Post Graduate

Dione...you just graduated from Law School...now what are you going to do?

 I'm going to Disneyland!

And I'm bringing my entire family along. This ALWAYS happens when our family gets around a map. Dione and I typically look the other way, pick daisies, or something while Cass and Dean decide how to get where we need to go. Chet really doesn't care!

I'll be honest, I thought the California sun had fried Bob's brain when he told us he wanted to take his 2 two-year olds to Disneyland.

Most likely we wouldn't last more than a couple of hours before the kids were worn out anyway.

 But it looks like this big kid might wear out before the little kids.

 Olivia couldn't wait to ride everything. The only thing holding her back was her height on some rides!

 It's fun to see the little kid come out in everyone once inside those Disney gates.

Just a few years ago, Dean claimed he was NEVER going back to Disneyland again.

 Well...that was before he had grandkids and became Bubba!

 These two have all of us wrapped around their pudgy two-year old fingers.

 

 

The stroller Bob and Cass rented was mandatory and came in very handy throughout the day.

Olivia kept going back to the rocket ships yelling..."I find it I ride it!"

 I was beyond amazed by these two little people...

 they stood in lines and hopped on rides all day long...without meltdowns or temper tantrums.

 Which is more than I can say for these two!

 So who knew...that we could have so much fun running around Disneyland with 2 two year olds.

 We even stayed long enough to watch the parade.

Where Henry got to meet a giant dog and Olivia received a kiss from a princess. She is still talking about that special kiss!

At the end of the day we were all exhausted...filled with family memories. We thoroughly enjoyed every second of our trip to Mickey Mouse land.

Words at Candlelight

Scanning the sea of crimson robes, it was the sight that took my breath away in the chill of last Wednesday evening. I stood elevated on the bed of a vehicle with microphone in hand. Quivering, the only words that would form were "Wow"!

How would I ever be able to say the things I had prepared?

And then...a calming warmth enveloped me and I began...

The scene before me all started with a delightful surprise visit from the 2011 senior class officers of LHS a few weeks ago.

 They presented their plan and sought our approval.

In Jocie's honor, they wanted their senior class gift to be a bright yellow bench with a plaque dedicating the gift to their classmate and friend. They miss her too!

Quickly and efficiently, the student officers placed an order for the bench, found a source for the bronze plaque, and lined up a contractor.

We were touched beyond words at the gesture. But you see, this Class of 2011 is filled with not only thoughtful and sincere teenagers, but extraordinary ones!

The officers had something else to ask...a simple request really. Would we speak at Candlelight? Having already gone through two LHS graduates, we knew exactly what this meant. The tears fell as we humbly accepted the request. Dean elected me to speak on behalf of all of us.

The bench is located at the back of the high school overlooking the football field. The place where Jocie famously became a member of the Touchdown Club. With golden sunsets on one side, and her snowy mountains on the other, it's perfect.  

Doesn't Cass look like a J Crew model here?

We gathered together, sans Dione and Bob (missed you) to see the bench for the first time just before the ceremony began.
 

As darkness settles around the bench just before I would speak, Jocie's spirit settles there too.

Here is some of what I said...

"On behalf of the Garlick family, it is a sincere pleasure to be with you tonight. The time-honored graduation ceremony of “Candlelight” at Logan High School is deeply embedded with tradition. Knowing that we would be speaking in place of one of you graduating seniors, humbles our family completely.

 

 So, I tried to think of what Jocie might want to tell you if she were here speaking to you right now.

• First, I’m sure she would be thrilled that the newest make-out spot at Logan High School was a yellow bench with her name on it.
• Second, she would tell you all how much she loves you but not in a totally serious way, much louder and more like “Dude, you’re all awesome!”
• And also, I know she’d want you to hear her best advice for your future...as you so often heard her say “Go Big or Go Home”

Four years ago I watched you all enter Logan High School with excitement, fear, dread, inhibition and hopes. You were shorter, smaller, and had interesting choices in hair style and fashion. Today you are older, taller, smarter, wiser and excellent drivers. You have achieved a wonderful high school education and tomorrow you graduate. As you each start out on a new path, I ask you, what will your legacy be?

As you can imagine, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on life and legacy. With legacy being the result of living an authentic life; no matter how long that life might be.

If you think about it, there are literally thousands of people who lived their lives in such a way that deeply affects each one of us today.

