SD_Dad :
Not your normal, average graduation speech. And totally not knocking those, but, she had a different perspective on things and shared it well. Bottom line is, we ALL get swept into a role at some point in our lives. An identity that tends to define us. For me, it was Law Enforcement at the ripe young age of 21. While I learned a lot about myself, society, how to be empathetic and understanding of others during their darkest hours, which are things I'm truly grateful to have learned, the job also took us toll on me, nothing I'm willing to share at this point, but I left after a great career of 15 years. I worked patrol as an Officer, a k9 handler, lead k9 trainer, and acting sergeant, supervised our communications center, and was a violent crimes and homicide detective. I was the guy that went to get together and was introduced by my occupation, not who I was. A series of 2 calls within 2 weeks at the end, and I was done. Forcefully medically retired with depression and ptsd. Now what? That was all I ever knew. So, some form of security? Which is exactly what I did for a time. But then I realized, nothing gets to define us or put us into a certain, specific bubble. All of that said, my point is, no matter the life you chase today, doesn't necessarily have to be the life you live forever. Life changes, things happen, events at certain times in your life have more impact depending on who you are and where you are in life. Don't be afraid to change things up if that's what's better for you. It can be extremely scary and unnerving. But you have to be happy in life, including what you do for a living, or everything else has the potential to fall apart. Sometimes life is easy and great, and sometimes it's not difficult than we ever imagined. I've been there. And what I truly hope you take from this long message is, that no matter what life throws at us, just don't give up. As hard as it might be at the time, that's when we have to find the strength to keep moving forward. And more often than not, we'll find ourselves in a better position in life in the end! Even when life feels completely out of control, find your focus, find your peace!
2026-10-20 00:25:26