Living On Pitch

I attended a college graduation recently and I experienced a living on pitch moment. I showed up for several colleagues to cheer them on and I also showed up for someone else to cheer them on. I did not know they were graduating alone. I knew they traveled from out of state to be at their own graduation but I didn’t realize they would be there celebrating without someone to look for them in the sea of caps and gowns, without a hug from their family, a big smile or the excitement of yelling and screaming congratulations.

I later learned from her that the cost of the trip was too expensive to bring everyone, so she decided to leave them behind and just walk the stage, carry the memories and go back home. What a joy it was to be there for someone else who did not expect to see anyone she knew at her graduation ceremony or to be celebrated for all the hard work and accomplishment of obtaining a degree. I was grateful when she expressed how much my presence meant to her. We smiled, hugged, cheered and celebrated because she deserved and earned it and isn’t that what you do at a graduation? Oh…. and take pictures. Every graduate should know how much they matter and how important their stories of overcoming challenges , being persistent, focusing on and reaching their goals impacts the future and the next generation.

It matters when you show up for yourself and for others. It matters when you look back at all you’ve accomplished and see it was not easy but you made it, and you realize you were never alone in your journey. God was and still is with you every step of the way.

To the class of 2026, I celebrate you!