For Katie, who is graduating from college in two weeks

The last 17 years have absolutely flown by. Katie, who has always had a love for learning, graduates with a BA in Music Performance June 13Th at 9 AM. This is only the beginning for her. It's hard to describe the well of emotions inside me now, but pride is certainly prominent. I wrote the following on her first day of kindergarten, it's hokey and sappy, but it still makes me smile.


For Katie, Who Started
Kindergarten This Morning

Off you go
To school today.
We packed you up
You're on your way

In kindergarten
All grown up now
Time's gone so fast,
I don't see how.

You were my baby
Just yesterday.
I guess I knew
You wouldn't stay.

But it's rather hard
To see you go.
To just sit back
And watch you grow.

So off you go
To school today
To learn, discover,
And grow and play.


Linda O'Rourke
8/21/1992

This is my kindergarten picture. I'm in the first row, sitting, third from the right. What year was that??

House Cleaning Too

Now in our busy world most of us would be more tempted to throw out the weakened, tattered rug and replace it with a new one. Despite our attempts at conservation and recycling we are a throw away society. We buy pretty packages and when we’re through, that’s it. We are not living responsibly in this precious world of ours.

There was a time when folks took care of their possessions. If a sock got a hole, they darned it. We trash it and get new socks. Are we to busy to take care of our belongings? Is twenty-four hours not as long as it used to be?

Well, I think we are called to recycle and conserve God’s gifts, God’s creations. There is no doubt in my mind that our Master’s greatest creation is man. Jesus fills His teachings with tender love for all humans.

So, take time with people. If a person needs help, give it. If a relationship is broken, fix it. If a friend is weakened by this world, give them strength.

We are God’s most precious resource. If we don’t take care of us extinction is certain. We can not be to busy to conserve the human spirit.

Linda O’Rourke
July 26, 1994

House Cleaning

Sweeping the dirt under the rug is the quickest, easiest way to clean the floor. It's not the best. Dispose of the dirt properly or it could be destructive.

You see, dirt is abrasive. You may not see what it is doing to the rug, but underneath dirt particles tear the rug to pieces. The surface of the rug may look okay as it becomes fragile and useless.

With each step it weakens. Jumping or stamping could easily destroy it. All this and it still looks acceptable. The same rug, without dirt, can stand up to so much more.

The solution is simple. Don't sweep the dirt under the rug. If you already have removed it. There is still hope. Rugs can be mended. So can people.

Linda L. O'Rourke
June 27, 1994