To the editor:

Graduation is an emotional and exhilarating time for both the graduates and their parents.

There will be tears of joy shed as we watch our next group of young adults don their gowns and caps, symbols of the completion of high school studies. These symbols represent the beginning of a truly important “launch” – sending our children out into the world to discover who they will ultimately be.

With graduation comes the acknowledgement that things are changing and that we are ready to go or maybe not so ready. Whether with certainty or not, making sure that you stay safe and out of harm’s way must be the goal as you begin this journey.

Have safe fun. Talk as a family a lot about how proud you are and how much you will miss each other. Talk about the future and the promises and hope that we all have for the great things our graduates are going to do.

If you are struggling and need to talk, seek advice or have questions answered about how you are feeling or how to help each other with the “launch”; please call Bainbridge Youth Services at 206-842-9675. We are here today, tomorrow, through the summer and again next fall.

ALLEN FERRIS

Bainbridge Youth Services