Milam McGraw-Propst

My Nun and Her Husband Milam McGraw-Propst

I met Sister Thomas Margaret, C. S. J., in 1959 in my first English class at St. Pius X Catholic High School. She was a gifted educator with a love of literature and language. As demanding as Sister was, she also had quite a twinkle in her eye. Under her photograph in our yearbook is written "Religion, English, Journalism, and Golden Lines," our award winning school newspaper. Little did I know decades later, when I acknowledged her in a novel, she would become a friend and more. "Kate Shilling" and her husband, Lou, would become family. Characteristically, Sister Thomas Margaret had refused to sign my 1963 yearbook. My friend made up for the omission forty-four years later penning the following words. I wish for you that life be open like a book can be- With pages filled with ways to grow and that growing you can sing The melody of truth and gentleness, Ever new, ever bright like spring. I wish for you that winds of change will show the way That altering what you are to that which you can be Your hands will find your pearl beyond all price; For then-and only then-your eyes will truly see, Your mind will really know The mystery that springtime blossoms show. All the learning out of books amounts to naught Unless one day your soul can realize You've found the love you sought. Last lesson would I now impart: Trusting books is good But best is trusting heart. Sister's yearbook message to me was well worth the wait. Kate added Milam's Message for 2007 Of my students-ALL- You are the one I claim As friend whose name I daily bless with love. Proud I am that trusting heart Is your finest art!