"Congratulations on the award"
The number one misconception people have is that the awards we get are solely for the things we did.
That’s often not the case. Yes, the things and their impact got the attention of the jury, and led to getting picked.
But the story goes deeper than that.
Only you - and maybe a few others - know the whole story not told. The things not said. The dreams forsaken. The road not taken. And what you saw on the paths you took.
Those who receive medals for their service in the military, or who received an award for selfless service understand this better than others.
The awards and medals you get aren’t for what you did, but for living with it.
And you know what you have to live with.