message in a bottle

I received a copy of this letter a couple weeks ago, and was moved to tears. The original was addressed to my former principal at Bishop O'Dowd HIgh School.

Dear Fr. Don,

I graduated from Bishop O'Dowd in 1989, and I remember my time there very fondly. The academics were great and I made many friends, but I mostly remember the spiritual foundation it gave me through its religious classes and masses.

Last month I was remarried after being widowed for two years. My husband and I chose some moving words from a wedding in San Francisco that we felt represented the leap that both of us were taking as we took our vows:

"Marriage is one of the most remarkable and most courageous of human acts, the promise of two human beings to share life together on all levels -- physical, emotional, spiritual -- a promise made in the face of the certainty of death, the certainty of change, and the uncertainty of everything else. There is nothing else quite like this act, nothing so foolish, nothing so profound."

Imagine my dismay when I discovered that the man whose wedding inspired these words had been dismissed from my alma mater. The school that taught me to love God, look for justice, and treat those around me kindly apparently has fired a teacher for getting married. I sincerely hope this is not the case, but until I'm convinced otherwise, I will not be able in good conscience to contribute any more funds toward Bishop O'Dowd. Please look into your heart and reconsider your decision to dismiss Douglas Neff.

Sincerely,

[name withheld]

Wow. Truly moving. Never underestimate the power of speaking out. And never underestimate the effect your actions might have on others.

Posted: Sun - October 10, 2004 at 11:01 AM

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message in a bottle

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