A Spring Graduation

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On Monday May 16th, Latham staff and students celebrated another student who has graduated Latham Centers after accomplishing many goals and making many friends. The celebration included music and dancing, as well as two influential staff members speaking on her behalf. The celebration of all that *Trish has accomplished was beautifully detailed in Nancy K’s speech:
“Most of the healing was due to our wonderful Direct Care Staff.
I have always admired and respected our Direct Care Staff who encourage positive feelings both towards and from the students with whom they work so tirelessly. Those of you who choose to do this work do so selflessly abandoning one’s own comfort and materialistic wealth.
I would like to be Trish’s voice in acknowledging this great work.
Trish would like to thank a few who have been especially kind to her throughout the past six years.
Thank you Mike S. for spending one-to-one time with me when I was uncomfortable being part of the group in the suite. Your kindness and patience helped me to eventually enjoy being amongst my peers.
Thank you for Carol P. for the times you spent with me when you were working in the suite…
Thank you to Patty H. for making sure that I had everything I needed to be happy in the West Wing and sometimes being like a mother.
Thank you, Aki, for helping me with my hair and making sure I had the right products. I always felt beautiful when you did my hair.
Thank you, Carlos, for [helping me to find] my sense of humor and making me laugh to forget the scary stuff.
Thank you, Stephie, for helping me in school.
Thank you, Ben, for your caring demeanor as a positive male role model.
Thank you, Desiree, for being my ultimate big sister.
Thank you, Nursing, for making me feel better.
Thank you, all of Simpkins, who helped me adjust to my new suite, although many of you did not know me well. I was difficult at times but you were all very good to me.’
Latham has been Trish’s home for the past six years. During this time she has only spent two nights away from campus. We have given Trish a place to live and learn. Latham has provided the experience of safety and connection. She has learned to trust. Now it is time for her to take what she has learned and more forward to another life transition. THANKS TO EVERYONE AT LATHAM!
To end I would like to borrow from Dr. Suess:
All Alone
WEATHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT,
ALONE WILL BE SOMETHING YOU’LL BE QUITE A LOT.
AND WHEN YOUR ALONE THERES A VERY GOOD CHANCE
YOU’LL MEET THINGS THAT SCARE YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR PANTS
THERE ARE SOME DOWN THE ROAD BETWEEN HITHER AND YON.
THAT CAN SCARE YOU SO MUCH YOU WON’T WANT TO GO ON.
BUT YOU WILL GO , THOUGH THE WEATHER BE FOUL
ON AND ON YOU WILL HIKE
AND I KNOW YOU’LL HIKE FAR
AND FACE UP TO YOUR PROBLEMS WHATEVER THEY ARE.
YOU’LL GET MIXED UP, OF COURSE, AS YOU ALREADY KNOW,
YOU’LL GET MIXED UP WITH MANY STRANGE BIRDS AS YOU GO.
SO BE SURE WHEN YOU STEP.
STEP WITH CARE AND GREAT TACT AND REMEMBER THAT
“LIFE’S A GREAT BALANCING ACT.
AND WILL YOU SUCCEED?  YES YOU WILL, INDEED!
CONGRATULATIONS! TODAY IS YOUR DAY. 
YOUR OFF TO GREAT PLACES!  YOUR OFF AND AWAY!”
Goodbye Trish, we will miss you.
 
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

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