Very proud of my sister

Last night I had the honor of being present at a ceremony where my sister was named "Young Professional of the Year."  I was so excited, and so very proud of her.  We were able to take the kids along, and both of my parents and my grandmothers were there as well.  I was also very proud of my self for not shedding any tears, but it wasn't easy.  One of my grandmothers mentioned to my sister how proud she was of her, and that she knew the Grandpas were proud of her also.  Loved ones no longer with us are very much missed especially at times like these.  I watched my sister embrace my father, and I was so very, very grateful that he was able to be there to see it.  I know he wouldn't have missed it for anything, but I also know that he'll need to rest quite a bit today.  The way the ceremony is presented, they sneak the family in the back just as the award presentations are being made.  That way, the recipient is not "tipped off", but the family is able to see the actual presentation.  We then retreated as a family to the lobby, so as not to disrupt the other presentations, and also so my father could make a quick escape before throngs of people wanted to greet him...he just doesn't have that in him.  The kids were so very excited for their aunt and I was just grateful for the it all!