctuary and trout farm. She has a degree in Anthropology, works in the library at the local community college, and is a free-lance writer. Previously, she helped Ed build, sail, and charter the 75' schooner, SATORI, for 14 years in the Virgin Islands. Gabrielle recently finished a novel, Adventures in Paradise. "...keep me in your thoughts & prayers until I get an agent & book deal!"