What Is Important…
“What is important is that you taught me to believe in myself, persist in the face of adversity, consume knowledge and wisdom, and then mold and shape my best life. There will literally be thousands of parents at graduation next weekend, but very few of them taught (and modeled) wisdom to their children the way you have for me and Case, and that’s why we are who we are.
That’s what this moment in my life is about…”
* a brief excerpt from a recent letter sent to me by my daughter Marysa
So very proud of this brilliant and beautiful child of mine. Her note brought me to tears, as I reflected on the love and deep wisdom she displayed even as a small child. She graduates university summa cum laude on Sunday. I am so thankful to be here (after being uncertain till this morning if I would be able to come due to my ongoing medical challenges), and plan to participate in the weekend’s events every way I possibly can. There is no greater gift a child can bestow upon a parent than the one she has given us, merely by living her truth, and being the magnificent soul she genuinely is.
I Love You Marysa!
THROUGH THE HEALING LENS 
This is absolutely wonderful in every way. Go, Marysa! Go, Robyn!
May 19, 2012 at 12:46 AM
Julie, thank you so much! Yes – wonderful she is — and feel blessed to be here for this, though she set me straight as to “what is important” in her letter 🙂 xo
May 19, 2012 at 1:35 AM
I am so glad you can be part of it – just being there!
May 19, 2012 at 2:02 AM
What a beautiful tribute she has given you! I can understand how deeply touched you were by it. Blessings, Mark
May 19, 2012 at 12:49 AM
Thank you so much Mark. Yes, I was very touch. It was a much longer note but I selected one verse to honor it in my post. She knew I was worried I would not make it, and wanted to express to me that she understood what was most important in life…and that ceremonies were the least of that. I’m glad I am here though – for me! She’s a gem (studied religion and philosophy in college). Appreciate your wonderful comment.RL
May 19, 2012 at 1:33 AM
It’s good that you can be there. Another life event to remember and share. Does she have an idea what she might want to do next? Peace, Mark
May 19, 2012 at 10:36 AM
Thanks Mark, She will be working for a non-profit organization (2 year commitment) called ‘Teach For America”.. teaching English to middle schoolers in a low income school district of Miami, Florida. After that, she’s not certain, but I have no doubt she will have many gifts to give the world 🙂 Blessings, RL
May 19, 2012 at 3:58 PM
of course…. congratulations, Robyn 🙂
May 19, 2012 at 12:50 AM
Thanks kindly Dean. Yes – of course 🙂
May 19, 2012 at 1:34 AM
That was absolutely beautiful, and touched my heart. Congratulations to your lovely daughter – and to you also, Robyn! 🙂
May 19, 2012 at 1:37 AM
Thanks so very much Julie. I appreciate that. So proud of her 🙂
May 19, 2012 at 1:39 AM
So glad to hear you were able to make it to her graduation. She sounds a delightful soul.
Beautiful photo too.
May 19, 2012 at 2:51 AM
Thanks so much Victoria. Very happy to be here. Came very close to being left behind as it’s a 5 hour journey and the weekend is packed with activity. Marysa set me straight on ‘what is important’ – but I just could not miss out on this. Yes – she is a delightful soul, she sings like an angel and is compassionate and brilliant all around. Very proud. Loved the photo too…captures a lot of what she’s about!! xo
May 19, 2012 at 8:35 AM
Congratulations to your lovely daughter – and to you too… 😉
May 19, 2012 at 3:20 AM
Thanks so much ledrakenoir! I so appreciate that!!
May 19, 2012 at 8:35 AM
Congrats on your daughters grad…and the words she wrote are a loving a true tribute to an inspirational woman. ~R
May 19, 2012 at 6:53 AM
Thank you so much Lady Day. I appreciate. Yes Marysa is one of my greatest inspirations. She has taught me many lessons over the years. Very proud, and thrilled to be here!! Sending you warm wishes today and always!
