Young Buddha's are Crossing a Bridge

This evening, my family and I will be attending my 13 year old daughters, "Bridging Over," ceremony at the High School. It's something of a milestone and accomplishment, wherein she clearly moves from one chapter of her life to the next. It's a little shocking that this moment is here so quickly.

It's very hard not to look back and examine the trajectory that her life has taken since her birth. There have been some very interesting moments. When it all started, I just had the thought her first day of school, "I wonder how she will pick up on the things they'll be teaching her." Initially I didn't consider her making new friends, socializing, birthday party invites, having the so-called "right" clothes and hair, music practice, essay presentations, counting sick days for school, Delaware State Testing Programs, sports, having to deal with other parents, chaperoning on field-trips, kids over the house taking over the TV's with video game consoles, mall trips, sleep overs and figuring out how not to be so old-fashioned or nerdy that it doesn't impact on her social life.

As a father, it has been a phenomenal learning experience. It's one very big koan. If I was able to have one "Super Power," as a parent it would have to be clairvoyance. I'd love to know the outcome of the choices that I make in regard to both my daughters. As parents we really, really, really want things to turn our "Right," for our kids. That's my greatest hope.

I can't help thinking that it only seemed like a moment ago, when I was holding her for the first time. To say that time moves quickly is an understatement. This moment is a strong reminder to make everything that we do count.

So tonight with her friends that she spends far more time with, than her mother and I, she will literally and figuratively cross over a bridge. We will stand and watch, taking pictures to remember the moment. This date, time, place and event will only happen for she and her friends only once and will be deeply appreciated. But if you asked me what I will be thinking when it occurs, knowing myself as I do, I will be thinking, "Young Buddha's are crossing a bridge. I hope they are enjoying the journey."

Namaste'

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO