Gone Too Fast

Jack, these 17 years of yours have really flown by, and Gram and I have enjoyed every minute!

High school graduation is a big stepping stone in a young man’s life! During your next challenge, basically you will be on your own, and at Clemson YOU will start to make decisions, as countless others have also done, that will most likely affect some or every part of your life.

I have been wondering what I could say to you that may make your decision-making process a little easier.

I was not quite sure exactly what to say to you until I watched the Sunday Mass from Notre Dame last weekend. The Mass was centered around the Holy Spirit coming to the disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven.

One example the priest spoke of with regard to utilizing the Holy Spirit in our daily lives was what Father Hesburgh, a former president of Notre Dame for 37 years, always did! It seems Father Ted, when faced with any decision he was about to make (attending a conference, meeting with the Pope, meeting U.S. presidents, meeting the Notre Dame Board of Directors, teaching a class, or simply counseling a student), would pray this simple prayer: “Come Holy Spirit.” After saying this prayer, he believed the Holy Spirit, as with the disciples, was always with him in everything he said or did!

You too can simply recite this prayer in every phase of your life: academic, social, athletic, employment and of course family life! After intense thought about an upcoming decision, pray this little prayer as did Father Ted, “Come Holy Spirit,” and you too will never be alone!

Well, enough ramblings from an old man. Enjoy your high school graduation. I for one will be with you all the way in whatever you do.

Thanks for all the joy you have brought to your family and ours, and as the saying goes, the best is yet to come. Come Holy Spirit!

Love, Pop and Gram