For as long as I can remember do your best has been my family's motto.
My mom's favorite chorus especially.
Test at school? Do your best.
Presentation? Do your best.
College applications? Do your best.
Pulling out of the garage to drive to a friend house? Do your best.
It became so routine that the words changed meaning.
They started to represent everything :
I love you. You can do it. I have faith. It's okay.
I went to college and started to hear the words over the phone.
Finals? Do your best.
Job interview? Do your best.
Challenging situation? Do your best.
Un-challenging situation? Do your best.
The words soaked deep inside me and became a part of my vocabulary.
I moved out to Maryland and suddenly had someone to say them do.
The words had become my chorus as I spoke to Paul.
New rotation? Do your best.
Presentation? Do your best.
Board exams? Do your best.
Paul graduated and became a doctor.
New rotation? Do your best.
Beginning of a 30 hour shift? Do your best.
Going into work knowing your ICU patient will probably die? Do your best.
Today Paul is deploying.
Today I'll kiss him good-bye for the next seven months.
Among other things, I will say quietly, "do your best."
I love you. You can do it. I have faith. It's okay.
