I've been looking through graduation quotes.
I hoped somewhere in the lists of commencement sayings and advice for graduates, I would find some advice for Moms of graduates.
What do we tell our kids as they get ready to leave home after 18 years?

I found some of the inspiring and often used quotes from Oscar Wilde, Benjamin Franklin, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Quotes such as: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."
                                    Ralph Waldo Emerson

Or how about this quote?

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant."
                                             Robert Louis Stevenson

Former NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw said this:
"You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world."

My second daughter, Kate is about to graduate from high school.
You'd think the second time around would be easier. But, it's not.

I am excited for all the paths Emerson talks about she may follow and all the trails she may leave.

And she'll leave them.

I can't wait to see the seeds Stevenson's quote prompts her to plant.

And I know she will.

And I muse about the ways Tom Brokaw would have her change the world.

And I believe Kate can.

So, my Kate the almost graduate, you "hitch your wagon to a star", and "wherever you go, go with all your heart", and "shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
(Emerson again, Confucious, and Les Brown).

And Matt Zaffino would like this quote for the graduate from Anthony J.D'angelo.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
(Great advice this winter and spring in the northwest, isn't it?)

 Fortunately, I have two more teenagers, graduating every two years until 2012, so maybe I'll find the perfect quote by then.

There is one thing I can say that is not poetic or unique, but very heartfelt.

I love you and am so very proud of you.

Congratulations to all of our 2008 graduates!

Anyone else have some words of wisdom?

You can email me at:
<a href="lporter@kgw.commailto:lporter@kgw.com">lporter@kgw.com</a>

2 Comments

Don said:

The following is a quote from Albert Schweitzer:
"I don't know what your destiny will be but of this I am certain ... the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have searched and found a way to serve."

June 9, 2008 11:17 AM

Michael Ross said:

Advice:

Follow God whereever He leads. Don't be afraid to "fail". The great inventor Edison tried over 200 different materials for the filament of the first light bulb before he got one that worked reliably. Failures are just learning experiences, steps on the road to success.

June 13, 2008 1:34 PM

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