This is my favorite time of year, Halloween to the New Year. From the smell of the leaves after a cold rain, to the first snow, I love every crazy, busy minute that the season brings.
The entire month of November I have seen all of the posts on social media every day of the things that people are thankful for. I really enjoy reading them, and although I can't possibly list all of my thanks in 30 facebook posts or one single blog, here is to giving it a try.
My black Old Navy yoga pants from 2006. They have stuck with me through two pregnancies, and although they are faded, stretched out, and nearly see through, they are still my favorite pants.
The guy that works the counter at the Speedway on Westport Road by the St Matthews Target. Every morning when I stop in to get my 32 oz diet coke, he smiles, rings me up, and tells me to have a good day. He doesn't act like he rode to work on a unicorn while stopping to rescue a litter of puppies on the side of the road, and for me who isn't a morning person, I'm thankful for his monotone voice and quiet demeanor.
The Carpool line. I know I complain about it sometimes, but I love being able to pull up to the door of Frankie's school and not to even have to get out of my car. His teachers even unbuckle him out of his car seat, and then they pack in the 10 pounds of backpack he has to take with him as well. They rock!
While we're talking about them, I'm thankful for teachers. There is one job in this world that I would not want to have, and that is being a teacher. That says a lot, because in my job I clean up poop, deal with all kinds of body fluids, smells, etc etc. Their dedication to my children and their well being is to be commended. Especially Frankie's teachers. They love him, nurture him, and are giving us hope that we once thought we didn't have.
TV shows like Hoarders and websites like the people of Wal-Mart. Even on my worst day, when I look like holy hell and I have laundry stacked on top of the dining room table to the chandelier, they make me feel just a little bit better.
Jimmy Johns. Because while the kids are perfectly fine eating leftovers from two days ago, I'm over it. Also, because they bring my Pepe without tomato and with hot peppers to my doorstep freaky fast.
Barney, Dora, The Backyardigans, Mickey Mouse, and any other character on Nickelodeon or Sprout. This entire gang of a holes as annoying as they are, have given me the opportunity to shower, wash my hair, shave my legs, feed my facebook habit, and have a phone conversation over the past six years. Thank you, Thank you very much.
The surprise phone call from my hubby during the afternoon in between patients. Although we only talk for a minute, to hear his voice and to share a funny story, it makes my day.
Speaking of my husband, I'm so thankful for my better half. He is one of the most hard working, dedicated individuals I know. He trained for 14 years to enter into a profession where he works 60-80 hours a week. He misses doctor visits, birthday parties, holidays, school plays, etc etc to help other people's loved ones live. On the days he gets home before bedtime, he always drops everything and rescues our little rug rats and gives me a break. He loves me for me, and he still gives me butterflies. He just makes life better. My how I love him!
My children. Olivia is sweet, spunky, caring, and so inquisitive. She was my firstborn, she was the baby that was held every waking minute of the day, rushed to the pediatrician at the first sign of a sniffle, and the person who literally changed my life. My Frankie, well, he is the cutest little boy I've ever laid eyes on. His blonde curls and smile can literally melt your heart. He loves like no child I have ever been around. I don't know if it is because he can't express himself with words, so he uses his actions, or if it is just because he is so sweet. Either way, he has my heart, as well as all those who know him. My children although they wear me out sometimes, are wonderful. They make life worth living and are the most precious gifts I've ever received.
My parents. I'm thankful for the things that they taught me, and for the examples they set. I'm thankful for discipline when needed and love all the time. I'm thankful for the Sunday mornings when I was a teenager, where they would wake me up and make me go to church. I'm thankful for every softball game, basketball game, band concert, etc etc where they were front and center cheering me on. I'm thankful for meals together, advice, and now their friendship. They are pretty awesome.
My extended family. My brothers, in-laws, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. My brothers are three of the best guys I know. Chad, well he was my big brother, and hero. I always wanted to be just like him growing up, I even tried to stand up and pee once, because I thought if he could do it, I could too. Zach, my baby brother, he was like my first baby because he was so much younger than me. He was the first person who introduced me to my dislike of Barney. Andrei, even though he is technically Bobby's brother, I think of him as my brother as well. He has loved me and welcomed me to his family from day one, and I love him for that. All three of them also have awesome women in their lives whom I love dearly. The rest of my family, well they are awesome. Their love and friendship is something that is rare, and I know how blessed I am to have them.
My friends. Some of the most wonderful blessings in my life are the handful of friends that I consider family. They are truly golden, they are constant, and they love and support me at my best and my worst. I can't imagine trying to navigate all of life's twists and turns without them by my side.
Last, but not least, my faith. My hope in something greater than this life. The promise that I am never alone, and the comfort of someone who I can cast all of life's burdens on, because he cares for me. His mercies are new every morning, and his love endures all things. He has given me all of these things that I have to be thankful for. Thank you Lord!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
The Best Day
On a crisp March weekend in this part of the country, it can only mean one thing, March Madness. People frantically trying to fill out brackets, watching each game closely and cheering their favorite college team on. This year though, in our little town, people were less concerned about their NCAA tourney bracket and focused on something greater. We were playing for the Indiana High School State Championship. Well wishes, players names and numbers, and red and black adorned yards and signs all across town. Pep sessions, t-shirts, news stories, and articles in the paper put our town of 800 on the big stage for the first time. People relished in the atmosphere, showed their pride and school spirit, and for the first time felt like something great was in our grasp, and that we finally would get our storybook ending.
