enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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.

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108 responses to “do your best.”

  1. *Dream Weaver* Avatar

    Dear Elise. I loved your post. My parents tell me to do my best as well. 7 months will past swiftly for you. hugs

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  2. Chelseabird Avatar

    My heart is heavy for you, Elise. I pray for Paul’s safety and for the next seven months to go by quickly for you. You are an amazing lady, and I just know you will be ok. Sending lots of love your way<3

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  3. Carole Avatar
    Carole

    I think these months will FLY. And by your next anniversary, you and Paul will be able to enjoy an afternoon beer together and this whole deployment thing will be filed in the PAST. May God give you strength and patience, Elise. Lovely post. 🙂

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  4. creole wisdom Avatar

    What a beautiful, selfless, wonderful expression. Think of you and Paul and wishing you both the very, very best!

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  5. Jenny Meyerson Avatar

    Most beautifully written post I have ever read from you. And that’s saying a lot as I love all of your posts! 🙂

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  6. Daphna Avatar

    Will be thinking of you, and Paul. Good luck – do your best…

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  7. Jessica Avatar

    Elise, That was my mothers’ favourite line as well. In addition to quoting it in reference to tests, trials, piano lessons and presentations, she also said it at the dinner table where I was the slowest eater and could never manage to finish my whole bowl of rice. :o\
    Good luck to you and Paul. Nothing less than safe, secure travels and happy reunions. 7 months will be over before you know it.

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  8. Skye Avatar

    This gave me chills… the happy kind. I can picture you two each doing your best and thinking of how the other is doing their best too. Across the world, thinking of each other and doing your best for each other. You can do it! 🙂

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