I leave early tomorrow morning. I’m thrilled to be embarking on this journey, but sadness about saying goodbye to loved ones caught up with me tonight. I was packing my carry-on bag and feeling a bit down until I glimpsed a poster about child soldiers (in Uganda) that my friend Danielle had given me (Danielle had made it for a school project). I felt sad because I have to bid (a temporary) farewell to family members and friends who possess extraordinary qualities and talents, who have shared valuable experience with me, who exchange love with me. Everyone deserves that. Everyone deserves to be valued, to share enlightening experiences with others, to give and receive love. And it’s one thing to conjure up such a statement and another thing to enact it. This is my chance to enact it. I will take advantage of this chance, starting tomorrow. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my friends and family whose love, humor, intelligence, and support have enhanced my life and helped me to [I LOVE U MARIA!] ————> (My little brother Jack wrote that!!) make the choice to join the PC, a choice I am proud of. You are great people and I will continue to think of you often and send you love and GOOD VIBES. Ugh, thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME BECOME ME! I HOPE I CAN BEGIN TO HELP OTHERS AS YOU’VE HELPED ME.
Now – a good song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E22HprMQN8M
<———–> DO GOOD BE WELL LIVE IT UP AND LET GO <————–>
“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”
xxoo
Fair ye well Maria. Remember:
Respect the beliefs and opinions of others;
Be open to change;
Stay on task; and
Make good decisions.
Love, Dad