The final days of Pre-School, Kindergarten, Junior High, High School or College. I remember our three little girls, wearing paper graduation caps, as each stood proudly at their Pre-School Graduation. (Sigh), seems like only yesterday, but now each of them are adults, productive members of society and raising their own families. Wow, does time go fast. (A moment to wipe away a couple of tears). Here is a letter to all our Senior High School Graduates. Advice from a 1969 STC Graduate!

Dear Graduate,

Well, you finally made it. Do you remember your first day of Kindergarten? Probably not but your folks do. Tears flowed from their eyes as they took your picture. You had on your new school clothes, that brand new back pack and you were ready to face the world. Seems like eons ago and that the time would never speed up. Kindergarten, first grade, second grade…”when will all this end?” Well, my dear Graduate, it just ended-or perhaps just beginning. It’s not the end, that’s for sure; it’s the starting point of your life.

Onward to college, Armed Forces or getting a job. The door to the world is open and your choices are yours. You are now an adult! All that stands between you and the top of the proverbial ladder is the ladder. But trust your parents, grand-parents, employers, teachers and just about everyone else who’s “been there and done that,” THE TASSLE’S WORTH THE HASSLE.

So from one of your elders, (gulp, never thought I’d ever say that), here is some advice from a 1969 High School Graduate:

Everything you do will be based on choices YOU make. Not your parents, past relationships, your job, the economy, weather, your age or even where you live. You and only you are fully responsible for every decision & choice you make. “Think” young graduate and make wise choices.

Perfection simply does not exist. Try hard, make a mistake or two and then get up and try again. Don’t just watch life pass you by.

Know this-It’s not the world’s job to make you happy or successful. That’s your job. The world doesn’t owe you anything.

Friends will come and go but family is forever. Stay close to them and love them to pieces. One day they will be gone.

Always, always, always BE KIND! Kindness in life is the greatest investment you can make.

In the game of life, no one is dealt the same hand. It’s up to you to change the outcome of the hand dealt to you. Whining, complaining, making excuses and blaming others won’t change anything. You are now fully responsible for your life–from this moment on!

As you get older, surprisingly you’ll find out your parents are actually getting smarter.

Stay out of negative environments and negative people.

Don’t ever leave a birdie putt short.

Learn to forgive others and along the way, forgive yourself. Remember, no one’s perfect.

This is not super-profound, but saying “Please, Thank-you, I’m sorry, excuse me, you’re welcome & you look very nice today” will make life so much easier for you.

God gave you a purpose in life. Don’t settle for less or give up until you find your purpose.

Honesty can solve just about any problem.

Clint Eastwood said, “Go ahead, make my day.” Every day, make someone else’s day by doing them a kindness just because. It’ll really make their day.

Now read this one very slowly: When you’re with people, (friends, relatives, etc), give them your full attention and not the TV, your phone or some other media device. That’s just rude!!

And finally, trust in a higher power! I call him by name, “Abba, Father.”

Graduates-you are all at the starting gate. All pretty much on the same level playing field. Wonder how things will be at your five-year reunion? Change your corner of the world for the better. That’s The Way I See It. Let me know what you think at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319-327-4640. Be blest and bless someone else today.

Signed,

A 1969 High School Graduate