St Barnabas High School - Immaculata Yearbook (Bronx, NY)

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gafewell 1 Pass-word of memory-of bygone days, is there no land where bunzan lips may say 'Farewelf no more? K QITH an undefinable feeling of finality we hear this oft-repeated word, only to suddenly realize that it is meant for us. We turn with a long- ing to the sheltered halls of our beloved Alma Mater and experience a keen desire to remain always a part of the gay, carefree life we have known here. But this we understand cannot be. For we have something to give the world- something which has been given to us by the devoted Sisters. It is out duty to bring this-a Catholic way of living-into whatever circle we enter: Thus there remains only the inevitable farewell. Nevertheless, in this word there is a touch of happiness, as well as sadness-the happiness of beautiful memories, sweet and tender, the happiness of Yesterday with all its cares and frets, with all its lighthearted joys and pleasures. But, of course, there is also sorrow-the sweet sorrow of departure. ' Departure for what? From nothing less than that which has become essentially a part of us. A departure from youth-the gay and pleasant spring of life, wherein we have built our dreams of hope and faith for the future. We must now go forth with the ideal in sight of keeping true to these dreams. A departure from scenes that we seem to have known foreverg from the classrooms in which we have studied and worked and have enjoyed the wonderful, un- forgettable experiences of school-life. It seems like such a short time ago when we were on the first step of the ladder which led from the depths of inexpe- rience and hesitation to the heights of knowledge and confidence. In particular it is a departure from the friends and teachers who have helped us along the way. God alone Who made hearts can unite them. This He has done with us, who have shared work, tears and laughter in the past. Perhaps we shall meet again, but in every parting a chord is broken, which cannot be retied. If we do meet, we all know it will not be in the same way, with the same sentiments, with the same interest, with the same sympathies, for this is impossible. So the memories of these joys must stay forever in the sacred treasure of the past, where we have but to reach to enjoy them again. But in spite of the sadness in such a departure, we cannot help feeling a tinge of excitement and eagerness as we venture into the bright Tomorrow with its promise of happiness and success. With our faces turned towards the bright- ness of God's goodness, and our feet walking firmly in the confidence of the Infinite Love, we step with little fear or hesitation into the Unknown. Un- known perhaps to us, but known to Him to Vfhom we are bound by the un- breakable chains of faith and love. By these chains, He will lead us to our particular work in this world, and ultimately to our place in His Eternal Kingdom. With this in view, we leave the future to His care and guidance. Thus, once more, we return to the past and to that inevitable word Fare- well. But can we say good-bye and then forget? No, this cannot be done with something whose fond memory will ever be with us. Though we must turn our backs on this episode of life and depart from it forever, spiritually we 125

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.Qepcvziwze fiom Scenes

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shall remain together--always, together in the places and with the people we love beyond the infinities of time. We may be separated by many miles, but we will be united in the thoughts and prayers which will meet on their journey upwards. Then, if we are no more to meet here, we shall all meet in heaven and dwell forever in the Presence of God. Till then, memories will help us over the intervening time between our happy youth and the Eternity where partings will have no place. This, then, is Farewell, farewell to the small glimpse of heaven which we have had and which will encourage us as we mount the highway that will lead to a full view of Paradise. MARIE BREHENY. 126