I think my friends are pretty lucky to have friends like me¹. Not too many friends would miss out on a beautiful weekend by the pool to see you graduate. Not too many friends would wander aimlessly looking for you after the graduation ceremony just so we can say, "Congratulations!" and give you a hug. Not too many friends would be willing to help you pack up all the stuff left over in your room in the blistering heat when frankly, we could be back at home sitting by a pool. Not too many friends would drive hours to see you on your special day and then drive back home in the pouring rain the next day. And not too many friends would sacrifice their own bodies to the blistering Sun and risk the threat of skin cancer and bright red skin to shout out your name as loud as we can when you walk across that stage. And not too many friends would do it all over again if they had the chance. But you know what? Not too many friends have friends that would do the exact same thing for them. I wish the best of luck to all my friends who graduated in the Messiah College Class of 2004. I am grateful for all you've ever done for me, and I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors!

¹Notice I said "friends like me" and not "me as your friend." I am simply implying that there are others beside me that are just as guilty for this weekend's events as I am.