We lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of life, and praise the faithfulness of those who went before and set a pattern of excellence:

For parents whose love wrought better than they knew;
For teachers whose faith in us was a blessing beyond measure;
For friends whose uncalculating acceptance remains an evergreen memory;
For those whose challenges have stirred us to new resolve and occasionally new heights --

For all these known to us, and the host of unknowns of whose trust we are the beneficiaries, we raise the ancient toast: "L'Chaim!" -- to life!

May we find in these moments together a blessing of peace and renewal, that we may return to the daily round with the calmness and strength adequate to our need. So may it be.