Talk is usually cheap. Maybe I’m being too cynical, but I figure you get about nine real chances to say something.

1. First Words

2. Yearbook Signing

3. Graduation / Commencement Ceremony

4. Closing Arguments (…)

5. Wedding Vows

6. Get Well Cards

7. Funeral Eulogies

8. Retirement Speech / Departing Email

9. Last Words

I’m forgoing love letters and things like that because any expression of romantic love is socially licensed at just about any time.

Maybe “sincere” isn’t exactly the word I’m trying to pin down… I’m trying to say that you only get a handful of opportunities to be heard and understood on premise alone. You won’t get that from a blog, you won’t get it at the bar, not when you’re receiving an award, and probably not even when your book gets published.

EDIT: Okay, maybe ten. After some thought, I’ve decided to add Letters Home From the War to this list.