Congratulations to the Awesome Threesome!

Congratulations to our dearest daughter Danielle on her graduation from middle school! The event was marked with bittersweet emotion that swelled and quelled with the tune of Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, more commonly known as the Graduation March. Its orchestral notes tugged at our emotions causing them to rise and fall with each phrase. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes while cheers of joy came forth when Danielle was awarded a special medal for earning a 4.0 GPA all six semesters of middle school. Wasn't it only yesterday that I agonized over Danielle's first day of kindergarten? Eight years later and there we were, standing ever-so-proudly as our daughter made her way across the stage on the last day of middle school.

Danielle's cousin, Joshua, also graduated from middle school-- with honors! More impressive is the fact that Joshua, whose native language is english, did so in a spanish-immersion program. Today, Josh is completely fluent in spanish -- a skill that will surely prove advantageous in the future. His list of accomplishments includes three U.S. National titles in karate, and a burgeoning talent in photography and design. We are equally as proud of Joshua and feel extremely confident that even greater things are in store.

Last, but every bit as noteworthy, our dearest Joseph was given the "Friendliest Student" award during the third grade promotion ceremony. Imagine our joy upon learning that Joseph was presented this award. He may be small in stature, but his heart is grand. He's nine years old, but he is mature beyond his years.

Danielle was right to name him Joseph -- "after St. Joseph!"

As one chapter comes to a close, another begins filled with hope and promise. Inevitably, they will encounter numerous difficulties and challenges as they forge ahead into the future. They will be faced with situations that require certain sacrifice. Through it all, I hope and pray that they will remain steadfast in faith and their beliefs, never compromising their values, and always following their moral compass.

Lastly, I wish to share with them a definition of success that Oprah bequeathed to the graduating class of 2009 at Duke University:

"One of the best ways to enhance your own life is to enhance somebody else's and to stand proudly in your own shoes while you help others stand in theirs. How can I help somebody else move to higher ground? That is success."