Oh, the mistakes you'll make....

Heather graduated recently. All three of my kids made it through high school, and the older two more or less put themselves through college. I don't take credit, but I am proud of all of them. At Heather's graduation, which was more variety show than "Pomp and Circumstance, ad nauseum," the kids did a production of Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You Will Go." It was amazingly professional, even with understanding the caliber of student who attends this school. Heather's performance with the select group of orchestra members was likewise phenomenal (and yes, I'd say that, even if she weren't my kid). But the Seuss performance was very appropriate, and reminded me of some things I've told my kids, but failed to remember myself, chief of which is that life isn't fair. Fair is a weather condition. Sometimes you'll be surrounded by friends and family who support you. Sometimes you'll be alone. Sometimes you'll do great. Sometimes you'll screw up and have to deal with the consequences. But no matter what, giving up isn't the right answer. You have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going, even if it means going on alone.