A graduation ceremony, be it for high school, college or even kindergarten, is the cherry on top. It’s like a well-written ending to a riveting, but enjoyable movie.

I have never been the keynote speaker for a graduation, nor have I ever been asked. Those jobs are generally saved for individuals with a life’s resume more qualified than mine. And at the bigger universities, the names alone would be incentive to show up. Oprah Winfrey, Bill Nye, Barack Obama, Tommy Lasorda, Steve Forbes and Al Gore have all made commencement speeches in the past two years.

But I write this thing called a column each week and for today, consider this my speech to our local graduates.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Class of 2009: Remember the little things.

The little things in life are often overlooked. They are the things we don’t have time for and the things that get pushed aside for work and sleep. They are usually not taught in a classroom or found in a text book, but I’ve found they are important nonetheless.

Write thank you notes

In our digital age, it’s easy to crank out a quick thank you on e-mail to a friend or family that’s sent us a gift or helped us out in some way or another. It’s also easy to call the person on the phone and show our appreciation as well. But there’s something about doing it in writing, on a hand-picked card, sent by mail. It shows we are willing to make the extra effort to say thank you.

Keep in touch with family and close friends

When times get tough, which they will, our friends and family are our backbone. Here’s where the phone call or an e-mail works. Stay in touch during the good times and the bad and our lives become better as do theirs.

Don’t hold a grudge

Talk to a couple who are celebrating 25, 30, 40 or even 50 years of marriage and chances are they will say the same things. In relationships, fight for the big things, and stay clear of the small conflicts. They are simply not worth it.

Remember the dentist

Once you’re out of the house, it is easy to ignore visiting the dentist every six months.

But your teeth aren’t going to clean themselves. Going for an annual check up helps maintain healthy teeth for decades to come. It may be a chore now, but you’ll be glad you made the time.

Ask for advice

Make your own decisions, but when challenges come up, which they will, it’s OK to seek the advice of those who have gone through similar experiences before us. The more knowledge we have, the better prepared we are to make a decision.

Graduates, as you embark on your future, take life a step at a time, follow your instincts, enjoy the ride and remember the little things.