Give Them Their Flowers Now

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

As I sit here reflecting, trying not to get swept up in the madness constantly unfolding around us—I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. We’re watching our president behave in ways that defy reason, enabled by legislators who seem more concerned with loyalty than leadership. It’s disheartening. It’s frustrating. And it makes you wonder where we’re headed.

But in the middle of all this noise, I’ve found something that brings me peace: family.

It’s graduation season. Test season. The time of year when young people are pushing hard to succeed and please those that love them. The pressure is real for them—but so are their accomplishments. And while life continues to remind us of its challenges—aging parents, our own aging bodies, and the responsibilities of adulthood—I’ve found hope and pride in the achievements of the next generation.

In a world that seems to be falling down around them they have found something in their core that is driving them to succeed. Our young people are thriving. They are showing up, staying focused, and rising to every challenge. I’m so proud of them. And I believe in giving people their flowers while they can still smell them—while they can hear the words and feel the love.

So today, I want to celebrate some of the bright stars in my family:

Ra’Ziya Montgomery, Leia Palmer, Ne’vaeh Henry-Wells, Ben Joseph, Jr., Bailee Joseph, Brielle Henry, Azaria Henry, Kasai Jackson, Kamar Jackson, Oshene Whittick, and Keyanna Palmer.

These young achievers are excelling in their academic and personal growth, and I want each of them to reach the highest height. Your family sees you. We are proud of you. And we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

In a world full of political chaos and daily distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But when you find yourself worn down by the noise of adulthood, pause. Take a breath. Look at the ones who are coming behind us, the ones we raise, teach, support, and love.

That’s where the joy is. That’s where the legacy lives.

Let’s focus on that.

Bobby Henry, Sr. is the publisher of the Westside Gazette and chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association-NNPA