I should start by explaining the title, Candide 2.0. Written by Voltaire in the mid 18th century, Candide follows the life of a once sheltered boy as he journeys the world, witnessing and experiencing extreme hardships. Now, graduated, I am no longer that sheltered boy. Of course I believe I have witnessed or experienced my fair share of tribulations, I also understand the most strenuous times are certainly yet to come. I can only hope, the most rewarding will also follow. And thus commences my journey.
In the movie Billy Madison, the namesake lead character played by Adam Sandler says to one of his 3rd grade friends after he states his excitement for high school, "Don't you ever say that. Stay here. Stay here as long as you can. For the love of god, cherish it. You have to cherish it." It took me over ten years to understand.
What I learned Monday, after my last semester of college, after a memorable senior week, after an astounding commencement and family grill out, after a final night in St. Peter, MN and the Flame and Patrick's and the Duplex and the Octa and most importantly Green Acres...and after a tear-jerking morning cleanup, was to cherish. I finally understand Billy Madison.
What I learned on that 50 minute drive from St. Peter to my new home in Chaska was that certain moments, certain memories, can't solely be remembered. They need to be tattooed on our brains, appreciated as if they will never transpire again...because they won't. Of course we all will remember the "bigger" moments like commencement or the senior week Johnny Holm concert, we have the pictures to gawk at. But how about moments we hardly think twice about as they occur, even less afterward. Maybe the look in a mother's eye after graduation. That look of complete and utter love and pride as she hugs you like you were a newborn child. I have never felt prouder to be a son, nor she a mother. I have never existed so much. Or how about the high five of a four-year friend that you have followed from dorm hallway, to dorm room, to two year housemate, when you cross home plate in a friendly intramural softball game. Or maybe he followed you. What does it matter? Moments as these transcend the boundaries of a 2.5 inch digital camera screen. These moments are more important than any college diploma, or handshake from the college president who wouldn't know your name even though he heard it milliseconds before.
Their are two things I will never forget from Monday, May 31st 2010. The hybrid handshake/hug I gave to each roommate (and one roommate's girlfriend) upon each of them leaving, including myself and the image of my collegiate home, St. Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College, Green Acres, as it dissolved from my rear view mirror. No picture, no video, no visual evidence that these moments ever occurred except for in all our bodies, minds, hearts and souls. They will all be remembered and appreciated.
What I learned on Monday was the single most important word in the English language is "cherish". These moments will above all be cherished by me, because of you all, for as long as time allows me to do so.
