The Illumination

Apr 30

Chapter 41

Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA
Spring 2022

As with everything, Addy Wilder was in command of the day.

The morning began early for Addison and her family. All were with her in Staunton for her graduation from Mary Baldwin College. She represented the fourth generation of young women to walk across the school’s commencement stage.

The morning began with Mr. Wilder taking his family and guests to breakfast at Pampered Palate Café. He had made the reservation three months before to ensure they could be seated. He also spoke to the Chef Jean and arranged for him to prepare Crab Louie, which was a favorite of Addy’s. Although, it was a major day for her, Addy had a hearty appetite and enjoyed her breakfast. All were in high spirits. The party on this special day included Addy’s mother as well as Addy’s fiancé Preston, his mother and his sister Gelia.

Gelia had flown in from her European tour with the Vienna Philharmonic where she played the cello. Although, she was in third chair, it was an honor to be selected for such a renowned ensemble. It was also her first year out of Julliard.

After brunch, the party left for the campus and to enjoy the excitement of the commencement ceremony.

As the graduates walked down the stairs from Hunt Hall, Addy heard the strains of Sir Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, being performed a single cello. It was Gelia! To Addy’s surprise, she had offered her services for this special event. The University was delighted to have her. The loving act delighted Addy and added to the specialness of the day.

The processional was a multitude of color and pageantry. The professors were wearing an assortment of peacock colors representing their various school and disciplines. In the lead was the Dean of Academic carrying the University’s mace. It was followed by President Anderson, then Senator Aronson, the graduation speaker. Directly behind him was Addison.

She was the valedictorian for the Class of 2022. The 4.0 student double majored within her four years. Her academic career boasted degrees in both Business Administration and Home Economics.

To say she was an achiever would be an understatement. She excelled at all she did. However, her greatest accomplishment in life was her ability to be positive and look for the good in everyone and every situation.

After her welcoming remarks, President Anderson, recognized Addison as this year’s valedictorian and called her to the stage.

There was not a single look of nervousness or hesitation in her. She walked to the podium with cool reserve and dramatically paused. As with everything in her life she was in a quiet and calm control.

“My Fellow Students, President Anderson, Senator Aronson, Board of Governors, Parents and Guests, it is with true humility and honor that I stand before you this morning as Mary Baldwin’s valedictorian for the class of 2022. It is my fervent goal that the comments I make today do not ring of platitudes but express universal thoughts that have helped me become the person in whom my school, classmates and family have placed their trust, confidence and love.

I will not stand before you today to make political commentary, but to give you a simple and brief message of hope and honor. It is my belief that one should use knowledge to stand up for those who cannot speak. One should be a beacon of light for those whose lives have become dark. Don’t start conflict, but do not shy away from it when it challenges you. Seek good and decency and be a part of it. Style yourself to be an ambassador for the kind of world you want for yourself and those you love and serve to protect.

Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you are lost. Then choose wisely. It is our responsibility to forge ahead and be an inspiration to those who have trust and faith in us. Don’t be afraid of the unknown and of what lies ahead. Be secure that your values and faith will guide you through the densest forest. It is because of your courage and conviction that others will follow. So, be sure and confident you are making the best choices you can. They affect those who trust and believe in you.

Take time to seek those who are different from you. Our goal is to find common ground. Sometimes you will not, but you will not know unless your try. If you honestly engage with an open heart and mind, you are sure to find something to agree upon. If we only seek discussion with those who think and feel as we do, then we become stuck in our way of thought. Learn that there are those whose ideas will always be different from yours. It adds to the understanding of the rich complexities of the human experience.

As we steer through the rest of our liv\es, be open to collaboration. Don’t shun the fact that others will have ideas that are often better than our own. Find groups of people who challenge and inspire you. It will be from here that change and growth in our lives will occur.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Why? Because failure strips away that which is not essential. Focus on that which is the most important in achieving your goals. Take time to truly reflect on what matters to you. Once you have that understanding, then you will be able to channel your energy into what you truly believe makes the most of impact and importance in your life. If you do find yourself at rock bottom, look at it as the foundation in which you start to rebuild your life.

Take time to pause. For in it is power. It allows you to take an assessment of your surroundings and situation. It also shows confidence and control. People will follow you and respect you if they see you are not rushing, but show thoughtful and careful consideration for the matter at hand.

Finally, thank those who have believed in you. The journey we have made has not been alone. It is they who made it possible.

I wish you all every blessing and a lifetime of illumination on your path.

Thank you.”

Tears swelled in her family’s eyes. They could not have been prouder.

The audience rose to their feet to deliver a standing ovation.

Addy committed the bittersweet moment to her memory. She exited the stage and walked confidently into the next chapter of her life.

Crab Louie

“Yes Virginia, it is that simple!”

INGREDIENTS

Remoulade

1 c. mayonnaise
3 Tbsp Southern Conserve Coastal Ketchup
1 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Tabasco
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp sweet smoked paprika
1/4 tsp chili powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Salad

3/4 lb. asparagus
Two 6 oz romaine hearts, cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick
One 6 oz seedless cucumber, thinly sliced or cut into spears
4 large radishes, thinly sliced
4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges (optional)
4 hard-cooked eggs, cut into wedges
1 lb. crabmeat, preferably Dungeness

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the Coastal Ketchup, relish, lemon juice, garlic, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and chili powder and season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, (add one teaspoon baking soda to keep asparagus bright green) cook the asparagus until just tender, 2 minutes. Drain and cool.

Step 3

Arrange the romaine, cucumber, radishes, tomatoes, eggs and asparagus on a platter. Top with large chunks of the crabmeat and serve, passing the dressing at the table.