by Wendy
Graduation season is wrapping up, with the last of the crowds of students in caps and gowns with proud families blocking downtown sidewalks and slowing traffic. I wish them all well!

While I can understand the importance of marking the occasion, I thought my high school graduation was so boring, I skipped both the college and graduate school ceremonies. After I finished college, my Dad wrote a letter to me that I reread recently. I realize how lucky I am to have such constantly supportive parents, though I have taken it for granted at times. Both he and Mom taught my sisters and me the importance of hard work and education, a commitment to family and faith, and that being a good person matters so much more than being pretty.

I’d like to share some of Dad’s words of wisdom here – they still inspire me today and no commencement speech could ever have meant as much. I think both recent and not so recent grads can appreciate this – especially devoted travelers and aspiring writers.

Note: The whole letter is brilliant and beautiful, but I’m sharing an edited version as I realize that hearing what a wonderful daughter I am is interesting only to me:) Thank you Dad – love you too.

I have intended to write this letter to you for over two weeks. I have finally got the chance, (nothing like a 4 hour plane ride to give a person time to read, think, or even write)!

Wendy, you have reached a couple of milestones this year. You turned 21. The age of reason, the age of adulthood, the age of responsibility. I’m sure you know that age has nothing to do with it except in the eyes of society or the laws under which we live. Nevertheless, if you haven’t thought of these things by now; you should (but I think you have). I know you want more and more independence. With the possible exception of financially, which obviously affects other independencies, I think you pretty much do and act as you decide. I want this for you too. Unlike many parents, I love the fact that you are growing up. It does not make me sad or long for the past. I do not “hate to see my little girl grow-up.” On the contrary, I have always looked forward to each new stage of your life.

I also know that it is important that I support you in a different way in each of these stages. Being your father means that I will always love you unconditionally. As your friend, and I am pleased that you call me such, I know I must also “let go”. I not only support your desire for independence, I encourage it! I know it is time. However, keep in mind that with independence comes great responsibility. You are, and must be, responsible for your actions, as well as how your actions affect those around you and those that love you. These are the things that always seemed to me to make taking new responsibilities difficult. That is not to say that I haven’t wanted or shyed away from them. Confidence and conviction in what you believe in makes the decision process much easier. I want you to know that I will always be willing to discuss, and offer an opinion, regarding any decision you may need to make in the future. I may not always give you the answer you want to hear or agree with your final decision, but rest assure I will never love you any less.

You will soon be embarking on a career, graduate school, and new friends and relationships. What a great time in your life. I am so happy and excited for you and April that you finally get the chance to go to Europe. What an opportunity to expand your sphere of knowledge. It will be worth every bit as much as your last four years of college….

I am proud that you have developed strong convictions and opinions. At least you have learned one thing from me, “you should always have a story” and not be afraid to vocalize it in a sincere and caring manner. So far I see this in all of my daughters. I feel it is the cornerstone of strong character…

…you must continue to write….You don’t have to do it for anyone else but you must do it for yourself. Regardless of what else you might work at…you must write. I know you have something to say, so say it! It doesn’t matter if it’s a novel, short story, freelance article, personal journal or letter to the editor. Put it down on paper and make the world a better place when someone reads your work and is stimulated by your thoughts.

I wish the greatest success and happiness, as measured by you, for you. I pray for you all the time. I want you to feel good about yourself because you are good.

I once heard a man, that I admired very much, say “Do not waste a minute, not one minute.” He did not mean that you should never rest, or sit still and contemplate, or watch the sun go down, or listen to the children playing in the yard. All of these things are as important as your work. He just wanted to make a point, as he was dying at an early age, that time is so very precious and so very limited. It’s hard to really understand that at twenty-one but it’s very true. Listen to these simple words. Heed them and savor every minute, everything you do. “Do not waste a minute, not one minute.”