73 Memories

The Forty-Second Memory

I took a deep breath and walked onto the stage for the second time, ready to finally say the speech that I'd rehearsed over and over, worked hours on.

"Hello, I'm this years' valedictorian," I started once I got to the podium. I took the paper from my hand and set it down, looking at the words.

But I couldn't say what was on the speech, it didn't feel right once I was up on stage.

I looked for you in the second row of all the college graduates and parents, and when I saw you, you smiled at me encouragingly.

I looked back down at the paper before I folded it up, deciding that I didn't need perfect words. I needed to say what felt right at the moment.

"I had this whole speech prepared, but it feels so stupid now," I scoffed shaking my head. "But I think I'll tell all of you something else. Years ago, my boyfriend and I were getting ready to present a school project in front of the class, but I was so scared of speaking in front of multiple people that I couldn't. When I looked over at him, he knew that. And so he spoke for me. It meant as much to me then as it does now. But I've gotten over that fear, which was also because of him. Now, he and I are about to move to Florida and start a life together, which is absolutely crazy. But, of course, I wasn't elected valedictorian to talk about my life. What I want to tell you all is that, as cheesy as it sounds, you can literally do anything you want to. I'm going to become a marine biologist, and I never thought I had the potential. I used to think I was put on this Earth for no reason, that I was just here to breathe. But I've been shown that there is a purpose for everyone here. I've learned that I'm here for a reason, and so are all of you. And I promise, that even though life can be dull, or downright unbearable at sometimes, you are here because you need to be. You'll go through pain to become the person you have to be in order to do what you were made to do. You are going to do great things, all of you. I hope you see that. So, on a rather abrupt note, thank you." I exhaled and took a step away from the podium, trying to steady my heartbeat before taking a step towards the stairs.

And then, the silence broke and I was being applauded by what felt like everyone who'd heard. I smiled and a tear fell, though it was a tear of happiness. I knew that my speech had to have affected at least one of the people that were out there clapping.

I walked the rest of the way off the stage and to my seat, but before I could sit down, you wrapped me up in a hug. "That was the best thing I've heard in a long time. I'm so proud of you."

I grinned easily, stretching up as fat as I could as you bent down to kiss me.

When I pulled away, you whispered, "I love you."

I laughed. "I love you, too."

"Good. Anyways, my mom is here and she no doubt wants to see you. Let's go."

I nodded and you grabbed my hand intertwining our fingers together before you led us towards your mother.