Sad...but a little much

NOTE: By no means am I trying, to insult, or be insensitive.

Last night I attended my brother in-law’s graduation. Firstly it was way too long, there were only 38 grads and it was still the better part of three hours...frig! But it being too long is not what I want to talk about today.

Last year there were two tragic accidents that killed two formers students from the community so last night at the graduation ceremony they awarded for the first time two new memorial scholarships. Once was nicely delivered while the other one, not so much.

The nicely delivered award was in memory of a young person who lost control of their car (wasn’t speeding and no alcohol involved) on their way home (in the afternoon) and was tragically killed. My heart goes out to this family.

The other award while still emotional was a little much. It involved a young person who was travelling with some friends and the driver who was intoxicated lost control and crash killing the young person from our community. This is a very horrible & sad story and I know this family and my heart goes out to this family as well, but last night seems to have left a bad taste in my mouth.

Last night they had this person’s sister talk about their sibling and give people insight to how they chose who received the award, to give people (who didn’t know this person) insight on who they were, how this person lived their life and to use the memorial as a celebration of their life. Although she did mention that she focused more on the tragedy, focused more on the individual who was responsible for the accident and how the investigation is still ongoing. She spoke to the grads saying that life is full of choices and responsibilities and mentioned that some of them will probably make bad choices and may even live in poverty (a little much I thought), or always in trouble etc, etc, etc. She was dwelling on the negativities that can be part of people’s lives. Yes people can make bad choices, yes people may not always be the most responsible but when you are directing your speech to 38 young adults waiting to get the rest of their lives started you can’t stand there and tell them that ‘life sucks and then you die’.

This sister should have used their sibling as an inspiration for quality of life, inspiration to be happy, acting courageous, honourable, hard working, passionate, and kind hearted. I knew the person killed and what I have just said spoke about them and who they were a lot more than speak about an investigation.

So to all the graduates of 2009 may you live life to fullest, dream big, fulfill those dreams, and enjoy your success.

Later

R

“If music be your breath of life, then play on”