Tuesday, June 18th was my step son Connor’s graduation. I woke feeling very tired and sore but ready to be there for Connor on his special day. To me, it felt like a dual celebration, we were both “graduating” in our own ways. Connor from Chatsworth Elementary School and me, from Cancer Treatments.
What a happy day for us both!
As I sat in the warm auditorium feeling, not so great, and fanning myself with the commencement program, I felt myself getting choked up. I reflected back on the past year – and all that we had both accomplished. Connor, marching through school and exceling at every sport he played, praying for me in CCD class and lacing his Lacrosse stick in hot pink for Breast Cancer. Me, powering through a terrible back injury and then cancer.
Here we were, both smiling, we had a lot to celebrate. When I saw Connor walking up to get his “diploma” and that sweet dimpled grin on his face, tears were in my eyes. I was so proud of him, my sweet step son with his natural charisma and winning smile. A chapter for us both closing, a new chapter starting and a world of new beginnings around the corner for both of us.
The kids sang several songs, but the one that resonated the most was the one that they sang in closing. All the 5th graders with their bright futures ahead of them. It’s called Hall of Fame. I wanted to share it here with you.
It’s a great reminder, that YOU have the ability to do whatever it is that you want to, if you put your mind to it.
So whoever, and wherever you are in this life. Go be great. No matter what life throws your way. Take it and make the experience into something positive and BE A CHAMPION!
“Hall Of Fame”
(feat. Will.I.Am)
You could beat the world
You can throw your hands up
Standing in the hall of fame (yeah)
You can go the distance
You could be the hero
Yeah, do it for your people
Do it for your country
When you’re standing in the hall of fame (yeah)
Be a champion, be a champion, be a champion, be a champion
Be students, Be teachers, Be politicians, Be preachers (Yeah)
Be believers, Be leaders, Be astronauts, Be champions, Be truth seekers
Be students, Be teachers, Be politicians, Be preachers
Be believers Be leaders Be astronauts Be champions
Standing in the hall of fame (yeah, yeah, yeah)
(You can be a champion) You could be the greatest
(You can be a champion) You could beat the world
(You can be a champion) You can throw your hands up
(You can be a champion) You can be a master
Standing in the hall of fame.