Dear Doctor,
It’s that time of year where commencements are the order of the day, and it was
an extraordinarily joyful experience to watch my eighteen-year-old son Daniel
graduate from high school this weekend. The last of our three sons to hit this
significant milestone, he made us immensely proud once again, a sentiment I’m
sure many of you have enjoyed, and others certainly will in the not-too-distant
future.
Why did I feel the tears start to come as the principal read his name? Why did I
see those wonderful little episodes of his life flash before my eyes? Why did I
have trouble holding the camera steady as he strode forth confidently to receive
his diploma?
We live in a world of sound bites and soap operas, whiners and warriors, reality
TV and an unreal society – but some things remain constant, and this rite of
passage, transcending youth and entering adulthood, is as timeless as any of our
customs and ceremonies.
So it didn’t bother me to sit broiling in the midday sun, enduring a seemingly
endless stream of teenagers walking up to be recognized – and when it was my
son’s turn, I felt myself welling up, moved by the meaning of the moment,
realizing how blessed I am to see him reach this pivotal time in his life and
career. Seeing his broad smile as he shook the principal’s hand and clutched his
certificate, a metaphorical gateway to the rest of his existence, I couldn’t
help but reflect on my good fortune, to be able to partake of this delightful
slice of life.
What important events might you be taking for granted, and how much more joy
could you manifest if you were to connect with these little invitations to be
totally and utterly alive? You’ve heard it said that no one on their deathbed
has feelings of regret about not spending enough time at the office, but sitting
there on a hot June day, I relived every second of my love and gratitude for my
boys, and looked at my wife one more time with wonder and appreciation that
cannot be expressed in words.
What kind gesture have you resisted sharing, what momentous occasion have you
looked past, what day to remember did you underemphasize that would have added
to the richness of your memories? What relationship have you nurtured less than
ideally, and what consequences are you paying for lack of such an investment? I
can always come up with some work to do, yet if I forget to honor these poignant
reminders of what it’s really all about, I may make more money, but lose out in
the long run.
This is the juice of life, and the willingness to participate all out is a
ticket to living in full color, expressing all that it is to be human. Special
days are too few and far between for us to minimize them – each holds within it
the seed of a magnificent memory of love, there to be summoned in quiet times
when we need to recall who we really are and what we really value.
Thanks, Dan, for being such a terrific kid, and for making such a huge
difference in our lives. It’s time for you to take the next steps toward what
I’m sure will be a glorious future, but please forgive me if I linger in the
past for just a while longer, reveling in all the good you’ve added to my life.
I won’t crowd you, I won’t embarrass you in front of your friends, but please
know that you mean everything to me.
Dr. Dennis Perman, for The Masters Circle
PS If you want to get to the next level and you could use some help, The Masters
Circle may have the answers you’ve been looking for. Come to our next seminar,
August 14-16 in Washington, DC to see for yourself -- please call 800.451.4514,
or go to www.themasterscircle.com.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
