Going for the Gold Medal

  So we just dropped our 18 year old son off at the Park Alumni Center at NC State University. The sound of his hands quickly rubbing back and forth in the car means he's super excited. As I watch him exit the Highlander, he's rocking the whole sharp-dressed man thing. But, as his mom, I still see my curly-headed toddler, with that beautiful smile at the ready, eager to please.
  So I'm holding it together pretty well.... Until... We walk away from the Alumni Center hand in hand, and Kevin says, "this is the moment. Just like the 18-year old young woman standing atop the ski slope last night. She has spent her entire life waiting for this moment. Because she's in first place, she's the last to go down the mountain. With a good run, she will win the gold. If she falls, or even just catches her skis, she will not. The whole world is watching. It's not unlike Carson going to this interview today. He's lived his whole life to make it to this point.
   He's studied hard to get good grades each and every year. He's worked on Scout projects, and school projects, and clubs. He survived the senior project, a dozen AP courses, 4A football and his Eagle Scout. He's now at the top of his mountain. We know as parents that if he slips or stumbles today, he will still be just fine."
   For all those evenings taxi driving from one ball field to the next, and all those endless hours of homework, for all the weekends filled with games and a house full of locust boys, for all the mornings filled with Kevin playing "Reveille" at top volume to wake him up for school, and rushing to make sure kids were fed and backpacks ready, and as of late, for all the essays written and scholarship applications sealed with a quick prayer and a stamp.... The finale is near.
   Carson's about to win his gold medal. This is his time. Whether or not he wins the Park, he's already won. He's won because he never quit. He's won because he's finished strong. He's won because everyone that knows him, loves and respects him. He's won because he has a heart for service, for those in need of help, for good and for what's right. Congratulations, baby boy! You've made it and today is your day! Go ski that mountain! - Jeremiah 29:11

   We love you son,
    Mom and Dad

Update: February 28, 2014 - Carson has EARNED his gold medal!!! He has been named to the NC State Park Scholarship Class of 2018!