“On the Verge”

Day 99, #2026bigyearproject

The day before I graduated, my roommate and I attended a baccalaureate service. Her dad caught us as we were heading to our seats. The speaker inspired me to use my education and skills to make a positive difference in the future. I did not know how I would do this, but I believe he sparked an interest that has remained strong.

A couple of days before our wedding, Steve and I shared a meal with a few friends and family members. It was casual and lighthearted. My old roommate snapped this photo. What a sweet memento of that weekend.

Wouldn’t it be great to go back in time and catch glimpses of ourselves as we prepared to take momentous steps? There are usually photographs of the big days, but it is more rare to see how we looked as we were about to make a drastic change.

How about listening to the inner monologue as we psyched ourselves up to take on a challenge? Would we be using supportive, encouraging words or squealing into our own ears? How did we treat others who were accompanying us? Were we an example of calm or the creator of a maelstrom?

What about a visit a month, a year, or a decade after that pivotal time? How were we faring? How did the event affect us? Did we change dramatically or come out unfazed? Did our relationships shift? What did we take from that experience?

I have more questions than answers because these thoughts just came to me today, but I know I will ponder them for a while, especially if I run across more such pictures.

#2026bigyearproject