The Pain of Pomp and Circumstance

Who can I trust when I am days from graduation and hours from death? This is the inside voice of many graduates during this season. Think of the child who is being promoted from 6th grade to the junior high level. Consider the 8th grader who is in the teenage years and moving up to high school. And let us not forget the high school senior preparing for the next phase of life.

All happy occasions but inside they are hurting. The worst part is, no one knows why. Each of the above referenced scenarios are examples of young people who suffer from unimaginable circumstances at home, yet, no one in the COMMUNITY cares to ask questions about the signs that have been evident for months. Young people are being abused at home on a daily basis and WE as the COMMUNITY do not stand in the gap. Mothers and fathers are taking out their anger on innocent children and we are so elated about our kids graduating we do not take the time to stop and think about anyone else. Is this the value of COMMUNITY?

I remember my high school graduation day as if it were yesterday. A warm and sunny Saturday afternoon in June, all the graduates gathered together for what would be our final assembly as one unit as the class of 1995. Many were laughing and many more were crying at the thoughts of not seeing each other again. Of course, you had a few that did not have a clue as to what they would do next. But what about the tears that were coming down because they knew this was the end? They knew this would be the final day and the plans of suicide would be carried out immediately following the ceremony in the parking lot. No one cared that the father was beating; raping and then urinating on her night after night....the COMMUNITY did not exist.

Immediately following the commencement address, she got up from her seat and ran outside to her car. People wondered why in the world she would bypass all of the cheering and hugging to come. All she wanted was a way out of the struggles and the pain caused at home. All she thought was "if I die then I no longer have to endure this anymore."

How many graduates felt like this when you crossed the stage? You are probably like me and do not know the answer. On this particular day in June, the suicide was prevented by a young kid who asked her what she was doing when she went to open her car door. As I sat and listened to the story in 2007, I tried to reflect on why I was walking by the car and spoke up to ask her what she was doing. I couldn't remember but what I do remember is graduating and wanting to make a difference in the lives of young people. I simply ask you to join me.


Pay it forward

Travis Hardin