I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. — St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

I’m guilty of using this photo once before in this column during 2019, but today, I’m writing about the handsome high school SENIOR on the right! Meet Josh Osborn. He’s graduating from Guerin Catholic High School this weekend as part of the class of 2019. He’s the middle child of Chris and Jen (pictured above, left) Osborn. He has an older sister named Emma who attends Kent State, and a younger brother, Sam, who is also a Golden Eagle.

This afternoon and evening, Tom, Drew, and I will be attending 3 graduation parties honoring 6 terrific kiddos– including the one celebrating Josh! As a result, my mind is on the futures of all the class of 2019, which are all undoubtedly going to be filled with sunshine!

This fall, the utterly prepared and academically gifted Josh Osborn will attend Indiana University. I am certain he will flourish there and be a very successful student. I know this because his super proud mama has shared with me about his natural academic abilities and very smarty-pants test scores. Also, I’ve watched him hoop it up quite a bit, and I’ve listened to what his team members and friends have to say about him, so I know he has an incredible work ethic and he’s fiercely competitive. Intelligent, hard-working young men who are character filled, like Josh, are going to shine. That’s a fact. During his senior year at GC, Josh took on a new sport– football! It was such a joy to watch him catch passes and deepen friendships too. I love the courage he displayed tackling this new challenge. That cements for me that he has all the tools necessary to move to the next phase of his young life and crush it!

That said, my son Drew is a former basketball teammate to Josh and also a Boilermaker like yours truly. So, as I honor Josh today I also want to share with him some important words from one of my favorite Boilermakers of all-time, Tyler Trent.

“I want to leave a legacy of what the Lord can do when you allow him to work. There’s always enough time in the day to bring glory to God. If you don’t have the time, start making the time. We don’t know how many days we have.”

Josh, you are a good and integrity-filled soul. Keep being you. Also, consider the words of Tyler and be like him too. It will fill your life with meaning and joy beyond all measure. Our lives here in the Thieme house are all better for having made the acquaintance of the Osborn clan, and we have Josh and Drew to thank for that! CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK, JOSH!!