A Word From Dad

A Model Citizen

Today we celebrate this momentous occasion in the life of one B, Daughter of ours, and the product of 13 years of teaching by Lori. So, I give credit to Lori for her 13 years of great teaching.

B is another product of the "G educational system" that is slowly taking over the far right wing of the Republican party. B identifies with that radical fringe of the conservative population that is infiltrating the highest ranks of government and insidiously permeating the minds of the liberal left, thwarting the diabolical plots of those scheming judicial activists, and promoting diligently the suffrage movement in Polk County. Go B !

Speaking of Polk County, as I thought about what I would say today, at B ’s graduation, my mind focused on that would we would all agree is of utmost importance – that is the process of building a strong, happy, healthy society. I think that the best contribution that one can make to society is not in the high profile work of a political figure or activist, but in the quiet daily life of a contented soul, who is at rest and at peace with God, family, friends and her neighbors. This person who, on balance, runs an emotional surplus (we all have our days) and who has the capacity to reach out and touch other peoples lives who, in turn, are able to reach out and touch even more lives, and so on. This nuclear explosion, if you will, of kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control creates true and long-lasting societal, cross cultural and most multi-generational change in our society.

Our responsibility, then, is to create the framework that provides for this strong sense of purpose and contentedness. This contentedness allows one to be both a leader and a follower, a teacher and a student, a worker and a manager, a mother or a career person.

Enter B , who is very content in the garden, at the piano, and with her family, and would like nothing more than to continue on in the tradition of her mom and get married and raise a happy, healthy family. Even so, another four years of school is beckoning her on – four more years to prepare her for her calling, so that she has just that much more to give. We wish B God’s greatest blessing on her during these next years, as she continues to prepare herself for life’s greatest calling.

So B, nice work! You’ve been an outstanding student, a great help to you mom, and a loving and giving sister to your brothers and sisters. Congratulations on your graduation, and may God richly bless you in life’s journey. We all look forward to enjoying that journey with you.