By Brenda Cannon Henley
Closing out every email I have sent for several years is a favorite quote of mine. It reminds folks that we really should believe that everything we do matters – because it does. We may not be aware of just how much our actions mean to others and perhaps even to us as life unfolds. I participated in one of life’s great moments, along with hundreds of other people, attending the Little Cypress – Mauriceville High School Graduation on Saturday, May 30. I saw first hand exactly how much one man’s actions meant to one of the graduates.

Our family was there to see my daughter’s adopted son, Jason, walk across the stage and receive his diploma. Jadon’s story is inspiring in itself. He is a product of the foster care program and came to our family a little over two years ago when his group home was closing and he did not want to leave his school district. Brendan, another grandson and my namesake, said simply, “Mom, we have to adopt Jason or he has to move to a new group home in San Antonio. He doesn’t want to leave our school.” And that was that.

As the graduation ceremony of the 245 students took place, audience members clapped and cheered for their graduate, but when the names beginning with “P” were called, a certain vibrancy filled Montange Center. An Orange County police officer in full uniform walked to the edge of the big stage and stood by the steps.

When student Kazzie Portie’s name was called and he walked across the stage, the entire graduating class rose as one and cheered loudly. Every member of the large audience followed suit. The officer grabbed the graduate and the two embraced in a big bear hug while folks whistled and clapped.

The two had a new relationship. In fact, it was only six days earlier, on May 24, that Officer Eric Ellison had driven to the Portie home finding only 18-year-old Kazzie there alone. He had the sad duty of telling the teen that both patents had been killed when a drunk driver hit their motorcycle. Riley and Emily Portie, parents of five, were killed instantly.

Ellison’s heart was touched because his own daughter graduated on Friday. When Kazzie asked what he would do about graduation, Ellison answered. “You will walk across that stage and get that diploma. Your dad and mom will have front row seats and I’lI be there to greet you.”

We can take away many lessons from this shared experience, and I can personally guarantee that it was a moving one. Don’t drink and drive. Respect our police officers and other law enforcement. Most really do care. Keep your word. Make a difference. Build friendships. Share the pain and hurt of others. Give what you can. It does make a difference.

(This article published 6/1/2015)

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, at
[email protected], or by using the contact form below.

Contact Brenda Cannon Henley:
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]