Homecoming parades made up of kids lined up to grab the candy that is thrown as teams and bands enjoy cheering their way down the town's Central Avenue. All the town seems to shut down so we can all come together as a community. The young look up to the teens with anticipation of their years to come when they will be those we are celebrating. The parade is my favorite part. Whether we win or lose the football game mattered when my own sons were pouring their heart on the field but now the sense of community is what makes me smile.
I remember my sons playing Pop Warner from the time they were 7. They couldn't wait to be in mid-school to be wearing blue and silver. When they made it to those colors they were already anticipating when they would proudly wear the Green and Gold. Now that they are young adults those long awaited days are behind them. Watching the parade it amazes how young the big, strong football players appear. It all is just our perspective really.
But no matter whether watching with my little ones or standing beside my grandkids, living in a small town where people celebrate our young makes me proud. Lining the street are the doctors who have helped us grow up, the teachers who made sure we could succeed, neighbors who loved us like family, and friends who have become our family.
Some people move on when their kids are grown and it comes time to retire. My hope is to remain a part of this community in our little house on the park and pour into the lives of my students as they grow up to raise families of their own. So today as I take off my Green and Gold, pour a glass of wine, and reflect on an exhaustingly pleasant day, I thank God for bringing Ron and I to this community. Not that it is any different from communities all across America, it isn't. But it is our community, our home and for that I am grateful.
In Him,
Joyful
9-30-11
I remember my sons playing Pop Warner from the time they were 7. They couldn't wait to be in mid-school to be wearing blue and silver. When they made it to those colors they were already anticipating when they would proudly wear the Green and Gold. Now that they are young adults those long awaited days are behind them. Watching the parade it amazes how young the big, strong football players appear. It all is just our perspective really.
But no matter whether watching with my little ones or standing beside my grandkids, living in a small town where people celebrate our young makes me proud. Lining the street are the doctors who have helped us grow up, the teachers who made sure we could succeed, neighbors who loved us like family, and friends who have become our family.
Some people move on when their kids are grown and it comes time to retire. My hope is to remain a part of this community in our little house on the park and pour into the lives of my students as they grow up to raise families of their own. So today as I take off my Green and Gold, pour a glass of wine, and reflect on an exhaustingly pleasant day, I thank God for bringing Ron and I to this community. Not that it is any different from communities all across America, it isn't. But it is our community, our home and for that I am grateful.
In Him,
Joyful
9-30-11
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