graduation speech

It was the summer of 2001. I sat with 12 other classmates and cried, as I looked down at a beautiful black lab sitting at my feet. Not only did she lay at my feet but she changed my life. For real. A dog. Changed my life. Forever.
Today, I sit amongst 8 other classmates and look down and see another gorgeous, black lab laying at my feet.
Going through team training 10 years ago was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life but the most rewarding.
My disability, Freidriech's Ataxia, has stolen so much from me but has given me so much more. And one of those gifts comes from Canine Partners for Life in a form of a dog.
So, 10 years later with the progression of FA and a few more wrinkles, I endured 3 weeks of a intense team training yet again. I had set a goal early on that I wouldn't compare Barkley with Delsie. Barkley has some pretty big paws to fill. Today, I am able to look down at my feet and KNOW the hope Barkley will add to my life. This guy has won me over. I am thrilled that CPL has trusted me with him. I am determined to not let them down.
There are no words that seem adequate to express my sincere thanks for the gift of Barkley. There are many people who have made the fight against this dreaded disease possible. Some of you, I may never meet. You may never understand the impact you have made to make this partnership with Barkley possible. It is because of Barkley, FA is no longer scary or lonely. In a bizarre way, the gift from CPL has made living with FA a lot of fun.
I am eager to return to my life in Michigan with Barkley. The poor guy doesn't have a clue what he is about to get into...(I am sure Delsie will fill him in) I look forward to doing life with this incredible black lab. Yes, I was nuts to do this again. It is hard. Really hard. But I would be crazy not to do it again. What FA has taken from me, Barkley has already given back.
Graduation is bittersweet- for both of us. We have to say good-bye to the people who have changed our lives. Some, who know me and some who only know Barkley...you have changed my life. Forever.
But it's because of him, I have hope.
So, although it sounds so trite-Thank you. Those of you who have made this partnership possible, you have given me my life back in a form of a dog; this handsome, black lab laying at my feet named Barkley.