You don't hear the expression "following in someone's footsteps" much anymore. Although it was much more prevalent when I was growing up, it was rarely heard in our home.
My two brothers, sister and I were never pushed into any career by our parents. They left it up to us to choose our college and career path. As a result, Phil is a business executive, Dave is an engineer and manager for the federal government, and Mary Jo is a social worker. For more than two decades, I was a journalist. None of us chose to follow dad's profession of high school teacher - at least for more than two decades.
Dad died four years before I made the switch from newspaper reporter/editor to high school English/history teacher, and I often wonder what he would have thought of me "following in his footsteps."
Late last fall, I had an opportunity to do the same in my spiritual life. My brother Phil and I went on a weekend retreat to Malvern Retreat House in suburban Philadelphia. Dad went there for many years, and Phil frequently attended retreats with him.
As Phil and I walked around the grounds, knelt in church and listened at spiritual conferences, we were struck by the feeling that our souls were somehow in communion with dad's soul. This led to many pleasant memories, but also reminded us of an important responsibility.
Dad always placed God and family at the top of his priorities. He attended Mass virtually every day for more than 25 years, in good times and bad, until Alzheimer's disease took control of his brain. He was a loving husband and devoted father, with his faith in and love of God enriching his family life.
I eventually followed in dad's footsteps in becoming a teacher. I walked in his footsteps at the retreat at Malvern. I only hope that I can continue to follow his example in making family the center of my life and God the center of my family.
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When we follow our faith,
we walk toward God.
(Kozlowski, a freelance writer, recently published his first book "Sailing Away: A Mother's Final Journey." It is the story of Mae Kozlowski's courageous battle with a brain tumor, and a glimpse into the joy she found in faith and family.)
