Gamedesire

This is for all my friends who have kids graduating from college as well as high school and even grammar school, as well my my friends who are in those categories. I decided it would be appropriate to dispense some advice to these wonderful graduates based on the vast wisdom I've accumulated over the years and the degree of success attained in my long and productive life.

Fortunately, my delusions of grandeur are short-lived so I won't bore anyone. No one, least of all me, has all the answers. I don't even have all the questions. But here are some thoughts.

Get a good mirror. Do you know the person behind the face? Forget how you've decorated or pierced that face and the head around it. Your diploma has earned you the right to advance from style to substance. Start reading or read more. Newspapers, magazines, books, whatever.

You can now expect to spend more time around people who will on occasion endeavor to engage you in something approaching intelligent conversation. You'll be expected to know more than who got booted off "American Idol" last night and to show some interest in and knowledge of world events.

Why read? We have almost as many airheads in this country as handguns. Too many of each are accidents waiting to happen. We don't need more. Besides, you might not like living in Texas.

Do you want to marry well? Earn a lot of money? Have a neat place to live? Be looked up to by young and old? Get in line. And don't settle for life's low-hanging fruit. Some of you may already have learned if you have common sense, values and integrity, you may not need wealth. Some receiving diplomas or degrees probably did not need them. They won't buy common sense, values or integrity. Money is nice to have, but it won't buy the commodities most needed for survival, success and happiness - such as the aforementioned common sense, values and integrity.

You don't learn about these "Big 3" from books, and neither your high school nor your college offered remedial courses. If you've got them, they were likely absorbed through genetics or the love and patience of Mom and Dad.

Like the time Mom sent you to your room because of something bad and wrong. Or that time Dad got so mad you were sure you'd crossed the line from a slap on the behind to a fist in the face. Instead, he took a breath and said something like, "That's the last time that will happen," and walked away. You'll be amazed how much you retain. Incredibly, your parents are not sure they did a good job raising you. Live your life to prove they did well. Remember you are who and what you are because of who and what they are.

There are those who justifiably harbor anger toward their parents. Take pride in where you are going; don't be angry about where you have been. Don't sweat the small stuff. You'll find work and love. There's a place for you out there. And don't expect straight lines. You may have to zigzag a bit, but you'll get there.

I wish my generation was passing along a better world, but it's not as easy as it looks. War, violence, inhumanity, racial and other forms of prejudice and intolerance are inherent in mankind.

Having said that, I invite you to prove me wrong. I wish you all the best ever. Christi :)