It is hard to believe that in just over one week, I will be walking across the stage to receive my diploma and that next day I will be moving out of my house and preparing for the next chapter in my life. I look back on the years spent here in Maryville, and I can't believe it is all over. It seems like just yesterday I was moving in, or going to play flamingo football on the practice fields. Traveling to Alabama freshman and sophomore year for the D2 national championship, just to be disappointed two years in a row. Going to Puerto Rico the summer after my freshman year to invest in a group of young men on the beach. Leading 8 different high school youth groups on mission trips throughout the summer. Working with 3 of the most unique women on this planet, arguing with them at times, but for the most part getting along.
I remember working for the Men's Basketball Program my sophomore, junior and senior years. Each one with a different dynamic, I can't believe I will not be sitting on the bench of another Bearcat game, or sitting in on the pregame and halftime speeches.
I remember the puppy my roommate and I had for roughly 6 months, Hailey. She was something else, but above all, she was a companion for me during what was without a doubt one of my most difficult semesters.
I remember spending a summer doing dirty jobs with one of my best friends Caleb at Youthfront. Cutting grass for 8 hours straight, or killing mice and snakes. Maybe even unclogging toilets. If there was a job that you didn't want to do, Caleb and I did it. But above all I remember the community that surrounded me that summer. How many great friends I met and the incredible amount of people that supported me through such a difficult summer.
I remember going to St. Louis with my cousin for the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8. Nearly getting lost on the subway and eventually getting lost downtown. I remember going to Cardinals games with him and heckling the outfielders of the opposing teams until they had no choice but to acknowledge us sitting in the stands.
I remember going to Lawrence for New Years and losing all of my friends in the freezing cold weather. Going to Jimmie Johns and then Buffalo Wild Wings at 2:00 AM, only to get lost again on our way home. I remember going to the Missouri vs Kansas game in Allen Fieldhouse, and unfortunately, to this day it is still the best sports atmosphere I have ever experienced.
I remember going to Missouri football games with the family and tailgating for an absurd amount of hours before and after the game.
I remember being a part of a team with the soccer club. I remember playing indoor and outdoor with them, and feeling like a part of a team, not some recreational club.
I remember going to South Padre, and having the time of my life with some of my best friends.
I remember taking the scooter out on scoot rides for hours at a time. Honking at everyone who gave us weird looks, which as a matter of fact, was everyone.
I remember spending the most incredible summer of my entire life in the Dominican Republic. (You can read more about that on previous blogs). I remember getting to know all of the orphans there, and truly experiencing and understanding what poverty looks like. I remember meeting so many interns and seeing their hearts for this world, and learning for myself what it meant to have compassion for those around us. I remember opening my eyes to the world of opportunity that a simple education can bring someone. I remember meeting Graystone Church, which truly had an impact on me they will never understand. Giving me all sorts of food and different things to help me get through the summer. Offering me a job to do something I would absolutely love to do.
I remember becoming great friends, and no longer just mere brothers with my brother. I remember sitting at dinner with my dad in Puerto Rico, and listening to him tell me how proud he was of me. I remember my dad's retirement party and not only realizing what an incredible father he was, but the incredible servant he was to his country, and to his co-workers. I remember going to the firing range with him and him telling me what a great shot I was. You don't forget words such as those very easily. But I also remember receiving a phone call on January 29th, 2009 that forever changed my life. I miss you dad. I know that this upcoming Saturday you would be extremely proud of me.
