Changes...... Tis the Season, for Graduation.... and LIFE.

So I started a blog and it's been 2 and 1/2 months since I posted. Life got in the way.

This blog is posted in honor of District 9. Who is District 9 you might ask? Well... back in Spring of 2009, the high school class of 2009 (newly accepted at ASU) was busily filling out their housing applications for dorm space at App State. About 24 or so of them were apparently REALLY GOOD KIDS!! They all made the decision to apply for the "Living Free" floor. To pick that floor, you had to agree not to drink, smoke or do drugs your freshman year, or you would be.... GASP... EXPELLED. Not a hand slap... THROWN OUT. Fortunately for Andrew, that turned out to be the best decision in the world.

These are a few of those kiddos from the 9th floor of Coltrane Dorm. Little did they know they had so much fun awaiting them. Football and friendships, enough to last a lifetime for the next four years. We knew Andrew had pretty much stumbled onto something special the first "parent's weekend" of football at App in September 2009. The kids were pretty amazing, and we learned many names, but more importantly, how great and special each of these kids were... especially when several of them took the time to get to know us also. Soon we were fixtures during each football season, hosting tailgates with the Halls, and feeding the crowds... learning to love each and every kid... because they loved my son. My Andrew had found his family, and apparently, a new name himself.... ANDY.

Their story is long, but is can be shortened by me to say... many of them have formed lifelong friendships that will outlive many of the changes soon to come for each of these new college graduates in the future. We just spent a weekend hosting several of them for Andrew's college graduation party. My heart was truly touched to see so many of them, some living in different states, making the trip to Midway to celebrate together. This is a bond. And I hope they know how special and RARE a bond like that is in this life.

As they left today, I had "Andy" read to them the post on the wall hanging I bought him for his graduation. It says this:

Life is not a race - but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you", "I love you", and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself - plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

May all of the members (and adopted members) of District 9 have a very bright and blessed future. And may they always remember to treasure this very special bond they have been given and to gather much and often in the future... celebrating all of life's blessings... together. I love you guys! Congrats to those of you who have graduated and to those of you who have already begun your life's work. God speed!