In 1980, country singer Mac Davis debuted what became a big hit: “Happiness is Lubbock, Texas, in My Rearview Mirror.” Before the ballad ends, Davis clarifies it can be difficult in youth to recognize where to find happiness – even when it’s in plain sight.

Reflecting in retirement now, it could be that youthful dreams of future memories drove many decisions – including those following high school or college days. There is little doubt our parents worried about the future as they sat through graduation ceremonies in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Assassinations of John and Bobby Kennedy, Dr. King, the war in Vietnam, “free love” and political upheaval at the ’68 Chicago Democratic Political convention must have given parents of those days worry over what the future held for the likes of you and me – and perhaps what advice they could share with us about it.

Here we are today, in similarly worrisome times, concerned about what challenges our own children and grandchildren will face, as well as what sort of advice we might offer at graduation time. A letter written to a patient of mine years ago might yet today provide helpful thoughts for graduates pondering what lies ahead. Here is the letter for your consideration and use if you wish:

April 2012

Dear John,

Since copies of your letters of acceptance to MIT and Harvard came to me through a mutual friend, I have wanted to write to tell you how proud I am of you. What a thrill it must be to have wonderful opportunities straight ahead! You no doubt have received plenty of accolades in addition to advice (wanted and unwanted) about the future. Although any more is probably not needed, perhaps you won’t take offence to an old guy passing along a few thoughts on your future.

One day at a time. It is not unusual to get overwhelmed when we step into the shadow of a mountain we are about to climb. Looking up, the summit can seem beyond our reach. As we climb, we may stumble or encounter obstacles that we did not anticipate. Face those challenges one day at a time, putting one foot in front of the other. Tomorrow’s challenges will come soon enough.

Look both ways before you cross the street. As you climb your mountains, stop to rest and reflect back. Appreciate how far you’ve come. Look again to the top and remind yourself where you are going, then resume your day-at-a-time journey.

Stay connected. Life is full of valleys. It helps when you are in one if you recognize it. Always remember that you will climb out of the valley and that others who care about you can help. Lean on your family and friends (hope you will consider us in this category) for help or counsel when you need it. Don’t work so hard to isolate yourself.

Enjoy the journey. We know that you are going to work hard and go far. But, arriving at some distant destination realizing you’ve left important things behind, like family, friendships and fun, is a hollow triumph. Blend your goals and your work with enjoyment of life, for it’s one thing we cannot really change once it has passed us by.

We’ll be thinking about you during your college time and beyond. We hope you will keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

As graduation time nears again, my wife, Rita, and I send our best wishes for the families and friends of all graduates of this Minot Daily News column’s readers. We share the dream with all parents, family and friends – that their graduates will spread their wings and fly into a future filled with success, fulfillment and happiness.