The first alarm went off too early. I knew it wasn’t time. A bit annoyed I tried to roll over and get back to sleep for what I knew to be at least an hour before the real alarm would sound. The alarm that would shout out to me, remind me, this is the last day. This is the final day. The alarm signaling more than for me to roll over and acknowledge the dawn of a new day; signaling an end of an era. Literally, whispering those words outloud… “The end of an era.” But this is just the beginning of the end. It’s no really over until it’s over, until we’ve shed every loaded tear, laughed again and again at the accounts of this craziness, and until we’ve said the things buried and hidden deep within.
Forcing myself out of bed, grabbing my toothbrush and heading to the bathroom, up the stairs and down the hall, I kept replaying the first moments in the office, the first screenings, the glorious memories flooding back in waves. This is it. This is the last day. No going back. This is the end of an era, things will be so different when we all depart after next Sunday. It’s good, I try to tell myself, knowing that and the opposite to be true simultaneously. Leah and Brenda, my Regional Managers, have left an indeliable mark not only on me, but on LiNK, on this movement. This has been their era. This has been their brilliance. And It’s glorious! It’s good. We are all stronger now. We all carry them with us in our own ways. But man! How do you move forward? The new RM’s will be amazing, will advance this cause, will begin their era of glory! I have no doubt in it! And that is good! That is great! And at the same time, I’m sad about change. While I know it’s good, so good, I feel the small whole forming in my heart. The space reserved for LG and Bren. The space, while it may grow smaller, or even be filled in, will always be a mark. Their mark. On my heart as reminder of what can’t even be described. Brenda… Leah… I love you both from my whole heart.
The choking feeling in my throat stops the thoughts, the emotions, and I lean forward to release the toothpaste and finish brushing my teeth. Packed my bag, check. Dressed, check. Quick look around Bridget’s house, check. Writing down my thoughts for Bridget. Girl, you are awesome! Never could have gotten through this without your constant companionship this week. I love you B! So glad we successfully had our date! Watching Lizzie brave it (sometimes irresponsibly) in Rome is JUST what I needed! Literally, filling me with goodness. Thanks!
Now on the road, now putting pavement behind us and bringing us closer to the moment. Presenting before hundreds of high schoolers, the last chance to pour out whatever has been on reserve. Looking deep within, searching my whole heart, these kids better be prepared! I will definitely drop KNOWLEDGE! I will definitely drop TRUTH! PASSION! ACTION! This is it! No going back! This is the end of my era.
But as I said, this is the beginnng of the end, and every end is simply an opportunity to start afresh. “This is the goal: to keep reinventing myself.” The quote that started my journey, and now the best way to see it come to a close. This is not bad. This is GREAT! We are about to witness the advancement, the evolution of a movement that’s bringing freedom. A freedom beyond. A freedom to love. To all of you that have participated in paving this road, building this movement, you shall not be forgotten. But at every turn we march forth as your sacrifices and your efforts have already and shall forevermore inspire us to carry the torch and keep fighting. Know that your legacy shall stretch forth and your names shall be written alongside others responsible for liberating our brothers and sisters in the North. We walk along the path that you’ve laid in love, in grace, in strength, and wth joy. You’re passing the torch and we have seized it!
For we the great!
And we are the mighty!
This is our moment
LET US ARISE!
—Kyla
