Smile wide, terrific daughter.
A slew of folks will gather at a Syracuse restaurant early this evening in honor of one of the smartest people I know.
We’ll eat some, drink a little, smile a lot, maybe even tell a story or two about what makes her so special.
Then we’ll all head off to the program where two years of her hard work will culminate in a very nice moment.
Daddy will boast for daughter: For the past two years, Elisabeth has studied hard to pass the New York State qualifications needed to become a physical therapist assistant. And while doing so, she has accumulated the highest grade point average in the program at Onondaga Community College. Tonight they will put on a program in tribute to these students who’ve studied so hard these four semesters, including Elisabeth.
So all of us will be there to applaud her accomplishment. Parents (now counting six thanks to wonderful significant George Three), sister and brother, nephews and nieces … Proud. So very.
I can remember how reluctant my daughter was when she told two years ago that she’d decided that her Bachelor’s degree in biology wasn’t getting her where she wanted, career-wise. I told her education is never wasted.
Next comes a final summer clinical and then state boards in October. Go, Elisabeth.
What have you been proud about in your family of late? What celebrations have you attended? Have you or somebody close to you gone back to school?
Mark Bialczak 
Congrats Elisabeth!!! So happy for you & Karen, as well, Mark – as our children’s achievements become such joy & pride for us parents!! 🙂 And I agree – no education or training is ever wasted!!
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Thanks, Sadie. We are lucky to have these moments, indeed!
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well done Elizabeth – for doing so well and having the courage to change course 🙂
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Thanks so much, Rachel!
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Congratulations! To answer your first question, Mark, I’m proud about my son getting into the University of Edinburgh and deciding to go there.
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I’m proud of Aaron for his smart decision-making and qualifications as well, Ann! ❤
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❤
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Yay Elizabeth and proud Dad too!
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Thanks, Leigh. Big night for all, indeed. Happy, happy. 🙂
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How wonderful, Mr. Mark! Congratulations to your daughter! 😀
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Thanks, Linda G! We are so thrilled for our wonderful Elisabeth. 🙂
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this is wonderful, she is an inspiration. congrats to all of you, but especially elisabeth )
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Thanks, Beth. Indeed. She is the star of this show. 🙂
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Congratulations, Elisabeth! This is quite a valuable accomplishment! To all the family who supported her decision: Pats on your backs. 🙂 Mark, you have every right to be proud!
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Thanks so much, Robin. We are so very proud of our young woman. 🙂
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Congrats!
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Thanks so much, Vonita, from California, yet. 🙂 ❤
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Till Friday night, then it’s home, back to life xo
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Make the most of the last days, Vonita! 🙂
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Congratulations to all of you! I suspect it may come in handy having a physical therapist in the family, what with falling paint cans and all.
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Well, I’ve yet to ask for any special treatment, CM. 🙂
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Congratulations! You must be so proud!
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Thanks so much, Marissa. You know how I feel, mama. 🙂
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Congrats to her, for so many reasons, Mark. It was brave to realize that the first degree wasn’t meeting her career goals. So many today cling to that hope, and find themselves disappointed in the end. She picked option B, and it will work out for her. Yay. Celebrate ! ☺☺☺
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Thanks for your wisdom, Van. You are a smart and supportive friend, indeed. 🙂
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Yay for Elisabeth! And congratulations to you and your family for raising such a smart and lovely daughter with so much love and encouragement!
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Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kimi and praise, Kimi. You know smart and lovely from a personal standpoint, as well as hard work. So this means a lot, my friend.
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Please pass along my congratulations to your daughter Mark. it is hard to go back to school especially for years. And a big hand to you,Karen and the family who encouraged her.
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Thanks so much, Paul. I’ll pass along your kind words, my friend.
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Congrats to Elizabeth and to her proud Papa.
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Thanks so much, my friend. You will be getting this feeling with your three as well, I know it. ❤
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As all 5 of us are educated (no debt) my parents said too it is never wasted! Sometimes, I wonder though as a Mom of 5 myself how much of those 5 years + (MBA) I use today??? Anyway, Bravo Elizabeth and to you Pops-Kudos Terp! Gatorette.
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Raising your five takes every ounce of wisdom you have, Cheryl. Don’t you ever, ever doubt that, my friend. ❤ Kudos to you, and thank you.
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Have a wonderful time celebrating! Gatorette xx to you and Karen (Elle B)
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Good for you on telling her education is never wasted! Brava to Elisabeth! 😀
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Thanks so much, Joey. Our kids are doing it up right, my friend. ❤
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Congratulations to Elizabeth! Enjoy the celebration Mark! ❤
Diana xo
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I will enjoy today to the max, Diana. Thanks so much, my friend. ❤
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Congrats to Elisabeth!! ” … education is never wasted.” Yes indeed!
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Thanks so much, Mike. I’m a happy man today, my friend.
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Congratulations!!
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Thanks, West. It’s such a nice day for us all. 🙂
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Whoo_hoooo! Well done, Elisabeth! And good advice, Pops–encouragement when needed can be life-changing. Enjoy the celebration!!
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Good food, good family, good times, Ermine, equals a great celebration. Whoooo-hoooo, indeed, my friend.
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Congratulations Elizabeth!!!!! 🙂
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Thanks so much, MBC. She’s such a great young woman. ❤
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Congratulations to all of you! Well done, Elisabeth.
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Thanks, Jim. I’ll make sure she feels the warmth from all the logs in her supportive fire, my friend.
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Congrats to clever Elisabeth– and to her proud papa and family!
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Thanks so much, Barb. Another chapter of good, honest work to help others to a better life is soon to begin. ❤
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Go, Elisabeth!
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Yay, PorterGirl!
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