• The founding fathers of our nation who believed in gaining freedom and a better way of life.
• Abraham Lincoln, who knew this country should not be divided.
• Those of you with pioneer heritage, whose family members left everything they owned to move to this beautiful valley we now call home.
• Family members…a grandparent, aunt, or uncle whose legacy might not have been famous, but a true representation of what it is to be a truly great person.
• Perhaps a coach, or treasured friend left you their legacy, whose example reminds you daily to achieve greatness and fully embrace everything and everyone around you.

Just like those who came before us left us their legacy. Those who will come after us will come to know the legacy that we leave them. What will your legacy be?

You most certainly will have challenges, struggles, unexpected or life-altering difficulties that threaten to inhibit or even destroy your legacy. What will you do? I stand before you tonight to tell you that you can make it through these moments. If you pursue through the unimaginable, stay strong and believe in your own personal legacy I know you will succeed.

Some parting words I know Jocie would want to share with you…have fun in your life, be crazy, maybe even a tiny bit weird. Go big or go home...but mostly go big!

To the Class of 2011…We will always love you and consider you part of our family. We expect many amazing accomplishments from you, with a legacy that lives on for generations."

And scene...and what a scene it was!

A Gig, a Dance and a Griz

As The Teenager began showing serious interest in guitar last summer, he set a note-worthy goal that would take great ambition. He wanted to audition and then play in the year end talent assembly at his middle school.

Ugh, I had to use a flash in these photos...and you know how I hate a flash!

The rock stars as the curtain opened.

While you might think Chet has a frightened expression, he is actually just trying to be COOL...this lasted a few seconds and then broke into his casual smile.

Once their inclusion in the assembly had been announced, the boys arranged practice schedules and worked all on their own to perfect their performance.

The rock stars played a song called "So Cold" by Breaking Benjamin. It was not a simple song to learn and play for a first gig, but the song does has some pretty sweet solos.

Celebrating...after the performance. 

With barely time to shop, shower and splash on some cologne...the Teenager is "handsomed" up for the last dance of middle school. The report from the evening...apparently the DJ didn't play enough slow songs. However, the Teenager danced every one except for the first one. Because no one dances on the first slow dance...that's just uncool!

The thoughtful pose.

Three years ago he unassumingly entered middle school. Ten years old and fresh from the tragedy of losing his sister, life had changed in an instant...as it did for all of us. A childhood that would be defined by this one event.

With confidence, ease and a bunch of new friends... high school begins in the Fall. The Teenager remains a source of my strength and my hero. Logan High...say hello to your newest Grizz!

Graduating Girls

With numerous differences and just as many similarities, I consider these exquisite girls part of the family. A couple are tall, a couple are...not so tall. Sometimes they call me Mama G. 

They have shiny blond hair, dark brunette hair, sassy short hair and silky long hair...but not one has red hair. 

The red-head is missing, and the giant hole her absence leaves in their hearts would be one of their similarities. They are graduating from high school and each stepping out on their own new path. Graduation is causing us each to pause, reflect, grieve, ache and look to each other for comfort and reassurance.

Sid...she may not be tall, but her giant sense of humor takes you off guard on most occasions. She makes me giggle, a lot!

Madi...with genuine sweetness, she wraps herself around everything surrounding her. Madi would be the first one to text Jocie if she didn't get on the bus to school.

Autumn...She and Jocie have known each other since the day they were born. Autumn along with Sid were singing 99 Red Balloons with Jocie, being the last ones to see her as they skied off the lift together that day in March. Autumn is just like her name, deep and rich with a colorful personality.

Camber...What she lacks in height she more than makes up for in heart. Jocie and Camber's relationship was dear and special. I always loved seeing the two of them skiing together. In keeping with Garlick tradition, Jocie nicknamed Camber "K-Dawg" and Camber's dad "Papa Smurf"!

Maren...It seems almost overnight, she's become a beautiful young lady with fabulous style. They met in 3rd grade and were instant friends. She once re-organized Jocie's entire closet and room, because that's who she is. As you can imagine, it was quite a job!

Lindsay...With her gentle spirit and genuine soul, she loved Jocie completely. Lindsay and Jocie were two peas in a pod and spent nearly every waking moment together. They loved designer clothes, boys, making harmless mischief, and each other.

As Dean sat down to have lunch with all of us, I'm sure he felt slightly out of place...for about 2 seconds. He loves these girls as his own. They are a stark reminder of what he's lost and yet a constant vision of hope for the future.

Congratulations to our graduating girls...we genuinely love everything about you and wish you all the best in the years ahead! We know you will always be a constant source of joy and hope.