Congratulations Shyla Timeless!

May 2012

______ Holidays ______

May 28 - Memorial Day

*Using her curvy hips, Shyla bumps James Franco off the stage and pretends to smile nervously to the crowd. A little wave to close friends as she mouths, “Tal!” before clearing her throat and getting ready to make her acceptance speech. Standing proud with arms outstretched, hands curled around the sides of the podium, she begins …. *

“Wow. Wow! You have no idea what this means to me. It has been a LONG time coming and I can hardly believe the journey is over! Thank you all for coming and showing your love and support – means a great deal to have you here with me.” She blows a kiss to everyone and winks to one special person in the crowd. No words are needed. He knows. She adjusts the mic and taps it lightly as she continues, “Where to I begin?” Holding her plaque and wiping a tear with the back of her hand, “Oh yes, I would like to thank The Priest Kings for giving me the strength to endure the hardships and trials of a tending to the wounded on both the battle field and at home. Thank you for the strength and intestinal fortitude to make it through all the super long hours of studying! Many sleepless nights spend reading and reading and reading!” Laughing hard and rolling her eyes at the memory.

Her face transitions into one of sad regret as she proceeds, “Mom, dad … and all my brothers,” as she points to the sky in remembrance since they are all dead, “I could not have made it without your support, love and guidance growing up and watching you as you shared and taught me our craft!”

Taking another moment to smile and nod to the academy, “Betony, for all your hard work, for everything you do that nobody ever sees, for all the hours spent reviewing my assignments, tests and patient charts – I owe you so much. I could not have done it without you! People, THIS woman rocks!” pointing to Betony and flashing her big happy smile. “Gena … Dayton … you two have been my support system, my partners in crime and I love you both for never giving up on me.” Shyla crosses her arms over each other and brings them to her chest as if to indicate a hug before continuing. “Lady Kaiila, you have been an inspiration and a true champion! One classy lady with more knowledge than a thousand books … my sincere thanks for your support and encouragement.”

Pulling out a tiny scroll, she starts unrolling it a bit and reads a bit before looking back up at the crowd. “To each and every single Gorean out there who trusted me enough to tend to your wounds, mend your broken bones and even deliver your children: I am forever grateful and humbly offer my services to you in the future. Carin, Isabella, Snapper,” pausing to recall the other names, “Malcomb, Brennan, Colin … the list goes on and on. Many thanks.”

Shyla scans the crowd and bites her lip as she offers up a final thank you, “Allen,” her eyes fill with tears despite the fact that she swore she would maintain her composure. Taking a slow, deep breath to steady herself, “You are here in spirit and your memory lives on through your children. Our children.” she looks to her right and winks to her daughter and just smiles at the bond holding her infant son. “You helped me complete the circle,” which meant he had made it possible for her to fulfill the requirement necessary for female Greens. “The kids mean so much and I wish you could see them ... they are growing so fast,” wiping a tear. Her beloved was gone and she offered thanks to his memory. “I love you,” she whispered into the mic and then rolled the scroll back up before tucking it safely in her pocket.

Stepping away from the podium a bit and bowing slightly, she accepts the diploma as it is passed to her. Almost as quickly as she receives it – and after a quick look to make sure her name was spelled correctly and all the necessary seals were in place – she hands the framed bit of pride off to the pretty presenter. In a flash, she is gathering up the bottom of her dress and running for the edge of the stage. “Wooooooo hoooooooooo!” is all that is heard as she dives off the stage into the crowd, fists clenched and arms raised in triumph over her head.