Driving up I 65 Saturday morning as the sun was coming up, my family and I were caravaning to the big game. I have attended state finals before, but never to watch my hometown team. I can remember seeing the other schools there, the excitement they had, and it only seemed like a dream that I would ever be there rooting on our beloved Braves. Now here we are, on our way to cheer on our team, it was our turn, and our time to shine. Other cars passed us on the road, flags flying, horns honking. Stopping at a rest area, seeing people donned in red and black giving each other high fives and hugs, the day had finally come for our team, our school, and our community.
Hearing the roar of the crowd when the team took the floor, and listening to the sweet melody of "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the game started brought so much emotion to the surface. I am sure that emotion was palpable for everyone in the crowd who called Borden home. From the tip off to the final horn, our kids played hard and confident. They hit big shots and at times, it almost looked like the angels of Borden past were up there giving them a little tap, just at the right moment. In the final seconds of the game when it was apparent we were going to win, I turned around and looked at the crowd. Thousands of people there for our team, our town. The horn sounded, the team celebrated and I think that everyone from Borden had to wipe back the tears that flowed. It was a moment of pure joy, a moment that I know I will never forget. You see, I've said it before, and I will say it again, it was about so much more than a game. It was about a group of boys that while working together on one of the family's farm last summer decided that they were going to win a state championship. It showed each kid in the crowd that with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit and that they too can do great things both on and off the court. It showed the Borden community that years of rallying around and supporting the school, even when times weren't great was all worth it. It showed everyone else what we have all known for a long time, that our community and school is relevant, that we have something special that is hard to find. It showed that people of the past who are no longer with us, that their hard work and dedication to Borden and the school lives on and has not been forgotten. It was amazing. It was the best day, and a moment I will cherish.
After the game the team headed to the bus carrying their state championship trophy to head back home. Amidst the charter buses of every other school there that day stood our little yellow bus. Our humble coaches and team carried the trophy onto the bus and headed south, having accomplished the goal that they and so many others have dreamed of long ago. They were welcomed home as heroes. The town and surrounding communities stopped, and watched a parade of fire trucks, police cars, and fans ushering that little yellow bus down the highway into town. People lined up by the road for miles, not only from Borden, but our neighbors who supported us along the way. Tears flowed again because at that moment to everyone there, Borden was the center of the universe. It was a homecoming that even Hollywood couldn't orchestrate.
Some people say that this is the end to our fairytale, our Cinderella story, but I beg to differ. It is the end to a chapter, a great chapter, and the story will go on, and these kids and this team will be legends, as they should be. Not only did they represent what we are all about, but they brought a town together and solidified what we have always known. Our pillars of faith, family, and community are what makes this place so special.
There was a sign on the edge of town for years that said "Welcome to Borden, a small town with a big future". They were right, and our future is bright.
I believe, I believe, I believe that we have won...STATE!
Driving up I 65 Saturday morning as the sun was coming up, my family and I were caravaning to the big game. I have attended state finals before, but never to watch my hometown team. I can remember seeing the other schools there, the excitement they had, and it only seemed like a dream that I would ever be there rooting on our beloved Braves. Now here we are, on our way to cheer on our team, it was our turn, and our time to shine. Other cars passed us on the road, flags flying, horns honking. Stopping at a rest area, seeing people donned in red and black giving each other high fives and hugs, the day had finally come for our team, our school, and our community.
Hearing the roar of the crowd when the team took the floor, and listening to the sweet melody of "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the game started brought so much emotion to the surface. I am sure that emotion was palpable for everyone in the crowd who called Borden home. From the tip off to the final horn, our kids played hard and confident. They hit big shots and at times, it almost looked like the angels of Borden past were up there giving them a little tap, just at the right moment. In the final seconds of the game when it was apparent we were going to win, I turned around and looked at the crowd. Thousands of people there for our team, our town. The horn sounded, the team celebrated and I think that everyone from Borden had to wipe back the tears that flowed. It was a moment of pure joy, a moment that I know I will never forget. You see, I've said it before, and I will say it again, it was about so much more than a game. It was about a group of boys that while working together on one of the family's farm last summer decided that they were going to win a state championship. It showed each kid in the crowd that with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit and that they too can do great things both on and off the court. It showed the Borden community that years of rallying around and supporting the school, even when times weren't great was all worth it. It showed everyone else what we have all known for a long time, that our community and school is relevant, that we have something special that is hard to find. It showed that people of the past who are no longer with us, that their hard work and dedication to Borden and the school lives on and has not been forgotten. It was amazing. It was the best day, and a moment I will cherish.
