Steve’s been teasing and torturing me ever since elementary school. That’s how long I’ve known him. In those days he got back at me by taking away my toys. These days he spills his drinks down my shirt. So, even though this is the perfect opportunity to get back at him, I can’t think of anything awful to say. Everything I know about Steve is wonderful. Since those days, over twenty years ago now, when we fought and cried over trucks and airplanes and competed for the affections of Mrs. Layton, the cafeteria lady, Steve’s been a great friend...... Of course, since High School we haven’t always been in the same place at the same time. But no matter where I’ve lived and worked over the years, New Jersey or New Orleans, Geneva or Germany, I always knew that Steve would be there for me if I needed him. I remember when I was on a skiing trip once in the Swiss Alps in the late 90’s. I was celebrating my birthday. Steve was meant to come but, being the responsible person he is, stayed home to study for exams. Anyway, I broke my leg and the next thing I know, Steve’s on the other end of the phone telling me that it could have been worse. I could have broken my nose and not found my way back to the States! He then tried barking to the tune of Happy Birthday. His barking was a relief. I mean, have you ever heard Steve sing?......

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I’m very happy and proud to be graduating today. I owe this to so many people. I have been very fortunate. My parents nudged me when my energy waned, never letting me forget that they were there to support me and even to do some of my chores when I got overwhelmed. Although I hate to admit it, my brother, Micky, kept me from going insane at times by telling me really bad jokes. I used to scream for him to stop but Micky, I want you to know that although they were really really bad jokes, I’m so glad you barged into my room and bothered me the way you did. You were my comic relief. But, rest assured, I’ll still be paying you back. Whenever I felt lost sitting in the library surrounded by a mountain of books all begging for my immediate attention, one of my teachers would mysteriously appear from behind a book shelf and whisper in my ear which books I could leave till last or forget about altogether. Thank you to Jack and Penny, too, for your understanding. They let me take time off from work whenever I had a deadline to meet, when I had exams coming up, when I needed a night off to go out with my friends or when I simply needed to catch up on some sleep. You’ll never know how much I appreciated your kindness, then and now. Last, but not least, I want to thank Shirley, my labradoodle, who put up with my bad moods, made me take walks early in the morning and late at night and licked me awake if I dared to oversleep and be late for class......

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It feels like yesterday that I started working here even though it’s been longer than that. Much longer. I remember very clearly how much I wanted to work for this company and the joy I felt when I was told that I had the job and I’ll never forget the welcome I got when I first walked in the door. I soon learned that this was the welcome everyone got, and still gets, when working for this company...... Although I have experienced many changes over the years, some groundbreaking, fortunate and inspiring, some tedious, sad and perhaps regretful, the one thing that has never changed is the welcome you’ve all given me each morning when I’ve arrived here for work.  It’s a wonderful thing to be able to say that a good part of my life has been spent with people who now feel like family and that I can honestly say I love and care about.......

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Thank you for being here today to celebrate my father’s life. I learned many good lessons from him. His words always resonate loud and clear whenever I feel stuck or don’t know what to do about something. Dad was described as a gentleman. Indeed, he demonstrated the finest qualities of a gentleman. Whatever he lacked in formally acquired knowledge and skills he had where it counted, in his heart. For this I loved, respected and admired him......In his youth, he traveled throughout Europe. He was always proud and enthusiastic for me whenever I traveled and lived in another country. He understood dreams and would never burst my bubble, my dreams. Marrying mom was like a beautiful dream come true, he would say......His words to me, his last words as it turned out, were “You’re beautiful and you’re excellent”. I’ll always cherish that moment, those words. And my final words to you, dad, are that you were beautiful and excellent too. I’m proud to have had you as my dad. You continue to bring out the best in me. I love you dad and don’t worry, I’ll pull myself together and continue in my endeavors to make you proud of me.

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