Those of you who have experienced a child or grandchild graduating from high school will relate here. This will recount my remembrance of my granddaughter Payson’s big day.

A wonderful set of feelings came over me today. I attended my granddaughter’s graduation from high school, “Holy Innocence,” here in Atlanta. Three different “energies” converged within me during the ceremony I had to write about.

Picture narrow streams of water meandering, flowing gently down a mountainside. Each seeking their own path. At one point they come together as one flowing stream. Akin to the way tributaries eventually feed into a larger river or stream.

This is how I felt this morning as I thought back on Payson’s graduation. Embracing energies that came to me in different ways. But that ultimately converged bringing a warm smile … a feeling of true joy.

The prior day she had performed before the entire Upper School. Sang a beautiful, haunting song accompanied by three classmates on guitarists. I watched it on video. Immediately tears flowed. Hadn’t known how talented she is. What a great voice she has! Music has always been an important part of my life. I play music every morning when I write. I’m playing music now. Usually sing along. Soothes me. Fills me. Fires me up too! To me, “Music is magic.” Listening to my granddaughter was a true moment.
I was captivated by Payson’s song.
Energy #1.

I remembered my times with her mom, Sam. Singing to her as a child. Watching her eyes open wide as though she seemed deeply connected to my “performance.” Maybe … but probably only a bit. But my singing to her then rushed to my memory …Sam’s graduation day. In particular seeing her at the age of four raising her arms to the sky in our den as I sang to Sinatra’s “Here’s to the Winners.”
This particular verse really hit home.
“Here’s to the winners … all of us can be.”
And she is to this day
Energy #2.

Then there was Sam’s graduation from college. At a reception … one of her classmates said this, “And I cannot believe Sam could remember the words to all those songs!!”  Sam always loved her music too. Still does.
Energy #3.

Three energies. Blending together like three flowing streams.  As a proud grandfather watched his precious granddaughter graduate from high school. Her beautiful performance. Then reaching back in my memory. To the music in me. It’s magic. My fun with Sam at four years old. Singing Sinatra.
These are the moments when I feel the the most joy.
Look forward to the next time emotions, energies converge in just this way.
Another graduation maybe? Even a wedding?!
Can’t wait …