Beginnings and Endings

Everything that we begin always comes to an ending,

And in everything that ends we find a new beginning;

Over and over again the wheels of Life keep turning,

Hoping as they do more of Life’s lessons we’ll be learning.

One hundred, fifty-one thousand people today will die,

While three hundred sixty thousand babies make their first cry;

Nearly twice as many of those we lose will we replace,

Double the opportunity our challenges to face.

So as you now walk the stage from high school to graduate,

Three million, six hundred thousand join you to celebrate;

That many American youth graduate high school this year,

Each one to flip their tassel and let out a hearty cheer.

All of you are unique, individual, none the same,

And many different directions you will all take aim;

But all of them and you this phase of life are now ending,

And each and every one a new phase is beginning.

Many will succeed, many will fail, many will do both,

For many times set-backs are necessary in our growth;

But for those who keep trying and all the steps they do take,

Eventually their big goal they finally will make.

But while your goal you pursue, keeping it always in sight,

Your life and your happiness in the meantime, you should not slight;

Enjoy the journey, find pleasure in whatever you do,

To yourself and your loved ones be sure to always stay true.

For life is full of beginnings and endings ev’ry day,

Little steps toward the big steps that take you on your way;

But Love is the only thing you’ll begin that never ends,

It lives on always in the hearts of family and friends.

Take time to nurture the Loves you have and those you’ll create,

More happiness in Life it will definitely translate;

May Love be a strong foundation on which you can depend,

That you can always count on your family or a friend.

Hooray! Congratulations! On what you just did achieve!

But there is so much more ahead, I know we both believe!