Words to Bring Along

Tonight we attended a lovely graduation dinner for the daughter of a friend. She graduated cum-laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her parents were bursting with pride and rightly so. She is a very lovely young lady.

While we were having dinner, there was a slideshow showing her life through the years, culminating with her graduation. Family and friends were asked to say a few words about her, a few songs were sung, a toast was made, and the dance floor opened. It was a shame we had to leave just when the dancing started.

Her younger brothers, who organized the event, passed the microphone around and asked the guests for messages to the celebrant. Here are a few that stood out:
* Congratulations on your achievement, we are very proud of you! (over and over :-)
* You are going to be the best nurse in the whole wide world (from one brother)
* Even if you are not going to be the best nurse, you are going to be a good one (the other brother)
* I know you are going to be the best nurse (from the boyfriend)
* Always try to give your best at everything you do.
* You have chosen not only a profession but a vocation since nursing is serving others
* We know you are going to succeed because you have been raised well (kudos to the parents)

However, what struck me the most was that the words "I love you very much" were repeated many many times throughout the night, and a few tears were shed. No matter where this girl will travel as she goes through life, she will always have those words, backed by the knowledge that her family is standing at the sidelines cheering her on. Through thick and thin.