Julia graduated last week at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix. Mass was followed by a perfect and simple graduation service.

During the Mass, I had the honor of giving Julia a rose to place at Mother Mary’s feet. I was sure this would be the part of her graduation that would undo me. Instead, as I handed her the rose, I felt complete peace that Our Lady would pray for her, point her to her Son, and be a light and steady presence during any trials.

Julia spoke to everyone there, encouraging us to remember that her class is not leaving a legacy behind, but that we are all a living legacy of Christ’s love in this world.

Ballet recitals, soccer games, and countless musical performances raced through my memory. I was no longer a nervous cheerleader for my girl, but I sat as part of the audience waiting to see what will be next for her.

My parents, Brian’s parents, and my brother John and his wife Roxy joined us that evening. What a blessing to be surrounded by them and let them see a glimpse into this beautiful school, Ville de Marie.

As the priest concluded his homily that evening, he said words that startled everyone. ‘Do not follow your dreams.’

I furrowed my brow and wondered where he was going with this. He said, ‘I will say it again. Do not follow your dreams.’

He urged them to follow God’s will for their lives instead of their own dreams that may be self serving or make them close in on their own wants and desires. He asked them instead to open their heart and their arms to His will and to pray that their will conforms with His. That this path is better than any dream you could possibly have.

I wanted to clap and shout, ‘Amen’! Yes. Yes. In this time when everyone urges you to pursue your own dream, pray for His will for your life instead. Yes! How many selfish desires, failures, and hurts could have been avoided just by allowing Him to be my guide instead of what I thought was best. Oh, dear Julia, I pray that you learn this quickly and that joy overflows like a fountain when you delight in His ways.

Ville de Marie, class of 2018

Thank you, brother John, for taking pictures while my eyes were too weepy.