An Open Letter

Brandi,

It is with disappointment but not surprise that I must congratulate you in absentia of your graduation. It seems that over the past four years, we have been apart more than we have been together, yet that physical separation has not deterred us from deepening our friendship. We have helped each other grow, watched each other grow, and even in each other's absence, we have managed to grow together. That's quite an accomplishment.

But this isn't about me right now. You're about to receive the paper that you've worked so hard for these past years. Frankly, that paper doesn't mean anything to me. When I see you, I don't see a Rice graduate with lots of honors. I see Brandi Elizabeth Braud. My Brandi Elizabeth Braud. The friend I brag about more than any other; the friend with whom I spent a good portion of the first months of knowing each other "not talking;" the friend who will play piano for me to sing Disney songs in the basement in the middle of the night, not to mention the friend who works harder than any other, takes more shit from her boss than any other, smiles more sweetly than any other, and is more stubborn and defiant than any other except myself. If I could attend your commencement, that is who I would see walking across the stage, no matter what they attach to your name.

I won't go into too much of the sappy "end of one thing beginning of the next" graduation hullabaloo. I just want to talk about you. You, Brandi Braud, will receive countless awards for your achievements. You've already begun. And you will earn far more than you receive. But that's not why you do it. You have (my favorite word) passion. I see it in your eyes when I talk to you, hear it in your voice when I speak to you, and even feel it when we're just chatting online. Passion drives you, and as long as you have that, no obstacle will ever be too great for you. I personally cannot wait to see what you will accomplish.

Be humble. Be patient. You will realize all of your dreams, and that's not a prediction I make lightly. But in order to do that, you have to be humble. See people for what they offer, and you will reap the benefits of their offerings. Be patient with people who do not understand you; there will be many. You will find that if you give people more chances, you'll win allies wherever you go. You can probably win most of your battles single-handedly, but the journey is a lot more fun if you don't have to.

That's all I have to say. You are fantastic person, a brilliant student, an inspiring thinker, a stalwart supporter, a stellar (albeit complicated) fiancée (!), and one hell of a friend. What's one more ceremony? None of what I have said will change by your walking across that stage; it's all the hours and days spent working up to that moment. I was going to close with a witty quote apropos of the moment, but I think I'd rather say it in my own words: The world has never before seen someone like you. Let this be your introduction.

Sincerely, with love, your friend and greatest fan,

David