02/06/2025
Each year at graduation time I publish a letter in the paper that I gave to oldest son when he graduated from high school. It is in the May 29 issue of the Weekly Choice and Charlevoix County News.
Here is the letter
Congratulations Graduates
By Dave Baragrey 1
This is an exciting time of year for graduating seniors and their families as they complete one portion of their life moving on to the next step anticipating what life holds next for them.
We congratulate the Class of 2025 and wish them a bright and successful future.
As the father of four sons I took the opportunity to use graduation as a time to challenge my boys. I first wrote this letter to my oldest son when he graduated high school in 1994. Most of the advice in the letter can be applicable to sons or daughters but I am experienced in raising sons, not daughters, so this letter is directed at boys.
You are beginning your journey into becoming a man. New experiences are in front of you. New responsibilities are just around the corner. New challenges are also coming. Along with the reward of becoming an adult comes the responsibility of being an adult. You are an intelligent young man and I am confident you will handle the experiences, responsibilities and the challenges very well.
Let me offer you some guidance on how you can prepare for what is ahead.
• Do the right thing – When given a choice, do what is right. You know right from wrong. Do the right thing. Don’t cheat. Don’t steal. Don’t do things that will hurt you or those around you. Do what is legal and morally right.
• Treat people like Jesus would – Jesus died for me and you and others because he loved us. He gave his life so we wouldn’t have to give ours. Be willing to give your life for those you love. Hopefully, it never comes to that but that is the attitude a man should have for his family. Treat everyone with respect. People you like, people you don’t like and even people you don’t even know. You never know when you, will run into these people again. They might be a co-worker (or maybe your boss) someday. Let others go first. Open the door for other people. Let them cut in front of you when waiting in line. Be nice. You do this by smiling, greeting and treating people like you would like to be treated regardless of how they treat you. Follow the Golden Rule.
• Contribute – Give of your time and your money to help others in your community. Support charity and give of your time to make your community a better place to live and help others.
• Work hard – Give all you have while at work. Be proud of putting in a better than good day’s work. Do more than your share at work. You will feel good about yourself and you will advance your career.
• Build up your wife – Consistently build up the self-esteem of your wife. Never attack her character or her person. Never let any harm come to her. Help her create self-confidence and independence. Tell her how beautiful she is and how much you love her everyday. Always treat her with love and respect and you will always get that back from her. Never let your anger get in the way of loving your wife. Never betray her trust.
• Always think with your head, not your emotions – Don’t let your emotions control your brain. Use common sense in all things. If you let your emotions control the way you act and think you will do some stupid things. Be smart. Think before you act.
• Pay your debts – Always be on time with your payments when you are establishing credit. Bad credit will follow you for a long time. Bad credit can restrict you from borrowing money in the future for a house, car or anything. If you owe it, pay it and pay it on time.
• Have fun – Don’t waste your life doing something you hate. Love your work and enjoy your family. Take the time to do things with your wife and children. Spend some time doing some hobbies or activities you enjoy.
• Know you are loved – Mom and I love you without conditions. We have since before you were born and we always will. More importantly, know that God loves you. He will always be there to support you, comfort you and guide you in everything you do.
During the next few years you will have various situations to face. Some will be pleasant and some will be difficult. Keep these things in mind as you continue to grow and mature and you will become a good man.
