The Days Gone By

Today my grandson Nick will graduate from high school.  In September he will go off to college to blaze a new trail in the story of his life.  I’m so excited for him!   I have great hope in him and for him as he ventures forth into a world that needs him and the gifts he has to give.

Nick is thinking of that future today and I should be too—and I am, but at the same time Grandad can’t help but think of the days gone by:  the yesterdays of Nick’s growing up.  I remember the day of his birth and all the birthdays since, his baptism, his confirmation, the Thanksgivings and the Christmases, the football games, and so much more in the days gone by.  What a wonderful experience it has been for us who love him to see Nick develop into the person he is today.  How fortunate we all are for the gift of Nick!

Yesterdays are yesterdays and we cannot dwell there where—

 “The childish faith in fairies, and Aladdin’s magic ring—

The simple, soul-reposing, glad belief in everything,—

When life was like a story, holding neither sob nor sigh,

In the golden olden glory of the days gone by.” (James Whitcomb Riley, The Days Gone By)

The movement of life is always the ascent—the excitement, the struggle, the joy, and oft-times painful upward journey into tomorrow.  That’s why I am sharing two quotes with Nick today.  They speak to Grandad and his tomorrows.  Perhaps they will “speak” to Nick on this his graduation day and guide him in his tomorrow.

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who’ll decide where to go. (Dr. Seuss)

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)