Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2023, Colin E. "Ed" Brady | Acceptance Remarks

"ed-brady-1Good evening to all of our distinguished guests, Dr. Pick, our key-note speaker, and of course to of you fellow Boys Town Alumni.I am both humbled and honored by this recognition.
 
This past June, it was 63 years ago that I walk off the “hallowed ground”, so called because it is the place of miracles, of the Boys Town campus with a High School Diploma.  My mind filled with lots of great book learning and common-sense instructions from my Counselors and Teachers that I, to this day, consider the game-changers of my life.
 
Over my 7 – ½ years at Boys Town, I came to realize that had I not come here as that 10-year-old little boy, I most likely would have been either dead or in prison by the time I was 25.  Harsh thoughts for such a little guy and scary at times to say the least.
 
But somehow God plucked me from Northeast Ohio and dropped him into the endless possibilities of Boys Town.  A miracle for sure.
 
I must thank many people, Frank Hart, Head Counselor in Grade School, Len Fralick, Head Counselor in High School, Fr. Aloysius “Mac” McMahon, Dean and Father Cliff Stevens, Counselor, who himself graduated from Boys Town in 1944.  Sadly, there are way too many me to mention here.  But all their names are embossed upon my heart for all time.  While these where key players there where many men and women, teachers, counselors, and staff, at BT who’s caring, discipline and direction guided me through my life’s path.
 
I wish to offer my fellow Boys Town brothers and sisters much happiness and joy as you travel your personal journey through life.
 
Here are a couple of ideas that I have tried to practice throughout my life and perhaps might help lead you to greater happiness………
 
  • Forgive everyone of everything so your mind can be clearly focused on the many things God has already planned for you
  • Do not let anyone use your paint brush to paint your portrait, paint it yourself
  • Maintain your curiosity so your mind stays open to the many wonders in this world
  • Give to churches, charities or the needy, whatever and whenever you can so as to keep yourself humble and reminded of the help you received at Boys Town
  • Maintain a strong belief in God so that you always have someone bigger than yourself to watch over you
 
So, as Father Mac always said after his sermon at Sunday Mass, “Pray for me as I will pray for you that we may one day merrily meet in Heaven”.  And please don’t forget to pray for Boys Town’s staff as they continue to do the work of Father Flanagan and the kids that are now growing up here in this special place.
 
God Bless you all……………………"