June is typically a month filled with graduations of all kinds - preschool, middle school, high school and college. Yesterday I attended a graduation unlike any other. It was at Oxbow Academy.
Only one student was graduating. His favorite teacher, his therapist, and a fellow student all spoke. Then his father took the podium. Battling back tears, this man stood for several minutes trying to compose himself. When he was at last able to speak, this is what he said:
"A year ago at this time I thought the chances of attending your funeral were much greater than attending your high school graduation. I am so proud of you. I am so thankful for this place and for how far you've come."
The graduate had been sexually abused for years as a small child by a trusted neighbor. In turn, he lashed out with anger and abuse to young children within his family circle. In desparation over what had been done to him, and what he had done to others, he attempted to take his own life. No one discovered his secret and no one knew how to help him - until now.
His past is filled with pain and regret and mistakes that can't easily be righted nor ever fully repaired. As for his future, that remains to be seen. His family and many members of his community are ready to welcome him home with open arms and a detailed relapse prevention plan.
So the boy who stands on the threshold of the future leaves Oxbow and re-enters life. His high school diploma, as difficult as it was to earn, is the least of his accomplishments. He has survived brutal abuse, sought help for his own victims, and battled every day for more than a year to understand what happened, why, and how to end it forever.
This is a graduation to remember.
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