I recently met a 28-year-old man at an area beach in Fort Myers, Florida. He offered to carry my sandy beach chair, towels, and a tote across a lengthy parking lot and then helped to load my things into the trunk of my car. I was pleased by his, dare I say, chivalrous gesture and I wished him a Happy Wednesday. But, instead of heading toward his car, he put out his hand as to shake mine. The sweet stranger caught me off guard and I thought, Oh! Gee! What do I do? I don’t want to insult him…but I want to keep safe...and practice social distancing...as recommended. Oy, maybe a fist bump would suffice!
It became clear to the young man that I was struggling with what to do, so he offered his elbow. I giggled and offered mine too. We both breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
He then introduced himself, I’m Paul.
Just as he spoke his name, a small-framed pregnant woman with long, blonde hair approached us. Her smile was radiant and so seemingly was her disposition.
Hello, I am Anna, she said.
I introduced myself to the lovely couple and commented on Paul’s gentlemanly gesture.
Someone knew what they were doing when they raised you...they have taught you well.
Paul replied, Thank you, that person was my father.
Paul went on to share this story:
In 2009, as a recent high school graduate, a newly accepted college student, and a football scholarship recipient at an out-of-state school, Paul had every reason to be happy! Not only was he elated about getting into the university of his choice, but his dad was a proud alumnus too.
In early June, Paul, his family, friends, and fellow grads got together for a party to celebrate their monumental day. And according to him, everyone had a great time. He spoke of the smallest details including the vibrant streamers, balloons, and outdoor lights that illuminated the massive tent in his backyard. He noted a meticulously decorated table adorned with gifts and a special small box made by his parents for gift cards. He admitted to being confident that he would score, financially speaking.
After the number of guests dwindled down, Paul and his brother offered to take a friend home, and his mother headed out to return a small appliance that a neighbor had lent-out for the occasion. his dad stayed behind to clean-up.
Unfortunately, while the family was out, Paul’s father, Vince, was a victim of a home invasion. He was robbed at gunpoint and later died of complications related to a gunshot wound.
In the chaos of the situation, Vince did something remarkable. He managed to toss the box of gift cards under the table. The thieves did not get away with it.
Several days following Vince’s funeral, Paul took the box of cards up to his room. He opened them one-by-one. There were cards from the party’s attendees, a few from family members who could not make it, and of course, one from his mother and father. Paul was grateful. As he picked up what he thought was an empty box, he discovered a small sealed envelope stating, To my son. Paul’s hands shook as he opened it.
The card read,
A wise man once said,
Wherever you go
THERE you are. - Confucius
It was signed,
And THERE I will be. - Love, Dad
According to Paul, Vince has attended his son’s first day of college and every football game. He has sat in on final exams and walked with him across the stage at his college graduation. He has put his arm around his son as he wed his beautiful bride and he will be there for the birth of their first child. Paul and Anna intend to name their son after his grandfather, Vincent Paul.
Paul still carries his most treasured high school graduation card. He finds comfort and peace in Vince’s words and rests in the knowledge that his beloved father will always be there.
The 2020 graduation season is now upon us. And although social distancing and the inability to travel may change the way we celebrate it, the opportunity to express our pride in the graduate’s accomplishment has not.
Congratulations graduates! It has been an extraordinary and unprecedented year!
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