Dearest Daffodil: You are about to embark on the next leg of the journey called “your life.” For all of us, this leg is bittersweet: Sweet, because as you go off to college, exciting new worlds will open up to you, worlds that you didn’t even imagine existed. They will inspire you and challenge you; you will grow in incredible ways. Of course, this is a moment of sadness too. Your departure to college makes it undeniably clear that you are no longer a little girl, my little baby, who lived in a protective bubble of family and community, as safe as possible under the watchful eyes of grandma and I You are off on your own. Although we will undoubtedly connect regularly – texting, skype, Facebook, iChat and maybe even that old standby, the telephone – and I will no longer have front row seats on your journey; from this day forward, we learn about you from you. This all happened way too quickly. I miss the days when you could just curl up into my arms and my hugs and kisses were all you seemed to need, yet I know that you and I will be fine. We have worked hard to create a close, trusting relationship, which will grow and deepen as you and I change and grow. More than anything, I cherish our closeness. It gives me the strength to allow to you go off to the college of your choice, instead of my preferred choice As you leave, there is so much I want to remind you about, values to reaffirm, lessons to repeat. Now I know college is filled with really smart professors and really handsome T.A.’s. However, I want to share with you one piece of wisdom for each of your 17 years of life. First, last, and in between, remember always that you are compassionate, intelligent, and beautiful. Every time we talk to you, you take our breath away with your insightfulness, the depth of your kindness, your “you.” This essence animates you. Our Creator, the Holy One, endowed you with these gifts. Embrace them, honor them, hone them. Especially because… The world is about to open up for you. Embrace the excitement and the challenge. that the whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be afraid. So step up, step out – be it with people, experiences, or opportunities. Don’t be afraid to fall or fail. will be there to support you, but we trust your strength and resilience to pick yourself up and redirect. (Of course, be thoughtful. Just because a bridge presents itself, doesn’t mean you have to cross it.) Every new experience allows you to reflect upon the ideas you take for granted and ideas you have never before encountered. Absorb the knowledge; be challenged by the ideas of others. Listen carefully to their perspectives on the world, their philosophies, and even their theologies. Remember that we were all created in God’s image. So seek out the diverse people who populate your college. As the Passover reminds us, that we were once strangers, shunned, to the edges of society by people with narrow minds. Move out of the narrow-mindedness and into the promised land of pluralism. Remember that you are beautiful. So make sure you fall in love with someone who treats you beautifully. And try to fall in love with someone who shares your love and appreciation. Do it because it is who you are. pride ourselves in getting you to this point in your life, healthy, whole and in one piece. Now your safety and future is up to you. asks ourselves to consider before we do something: 1. Is it safe? 2. Is it legal? 3. Is it moral? And, because what you do today in your dorm room or at a party is apt to show up that night on someone’s Facebook page: 4. Would you want your mother, father, grandparents, teacher, or mentor to know about it? If you cannot say “yes” to all four, perhaps you should not walk down that path. You see, the world will present you with a plethora of opportunities to indulge your wildest urges – intellectually, physically, spiritually, with artificial stimulants, with artificial people. College is a time of experimentation. But heed the wisdom of the wise The one who controls her passions. So just remember: ultimately you are responsible for who you will become and what you make of your life. You are now the guide of your own learning. Make wise choices. Sign up each semester for classes that are thought-provoking and inspiring. Ask questions, and respectfully challenge pat answers so that you can advance from collecting knowledge to developing wisdom. There is so much you – and I – still don’t know about it. So choose a right friend At your school, Just as you are growing intellectually, socially and independently, so too allow yourself to grow . Do not feel self-conscious at what you don’t know. Seek out to explore together what your college life could look like. You might be surprised at the opportunities that appeal to you. Don’t be afraid to find out that some of our most cherished beliefs have parallels or antecedents in other religions. I believe that God shares wisdom in many ways with many peoples, and that there are many paths to that Truth. About grades. Do your very best. You do not need to be an A+ student. But as you learned from me , always strive to be an A+ human being. Living a life of kindness and compassion, integrity and honesty, and justice – this is non-negotiable. , you amaze and inspire me. Your journey excites me, as I get to watch you in the process of becoming. Know that your parents will be all right too, because we believe in you.. Please remember also, our home will always be a safe haven when you are faced with adversity. I’m never too busy to listen to you share what happened in your day... and finally, May the Holy One bless you on your journey. in your going away and in your coming home too I love you.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Jun 2013 04:55:57 +0000
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