Beach Path

Beach Path with newly added dunes. Photo 16/365

Education - About Making the World a Better Place

Beginning a New Chapter

We sat in the coffee shop across from where my daughter's graduation ceremony would occur in Philadelphia. A freindly waiter came up to our table. "One more graduation" he said as he poured our coffee. "This is the last one. " We have graduations here for 3 months in a row. We see lots of families, just like yours. " he said with a smile.
Surely, a late July graduation is unusual. However, given the longer wait, well past the typical graduation season, the late date enhanced the anticipation, excitement and exuberance.
The speakers and deans talked of hard work, dedication and excellence. They congratulated the graduates and heartily exhorted them to go out into the world and make a difference. 'Be the caring, healing, helping people you know how to be-with prayerful and full hearts and minds.' was one message which resounded most with me as I listened.
The speeches, the tassels, the photos, the caps, the gowns and the proud families and friends. This is typical graduation fare repeated at graduations everywhere. Yet each graduation day is unique and special to each individual there, whatever part they played. The graduates remember years of efforts, new friends and experiences. Friend and family remembering standing on the sidelines, supporting and encouraging and now feeling so proud. The teachers remember the lessons and and growth of their students. Graduations are a time for celebrations. For celebrating all graduates and the teachers who help students to learn and grow! Education should enrich the student, enable them to use their God given talents to the best of their ability and made a contribution to the global community. Education is many things but at its essence, it is about making the world a better place. It is a sentiment which bears repeating on days when we celebrate education and those who pursue it in all forms.
The words of William Penn, founder of the state of Pennsylvania, seem particularly appropriate at times like this.
I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. William Penn

Across the Pond

My family and I are off to travel to Ireland next week. I welcome ideas for interesting stops along the way!

There will be 5 of us. My husband and daughter (22) have been to Ireland and loved it! My two sons (ages 17 and 20) are travelling there for the first time.
The agenda is designed to allow us to see some great sites, hear traditional music, do a bit of golfing and just enjoy the beauty of the country and some time together.
These photos were taken on our last trip to Ireland in 2003 with my daughter, my sister and my sister's family. They are from the Portsalon area of Fanad, Donegal. -Magherawarden Beach by the Knockalla Mountain. Gorgeous! It also happens to be the spot where my great grandfather, Patrick Deeney, lived before emigrating from Donegal to Philadelphia, Pa, US in 1872!
Here is our 2008 agenda. It involves a lot of driving. From experience, we have seen that driving can be part of the fun.

Killarney, Kerry 2 nights
Dublin, Dublin 1 night
Letterkenny, Donegal 2 nights
Salthill, Galway 3 nights

I welcome ideas for interesting stops along the way!