Thank you all for your support.
It's been a busy few days. Yesterday was graduation. My mother-in-law came. The students and faculty were amazing in their tributes to Joe. The faculty created a scholarship for two students in the robotics program through their own donations. I presented the award and gave a speech. I was actually able to get through it. Here is what I said:
I'm here today to present a scholarship award in memory of my husband, Joseph Boffa, to two deserving robotics students.
First, I'd like to thank the seniors for their support and congratulate you on your accomplishment. He would be proud of you. I'd also like to thank the faculty for their generosity in creating this scholarship, and their continued encouragement.
Joe believed in the robotics program for many reasons. You see, my husband wanted to live forever and he forecasted that robotics would be the key to creating this future world. For Joe, the robotics program also represented a model for humanity. Within the program students from diverse cultures and backgrounds work together and yet compete to be better all the time. The two students receiving this award today have consistently demonstrated these qualities.
Seniors, why this happened is one question I cannot answer. Here is how I think my husband would process it. Life is precious, but often difficult. Yet, because it is the be all and end all, it has value above all else. Even with all the pain and suffering his life consisted of, he could light up the darkest room at the darkest hour. Joe was the most human person I've ever known. He was compassionate, and as cynical as he may have appeared, he truly believed in the reverence for life.
Please go forward with these few thoughts. . .Live every moment to the fullest extent, love deeply and laugh. Respect one another because we are all one. Learn, read, be better, challenge yourself to think. Rail against injustice. Be who you are at all times. Fight inhumanity.
Zuleimie and Shakeria. You were his secretaries. You have both already demonstrated a keen understanding of much of the advice I've given today. Please continue to pay it forward in your actions. I love you both and I know your contributions will make this world a better place. Please come up and accept the first Joseph Boffa Memorial Scholarship.