Finally

I graduated from Florida School of Massage and Magic on Friday. So relieved. Instead of trying to say something new and unique, I'll post my speech that I read at the ceremony. I could of course elaborate on each point, but you will get it. It's all about love, I am different, and the school and teachers are over the top. Loved it. I am lucky.

 
My name is Karen Miller. To all of the students, staff, instructors, and family and friends: Welcome to our graduation. As some here know, I am a mother of 5 people. That is not counting my stepchildren or the others that I consider to belong to me as well. There is a truth that I have claimed when it comes to parenting. Good people don’t happen by accident. They don’t spring up like wildflowers. Deliberate action and effort is required, much pondering and thought, and the ability to see each one as an individual human being with unique needs and minds. If they don’t get these things, they can still be wonderful. It will only be a more difficult road perhaps. At least I imagine that. So when I see these beliefs being implemented, I notice it and appreciate it. I see it here. At this school. From the first day of school until now, I have experienced the mapped out love and concern that I am talking about. I can try to describe it as deliberate spontaneity. Tolerant structure. Guided freedom. Uninhibited acceptance. I have been in awe of being in an atmosphere of unconditional love and space for six months.

I am ruined forever.

 I will never settle for less again. It’s the fault of the instructors. They did this to me. You know who you are. And so it goes…we came to learn massage and not only learned it from probably the most lauded school in the country, but we also are changed. We are better I think. I won’t begin to try to name the names of our instructors. They are all amazing and if I forgot someone, it would haunt me forever. You will just have to trust me in saying that they are all in harmony of an excellent vision. I have been struck so many times at the over qualification and brilliancy of these people. They taught us so patiently and with expert ease. And we were so sleepy. But somehow we have retained the idea that we can change our own world. And we will. I imagine that we are all very grateful to all of you for the respect and forbearance and diligence with which you have taught us what you know. Similar to that kid on the movie the Sixth Sense, where he saw dead people, I now see crooked people. Everywhere. And not only do I want to touch them, I see your faces. I hope I can do justice to what you are and will continue to be. You are great examples. I love you all. Thank you with all my heart.

　
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