Congrats Tommy!!!

Because of my daughter's impeccable taste in men
(thank you Bethany! ;)
I am privileged to have a young man I admire greatly as a part of my family. A third child who I consider my child and son, as much as the ones I birthed.

Yesterday, a call came through with the exciting news that he had aced his medical board exams with a
97% score. I cannot say with words how very proud I am of his accomplishment... but I will try.

Tommy, spending time at UVA this past week and seeing the medical school and hospital with you was such a treat. I loved learning about the city and the college and where you have been calling home these past few years. Experiencing the vibrant energy and meeting your friends from medical school were the icing on the cake.

Even more so though, this is what I am most excited about:

All of the time and hard work and your continual efforts of studying hard and preserving towards your personal goals and sacrificing for an "end" has paid off big time culminating in a score most cannot even comprehend on the medical exams. You didn't simply get a pass or fail... you flew right past *pass* and on to ***OUTSTANDING!***

I cannot take any credit for the man you have become and the goals you have achieved. Your parents have raised a son who is honest, caring, forthright, intelligent, and most of all, consistent in all you say and do. There are not many men out there that have your characteristics of integrity and honor. Your ability to live a life filled with love for my daughter as well as one that is honest in your pursuit of what is central to your core is a testament to what people who love each other can do ~ both for each other and for themselves personally to be who they are... to live from the inside out.

That you and my daughter have lived apart for years now while pursuing each of your own personal educational goals and continue to provide support to each other for what each of you both want to accomplish with your own lives is a rarity in this day and age. You look past what you want in the instant and into what she needs, to enable her to be who she was meant to be, and vice versa. It is a beautiful thing to watch from parental sidelines. And, just so you know, every time you call me "Mom" I am humbled. Thank you for including me in your circle of those you love and respect and cherish.

You can now write your own ticket, Tommy. You and Bethany are going to go far and do more than I could ever have dreamed of when you both were babies.... or maybe I should say in preschool when you two met! A parent's joy is knowing their children will be alright and content in life. Watching you both throughout the years has been a wonderful gift. Seeing both you and Bethany accomplish your personal goals and watching them come to fruition is more than I ever could have prayed for some twenty-five years ago when all I asked for from God was healthy children.

You are a blessing to have in my family. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of yours. I know I don't have to say this to you but it is my standard *battle cry*! (LOL) ~~~

Never never never give up.
Always choose what is best for *you*.
Live the life you were born to experience.
Know that you are greatly loved, not for what you have done, but for who *you* are on the inside.
Understand that no matter the path you choose, we are proud of you.

I am honored to call you my son. I thank your parents for allowing me to share that term of endearment with them. I wish you all the happiness you deserve and (yes, I will say it!), I can't wait for the grandbabies you and Bethany will be bringing into this world. What a time of anticipation for us all! :)

I love you, Tommy... congratulations! You are amazing!!!
Love,
Mom