to frances camille

i don't exactly know what capping means. i'm not quite sure whether i should congratulate you or wish you luck. i never even thought it happens in a church (HAHA.)!

maybe i'll never be familiar with the world you're in right now. maybe i was born not to have a good memory because He knew from the very start i was bound to solve chemical equations (and not memorize medical terms. err). maybe my being afraid of blood and long shiny needles doesn't really matter.

maybe. i don't know.

what i'm certain of is the fact that today is one step made known to all that would bring you closer to your dream. but this isn't the first, not even the second or the third. know that everyday is a step just as essential as today. i've witnessed you decide how you want to live your life, and i've heard you change your mind time and again. but at the end of it all, it boils down to one thing:

you live to save lives.

...the exact reason why i believe the path that you've chosen to take is the one for you. the right path isn't always the easy one. the journey is going to be tough (not that it hasn't been tough all this time), but every time you'd feel like giving up, remember you've gone so far from where you stood when you once chose to reach for your dream and storm through the challenges that came with it. the hard times weren't hindrances to achieving your goal, after all. they were there to make you the strong person that you are now. you should know. you've gone this far.

since i'm no McDreamy or Dr. House, i don't think i'm in the position to give you all the doctor-y quotes to inspire you. but there's one thing i know, and it goes for all who stand in a similar point as you...

passion-- more than intelligence, skill, more than anything-- will bring you to your dream. the greatest satisfaction you get from the path you've chosen is when you know you've worked with your heart, not just with your mind. keep the passion alive, and you'll be Dr. Ong (or McCranky. :D) in no time!

i've always believed in you and your dream, france. and i will continue to support whatever you wish to pursue. when things become rough, know that i'm willing to drop anything to be there for you (not physically, though. i'm not rich enough to buy myself a plane ticket on random days. hehe). despite our differences, i want you to remember that i'll always have your back.

i love you, dearest. and i'm sorry i couldn't be there to give you a standing ovation when you're finally 'capped' (is there such word???).