A Message of Gratitude and A Tribute to a Father

In behalf of our mother, Diana Jackson Powell, my sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and our children, I would like to express our profound gratitude for the overflowing concern and support that we have been receiving from relatives, neighbors and friends not only during my father's death but also in the series of sad events that had very recently befallen our family.

Daddy, a very simple man who lived very simply, had only his cherished friends and relatives to prove that he indeed lived fully and meaningfully. I wish, wherever he is now, he could see this pouring out of friends to bid him goodbye. I know he would have loved this scenario, this is exactly how he would have wanted his burial to be.

To his fellow veterans, thank you for being with him and for giving him the honors due him. We all grew up listening to his war stories and the role he played as a soldier. We have always considered our father a hero and we believe he deserves the honor that you are giving him today. Your being here not only gives full meaning to his existence as a soldier, but also gives us a chance to store one more beautiful memory of the soldier who had just faded away.

To our family in New York, my father's most beloved relatives and friends - Dad's last wish was to return to his cherished hometown. While he was not granted his one last wish, I know he is contented in the knowledge that New Yorkers are here to bid him goodbye.

To his colleagues in the teaching profession - I would like to impress on you my father's admiration and respect for teachers and the profession we are in. The best years in my father's life were the ones he spent with you and the children whom he cared for so much. Thank you for being with us as we close this final chapter in his life.

To all our relatives, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, Daddy's friends, who are with us to share in our grief, we will never forget these moments and we will always remember that our grief today is greatly lightened because you are here with your outpouring of support and concern. Saying thank you will never be enough to express our gratitude.

Lastly, to our dear Dad, inspite of our shortcomings and limitations we love you and we will never forget you. Thank you for the gift of life and for giving us the chance to share this life with you and Mom. Dad, you are indeed the best.

Thank you and good day.

An Inspirational Message on Recognition Day

We are now giving recognition to our students who have proven their best in the non-academic areas - specifically those who have excelled in athletics, in the literary- musical contests, in leadership, and other areas and have brought honor to the University. My role, according to the invitation is to give an inspirational talk and as I was trying to produce this speech I kept asking myself, "Who do I inspire?" I presumed there will be three groups of people in this hall - the best and the winners who are being recognized this afternoon, those who have tried and have lost, and those who haven't tried at all. I have decided that it will be best for all of us here to inspire each other, to learn lessons from each other, to share successes and failures and the lessons that we can derive from them.

Let us first consider the winners and the best in this group because this afternoon's event is in their honor. This time you inspire the likes of us who were neither winners nor the best. All our lives we have always admired your kind, we have always aspired to be a little bit like you. I congratulate you for your achievement and for the honor that you have brought to the University. To you, I have this message - your talent, whatever it is, is a gift, a blessing - be grateful, give your wins a meaning by being magnanimous and by making people happy. Also, let your being winners teach you lessons that could pilot your lives. Remember too, that after climbing a great hill, there are many more hills to climb so expect for more and harder challenges. Your achievement has given you a good start and the best of preparations. We your teachers are hopeful that you will continue to bring honor to our dear (institution) even as you leave its portals. Congratulations again and more power. We will always be proud of you.

To those who have tried and have lost, do not despair. There is always a time for winning and a time for losing. There's always a reason the way things turn out to the way they are. Everyone wants to win but it is beyond our control - we can only try our best. I congratulate you for trying, never mind if you did not win what is important is you have tried your best. Let us learn not to measure ourselves against the Olympics; doing so would make us lead very unhappy lives. Let us just find joy in doing our best - not measured by someone else but measured by us. For those who have never tried to compete because they believe they have no talent, that is not so - you'll never know what you've got until you try. No matter how simple we are, we are still creations of God, we are here for a very significant role; you may not be the best singer, but you can be the singer's best friend. I would like to share a part of Douglas Malloch's poem which runs this way…

We can't all be captains; we've got to be crew,
There's something for all of us here,
If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or fail - Be the best of whatever you are.

I'd like to close with this message: Life can never be all wins. “Sooner or later, everyone will fall short at something important to them - whether it be a job, a dream, a relationship. Let failure in one endeavor make you better at another area. Let failure also teach us about the need to give people second chances and that life is a road with unpredictable twists and unexpected tomorrows. To take advantage of what life has to offer, don't let yourself be destroyed by a defeat, or let others set limits on your ability to achieve” (Finesilver, March 2001) … A good day everyone.

A speech on a wedding party. (By the mother of the bride/groom)

I am at a complete loss of words to express my happiness for this beautiful event that highlights Dave and Jennifer’s love for each other. I am also deeply thankful that this occasion provided for the harmonious blending of the Powell and the Spencer’s families. I hope this pleasant relationship continues as it will not only secure the support of both families for Dave and Jennifer but will also guide our new couple as they relate to each other’s respective families.

This wedding has gifted us with the son I have been longing for. I am happy, Dave, thus far, has shown the qualities of the son I have longed for and have envisioned for my family.

Dave and Jennifer, this event marks the start of your life together. As your parents, we certainly wish you the best that life may offer. However, while we only want the best for you, both of you understand that life is not a bed of roses, that you will experience many ups and downs as you journey together. Your happiness will be our happiness and fulfillment but do not forget, in moments of trials we will always be with you to give you the best support that we are capable of.

To the principal sponsors who have become part of this couples family, the two will need you too as they face the many tests that they will undergo while adjusting to each other and to the new responsibilities that they will face. I believe you are the ideal people they can model from. Please be generous with your pieces of advice and with life’s lessons that may enlighten and inspire them.

Lastly, Dave and Jennifer, do not forget the One who is responsible for all these. Make Him the center of your family life and everything that you will ask from Him will just come to you. Surrender to Him at the end of each of your day your joys and pains. With His blessings and your commitment to your marriage vows, I am sure you will find contentment in your married life

To everyone who are witnesses of this beautiful blessing from God, thank you for sharing with us these beautiful moments. I am certain Dave and Jennifer will remember tonight and you with love and gratitude. Thank you again, I hope you, too, enjoyed with us.