May 19, 2012 at 8:48 AM
This is a really touching post Robyn, you must be really proud of Marysa.
May 19, 2012 at 7:41 AM
Yes — so proud and thrilled to be here. Means a lot. 🙂 Thanks you so much Chris!
May 19, 2012 at 8:36 AM
And….THIS is why it’s wonderful to be a parent…so beautiful Robyn…what a good feeling that must be:))))
May 19, 2012 at 8:12 AM
Yes – especially this kid’s parent. She was born understanding life the way nobody does…”an old soul” of sorts. Her letter was much longer, but I pulled out a short bit just to honor it (hope she does not disown me when she see’s it’s featured in a post today!! 🙂 ) You are right David — makes us reflect on the meaning of parenthood… can’t believe she’s a “grown-up” now…. goes so fast!! Wishing you joy and playfulness this weekend ~
May 19, 2012 at 8:40 AM
Joy and playfulness sounds great:))))) once again mirroring those wishes with a dash of creativity (you don’t need it) back to you:)))
May 19, 2012 at 8:42 AM
🙂 I will accept – thank you D!!
May 19, 2012 at 8:45 AM
🙂
May 19, 2012 at 8:52 AM
Oh and David.. btw – Marysa will be working for the next 2 years teaching with Teach For America Organization (are you familiar?) – low income district in Miami! ~Middle School English 🙂
May 19, 2012 at 10:51 PM
wow!! just south of me:))) well ellla necicita a hablar espanol:))) she needs to speak spanish:))
May 19, 2012 at 11:17 PM
She is completely fluent in Espanol! 🙂 She lived in Argentina for a year and attended university there which really got her proficient! To keep it going strong she lived in the “Spanish” house on campus this year – only allowed to communicate in Espanol! I imagine it is why TFA place her in Miami?! Yes – hope I get to visit Florida a bunch while she is there ~ exciting times!!
May 20, 2012 at 12:09 AM
Bravo Marysa! So happy you made it…we will have to celebrate…..:) xoxo
May 19, 2012 at 8:19 AM
Thanks Meryl… I’m so glad I made it too. Probably won’t participate is all the ceremonies (there are many) but at least I’m here — did not want to miss a milestone event no matter what. She’s one special young lady! Yes – a lot to celebrate. xo
May 19, 2012 at 8:44 AM
Robyn…so touched by your blog this morning…just talking with Casey the other day about Marysa’s graduation welled me up! You and Scott should be very proud, your daughters are exceptional…. something every parent strives to succeed. Enjoy the festivities and I’ll be praying for a pain free (or tolerable) week-end for you….congratulations!
May 19, 2012 at 8:55 AM
Oh Kathy, thank you so much. Marysa wrote me a long letter letting me know if I could not make it, it was ok – and not what’s most important. Nevertheless – so happy I’m here. Yes – we are so very proud! Amazing kids we all have been blessed with. So far today was a gift (unlike yesterday 😦 ) and got through the first day of ceremony and festivity wonderfully- YAY!! — so happy! Maybe all the prayers I sent up worked?! So appreciate all your good thoughts and good wishes for us on this special weekend Kathy!! xo
May 19, 2012 at 4:04 PM
Robyn, this is one of those lump in the throat posts! It does a heart (and a body!) good to receive such a special gift of love from our child such as you have in your daughter’s letter. My best wishes to you all for a very special time together, celebrating your precious daughter. xox
May 19, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Aww, thank you Jeannie. I really appreciate your sweet and thoughtful comment. Yes – was an amazing note to receive from her last week when I was fearing I would not be able to make it here. I think it might have brought me good luck as day one has proven to be remarkably good… and i had a wonderful day with her. Sending good thoughts your way – and much appreciation for all your warm wishes!! Best, RL
May 19, 2012 at 4:08 PM
Praise Marysa, with your letter proves to be big as a mountain full of love for her mother.
Hope you can go to the ceremonies, the force and I think that all your readers are with you.
Peace and happiness ..
