Congratulations, friends! I’m so proud of you for finishing out the year in such unusual circumstances. It’s hard at any time, and it wasn’t fair that you had to go through this extra stress, but I want you to know that I recognize the sacrifice you made. By dramatically modifying your schedules and year, you helped keep me and my family safe, and I’m so incredibly thankful. I would never have wanted you to skip graduation, which was so richly deserved, but I hope you can find ways to celebrate in your own time and space — light some candles, cut some flowers, breathe deeply, and know that you did it. No public celebration could ever hold a candle to the reality of your accomplishments, which announce your entry into the world more loudly than any vuvuzela ever could. Celebrate, enjoy, and know that we’re out here waiting to greet you with open arms!
-Julia H., 2015