Writing Resources from Fifteen Minutes of Fiction

The Final Speech

The audience quieted as the speaker reached the podium. The valedictorian was about to speak to the graduating class.

“Ladies and gentleman, classmates, family, friends. On behalf of the senior class, welcome to graduation.”

The assembly erupted with cheers and applause.

“It is so difficult to believe that so many years have passed since we first came to this school. Many of you know the difficulties from which we came. Our parents passed away when we were young and we spent time alone on the streets. I remember more than one person telling us, ‘You’re not worth my time.’ However, God decided to have other plans. Just when we needed them most, a loving couple came into our lives and took us in.”

The speaker paused and glanced at a couple a few rows back. TJ and Melanie had certainly aged, but they were still recognizable as the ones who so long ago had taken in a young boy and his little sister.

“It was from them that I learned what I now pass on to you: Always do your best, no matter what. TJ and Melanie told me more times than I can count that if you can come home at the end of the day, look at yourself in the mirror, and can honestly say, 'I did the best I could do,' then you had a good day, regardless of whatever else might happen.

"As we leave these halls and enter the 'real world' I charge each of you, be true to yourself and do your best. If you do, you will not have to try to impress anyone, they will know you by your works."

The speaker paused as once again the crowd began to clap. As the applause began to die down, the speaker paused, feeling tears begin to well up inside.

“Fourteen months ago, I lost my best friend in the world. My brother, Charlie, passed away from leukemia.” Mira began to feel the tickle of a hot tear make its way down her face.

“Throughout our lives, despite all the pain, all the trials, and all the, well, all the crap that we dealt with, Charlie always said that the one constant we had was each other. This is the second thing I wish to pass on to each of you: hold fiercely to the friends you make.

"One of the last things Charlie told me was, 'Punk, I promised Dad that I would take care of you, and I hope I did OK. You have to take care of yourself now. And take care of TJ and Melanie, too'.

Time on this earth is so short and you never know what may be around the next corner. Allow your heart to be open to the people and possibilities that God brings into your life.”

Mira smiled at TJ and Melanie. “Open your hearts to those that desire to help you, and love you. And never forget those who held your heart along the way. Thank you.”

Every person, young and old, rose as one and applauded Mira’s speech. Mira, however, did not notice the ovation. Her eyes gazed toward Heaven and she whispered two simple words. “Thanks, Charlie.”

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