For T.J. on his Graduation
written by Anna Mae Wittig at the request of his parents
 

                                For every door that closes....another opens,
                                            For every memory past, there's a new hope,
                                           For every mountain peak that you have crested,
                                          You'll earn the right to glide down one more slope.
 
                                           The door is closing now upon your childhood,
                                            And mem-o-ries
                                                    of your most recent past,
                                            Of sports & books & brothers, Josh & Jacob,
                                             Will help you in the role that you are cast.
 
                                             Whether in football, basketball or lifting,
                                              Singing in the choir.... the family band,
                                           You've learned the value of a true team-player,
                                            That ambition and respect go hand-in-hand.
 
                                           Before the fun of sliding down that sand dune,
                                             First comes the work of climbing to the top,
                                            Before you harvest food to grace your table,
                                             First... you must have planted a good crop.

                                                    So dream and reach for stars...
                                                   for you can get them.
 
                                          If the dream goes hand-in-hand with a good plan.
                                             Of work, determination, faith and courage.
                                                 And rememb'ring Guelo's words,
                                                       "I know you can!"

                                          For God and Guelo watch o'er you, when we can't,
                                             And tho we know that we don't have to be,
                                                 Please know that if you need us,
                                                      You should never....
                                                Be afraid to call upon your family.
 
                                           In times when drugs and violence are rampant,
                                           Among our youth, in schools and neighborhood,
                                          I'm so proud of the young man you've turned into.
                                            The values you take with you now are good.

                                             Remember now as you begin your journey,
                                                Into a life that's truly all your own,
 
                                            That tho you journey in your own direction,
                                               You know you'll never truly be alone.
 

...........