A Story

Happy Friday Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day and that you have had a great week!

As I talked about in "Happy Friday" last week, last Friday night was my oldest sons Senior Night at his football game - the last regular season home football game. It was such a special night...truly, I don't know how it could have been more perfect. We were blessed with family, many friends...it was truly incredible.

One of the friends that came to the game is a Godly man who I was blessed that God placed in my life a few years ago. Because of priorities - and thankfully he has them in order! - he didn't get to arrive at the game until after halftime. You see, he had a commitment to his daughter which he had to honor first. Just the same, please don't miss this part, he still came to the game. He had to have known coming that the game would be in the 2nd half. It was a key high school match-up, the stands were packed which means the parking lot was packed as well. He still came. He took the time. He made the effort. It spoke to my heart.

As he came up I introduced him to all of our family and friends - telling him a little about each, explaining why they are so special to me. As the final seconds were ticking off the clock we hustled down to the field to hug my boy, to hug his teammates, to enjoy the moment. Again, the same process played itself out. I would see someone, explain who they are, share a little bit of their story and then go give them a hug.

At one point he looks at me and says, "who is that little boy with Payton?" I imagine he turned to look at me however I was already gone. You see the little boy is a very special autistic boy who my wife has the privilege of working with every day. He has written Payton notes, made his signs throughout the season. I had the privilege of meeting him a couple of weeks ago. When my wife said, "who is gonna win Friday night?" he got all excited, raised his arms like he was a champion athlete and said, "the Wildcats...whoop whoop!!!" Such a sweet, precious spirit. He had told Kath several times "I am going to the game this week." He wouldn't show up - however he would ALWAYS know the score! - and then he would say the same thing again. Here he was...finally. He was smiling all over himself - one of those smiles that just makes you want to smile. I grabbed my Beautiful Bride, told her he was here and we took pictures of him with Payton. He was excited, we were excited...it was truly special.

I went back to my buddy and he said, "where did you take off running?" I told him the story about this sweet boy. It was then, at that moment, that the thought hit me - everyone has a story. The thought, the idea has been in my mind all week - everyone has a story. This is what makes them special. This is what makes them unique. This is their gift. This is what makes you special. This is what makes you unique. This is your gift. We all have a story.

At the game that night was:

• Mom - I became a part of her story and she was the beginning of mine.
• My sister, brother-in-law & nephew - Countless stories, like any brother and sister would have.
• Another Brother, a man who has walked beside me through more than one trial/tribulation, who has seen my heart laid bare...and loves me anyways, his beautiful wife and their incredible son.
• There was the couple and their two young boys. She was the realtor who sold us our home when we moved back to Arizona 7 years ago. Kath watched the boys for 3 years. Stories...
• One of my former players showed up. I recruited him as a 17-year old kid - just like my boy is now - and played a small part in helping grow into a man. He is now in his late twenties, expecting his first child.
• There was Grandma & Grandpa - Kath's parents. They knew my when I was a 17-year old kid making mistakes 17-year old kids make and they have loved and supported me.
• There was Kath's sister, her daughter and her daughter's friend. More stories...some remembered, some being created this very night.
• Kath - The greatest gift God has ever given me on this earth. Knows my greatest hopes & dreams as well as my greatest worries & fears. She started dating a 17-year old, completely immature, clueless kid and has stood beside me as God has worked to mold, make & shape me into the man, husband, father that He plans for me to become. We are not there yet, still working on it, however she - my Sweet Girl - she has always stood by my side.
• My boss, her assistant and her friend. Really touched my heart...know clue they were coming. Another story created...

You see, we all have a story. We didn't talk about job titles, money people make or any of the other artificial standards that society wants us to believe are so important. No, it was about people, the roads we have walked together. And please notice, it really struck me as I was typing this, it wasn't about all the successes, victories, etc. In fact, the part that turns my heart most strongly to many - most? perhaps all - of the people is that they have loved me, cared about me, when I have given them reason not to and they have allowed me to love them back during their trials, their struggles.

This week I was listening to the radio and a singer was a guest - sorry, I didn't catch the name. The announcer asked him what his wish would be very Christmas. He stated, "That every person would know that their story matters. That their life is their gift." So beautiful, so true. That is my wish for you Friend, that you would realize - truly recognize, appreciate and believe - that your story matters and your life is a gift.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always be willing to help you any way I can.

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.

Kev