Editor’s Note: Josh, whose last name we are leaving out of this column, is a local student about to graduate from high school. His parents asked former Mayor Javier Sanchez to write Josh with advice and guidance. The family lost a son, Josh’s brother, to cancer. Sanchez’s encouragement, admonitions and suggestions carry with them an evergreen quality that is universal.
God is good. God is great. You have heard these words many times over breakfast, lunch and dinner. A father’s prayer for every meal. You are now 17 years old, which means you’ve heard this over 18,615 times. Don’t forget these words. They will guide you from this day forward. Remember them and live by them.
I am honored that your parents have asked me to write a few words to you about your upcoming high school graduation. About life. About your chances. About love. About truth. This letter is supposed to be read at the end of your retreat. But here they are instead because they are as universal to all seniors as they are specific to the young man I have come to know and respect. You have been guided by your faith, your family and your community. You were born in the Española Valley and have lived here all your life. And now, your future lies ahead. You must be asking, what is to come, and perhaps more importantly, what are you going to make of this world? As a graduating senior, we have seen you grow up into the man who now stands before us. This is only the beginning.
Though I have not known you all of your life, I have in fact known you all of your life. Because you are one of us. As a part of this community, you are a son, a brother, and a child of the Valley of the Wild Roses. No one knows what you have been through. No one knows your particular pain or your secrets. However, the tragedy that you have experienced in your past does not define you. Recognize that you can leave the past behind and set yourself free. But always keep the memories. They will be your friends on cold, lonely nights. You have crosses to bear and fences to mend. Your brother is always with you: look no further than your own hands and feet. For he is there with every basket and every high jump.
Keep mastering your physical capabilities, for you are at your peak of youth and strength. Don’t screw it up! Trust me, it’s all downhill from here. Don’t rush to maturity or feel the need to “grow up.” There are no advantages to growing older unless you sadistically prefer reading glasses, muscle spasms and decrepitude. Not to mention the memory loss. Plus, don’t forget the memory loss. Stay young. Stay fit.
When it comes to giving advice or telling poignant, insightful stories, I’m not so good. And let’s face it, young men and women your age don’t have the patience to read between the lines what with TikTok and Insta calling your name. I better not beat around the bush. As you move into the next chapter of your life, don’t forget where you came from and give everything of yourself. This community needs your leadership. Learn while you’re away but keep Española in your heart. Most importantly, be proud of our valley and fight for its reputation. You now represent the best that this place has to offer. Make us proud.
Being a child of this valley of roses, remember to give unconditionally of yourself. Use your talents, your love and your time to guide others as they have done for you. Like the stem of these rose bushes, you’re tough, often thorny, and have the capacity for greatness.
You live and breathe among the butterflies, blue flowers, cousins, your family, and yes, even your brother. For he is there. What I know of you and this graduating year is that it is your turn. Your turn to realize who you must become and what it takes to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Stay true to the roots of your family and make us proud.
In every respect, you represent every child of this valley. And in every respect you remain singularly unique.
Javier Sánchez is the former mayor of the City of Española, NM, and the co-owner of La Cocina New Mexican Restaurant.