May 19, 2012 at 6:39 PM
Thanks so much Carlos. Yes – I do think you are correct… all the positive energies seem to be flowing here as I’m doing pretty well! I had a big day and even celebrated this evening at dinner. So happy to be here… thank you for your kind wishes – and encouragement. Means a lot!! Sending peace and love right back to Argentina tonight!!
May 19, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Beautiful photo and post. Sending oxo to all
May 19, 2012 at 7:08 PM
Thanks so much Mindy. Yes – got the idea to do that post very late last night after a very rough trip up… BUT… It must have brought me good luck as I held up really well today (for me) and even got to join the dinner celebration. Sending Love xo
May 19, 2012 at 10:19 PM
You make me smile, as always. Congrats to both of you!!
May 19, 2012 at 8:59 PM
Thanks Jill – so appreciate – and keep smiling 🙂 xxoo
May 19, 2012 at 10:21 PM
It is easy to see where she gets her kind and thoughtful nature. Best wishes for a second day of wonderful celebrations!
May 20, 2012 at 2:27 PM
And of course you are here. Every step of the way, as her mother, her friend. She is as lovely as you. Blessing ongoing golden blessing for you evermore.
May 19, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Aww – thank you dear Marie…. golden blessings feel wonderful – so appreciate and right back at you 😉
May 19, 2012 at 10:53 PM
I have tears in my eyes. Where have the years gone. Congratulations and much love. See you in a few weeks<3
May 19, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Thank you Linda! I know it – life moves way too fast…i’m just glad I’m here. I can’t imagine having missed out on this. xo
May 20, 2012 at 12:12 AM
Aww, I am just so happy that you were able to go. I am proud of you for being there. Congratulations! Sending love. Tara xoxo ps Take lots of pictures 🙂
May 20, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Thanks so much Tara. Means a great deal, especially from you. I took a risk considering what I’d been coping with as of late, but the stars must have been on my side – and it was a magical weekend for me. Yes – tons of photos to remember !! Sending Love and Gratitude 🙂
May 21, 2012 at 12:21 AM
What a beautiful gift!
Love
Appreciation
Devotion
along with the clarity and wisdom to know and express the deep feelings of love and joy.
Congratulation to you and your family!
May 21, 2012 at 12:08 AM
Thank you Patricia. Yes – you are right about it all. I took those few lines to share for my post – but her letter embodied each and every quality you mentioned. Appreciate so much your insight and thoughtful comment. ~ RL
May 21, 2012 at 12:23 AM
Wow – just awesome… 🙂
May 21, 2012 at 2:12 PM
Thanks soooo much! She is 🙂 and it was ~
May 21, 2012 at 2:39 PM
What sweet words of wisdom! Congratulations to YOU for having such a positive influence on your daughter’s life. What an exciting time!
May 21, 2012 at 3:35 PM
so much love, understanding and respect in that letter from such a wonderful daughter
and the photograph of Marysa reading peacefully by the river, totally enchanting …
best wishes to you and your family Robyn …:)
May 21, 2012 at 10:19 PM
Thanks so much Jimi, yes – she is a gem…very blessed!
May 21, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Congratulations to both of you! What a truly beautiful, and Love-filled message you leave us with about your ability to love and receive love from your daughter…”Magnificent Soul…” says so much, so deeply. Your new photo shows the joy in you—it emanates from you. Blessings to you both, Erin
May 22, 2012 at 5:46 PM
Thanks so very much Erin. Yes – was very happy to share this small look into my relationship with my daughter. She is so much her own person, and I’m very proud of the young woman she’s become. Truly believe she has big gifts to offer the world. Appreciate your wonderful comment – Blessings to you Erin!
May 22, 2012 at 11:01 PM
a treasure of memories to forever ponder
May 28, 2012 at 10:35 PM
yes fr – thank you so much. She is about to begin her new life this week….exciting times indeed!
May 28, 2012 at 10:36 PM