After the game the team headed to the bus carrying their state championship trophy to head back home. Amidst the charter buses of every other school there that day stood our little yellow bus. Our humble coaches and team carried the trophy onto the bus and headed south, having accomplished the goal that they and so many others have dreamed of long ago. They were welcomed home as heroes. The town and surrounding communities stopped, and watched a parade of fire trucks, police cars, and fans ushering that little yellow bus down the highway into town. People lined up by the road for miles, not only from Borden, but our neighbors who supported us along the way. Tears flowed again because at that moment to everyone there, Borden was the center of the universe. It was a homecoming that even Hollywood couldn't orchestrate.
Some people say that this is the end to our fairytale, our Cinderella story, but I beg to differ. It is the end to a chapter, a great chapter, and the story will go on, and these kids and this team will be legends, as they should be. Not only did they represent what we are all about, but they brought a town together and solidified what we have always known. Our pillars of faith, family, and community are what makes this place so special.
There was a sign on the edge of town for years that said "Welcome to Borden, a small town with a big future". They were right, and our future is bright.
I believe, I believe, I believe that we have won...STATE!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
No place like home
Over the span of my thirty one years of life, I consider myself to be a very blessed person. I have a loving God, wonderful husband, two beautiful children, an amazing extended family, church family, and friends. I am educated, I love my profession, and I have a job that I enjoy. Upon thinking about all of these things, one of the blessings that I am most thankful for is my hometown, the place where I grew up, and where my roots are firmly embedded.
I'm sure when most people talk about their hometown, they feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. It has a place in their hearts, it is special, it is home. To some people Borden, Indiana is nothing more than a small dot, that doesn't even make some maps. A town that consists of a caution light, one gas station, churches on every end of town, and most recently a coffee shop and a Subway (which is a big deal). Our school is one building, consisting of students K-12. People make the joke that if you blink when driving through town, you'll miss it! This weekend our Boys Varsity Basketball team will make history, and will be playing in their first ever State Finals Championship game. What most don't understand is that this weekend is about so much more than a basketball game.
Borden is a community that usually only makes the news when tragedy strikes. Whether it be an accident on Hwy 60 that intersects town, or tornadoes that have now affected our community for a third time, you rarely hear the good news about how wonderful this little farm town in the valley really is.
My roots go back multiple generations. My parents, grandparents, and great grandparents have all called Borden home. My Grandmother had either a child or grandchild in the Borden school for 50 years straight. This is just one family, and there are many, many more. It is a community that loves thy neighbor in every sense. Last year when the tornado of March 2nd hit Daisy Hill, the community came together and helped those who were affected. The Boy's Basketball team even helped with the clean up. That is who we are, and that is what we do. We love our school too.
I can remember in elementary school saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning before class started. I think of teachers like Jo Ann Wright, where we would sing every day before class, even sing a special song about Borden, Indiana that she wrote. Mrs. Wynn, she not only taught me, but she taught my parents too, as did so many other teachers. Whether we sat in the pews next to them on Sunday morning, were friends with their own children, or they were our coaches , our teachers cared for each and every single one of us. Only now do I realize how wonderful that was, having to send my children to a school where I don't know who is influencing them. It is very scary for me, and I long to have the feeling of community that I once had growing up in Borden and attending school there.
I have lived in other places, and have traveled far and wide, and I can honestly say that there is no place like home. On any given Friday night during basketball season, a town with a population of 800 will fill a gym that seats 2000 almost to capacity to watch a ball game. There is nothing better than watching the team roll into town accompanied by the fire truck after winning the big game, with a caravan of fans following in their cars, and people standing on their porches waving. It isn't just something written for the Hollywood movie, "Hoosiers", it is a way of life here. My grandpa said it best when he told us that he had been many places, but no place was better than the bottom of Daisy Hill. Living in Louisville, I choose to drive 30 miles each Sunday morning, passing many churches along the way, just to go to my little country church that I grew up in, and that my parents and grandparents grew up in as well. It is important that even though we don't physically live in the community because of circumstances beyond control, that my kids still feel at home there, and that the roots continue to grow deep in their hearts as well.
Whether you are a transplant, or whether you have shopped at Brewer's and Randall Martin's store, there is no better place. Whether you picked berries on the hill for a nickel a gallon, hauled watermelons and cantaloupes for the Kirchgessners, or pitched hay for Frankie Brown, there is no better place.
This Saturday our Boys will do something that Borden players of the past, both boys and girls have only dreamed of. Finally we are not in the shadow of our larger neighboring schools, it is our chance to shine. It has been a long time coming, and a foundation that was set decades ago. A foundation that is strong, based on faith, family, community. From Daisy Hill to Jackson Road, from Starlight to Martinsburg Knob. From Deam Lake past Dow Knob, down the valley into town, the Borden faithful from far and wide will ascend on Indy and Bankers Life Fieldhouse to cheer on their beloved Braves. Win or Loose, these kids and this community are winners. We have grown up in such a wonderful place and have the privilege of calling it home.
Alabama may have football, California may have surfers and sunbathers, but this is Indiana High school basketball, and it doesn't get much better than this! In the words of Merle Webb in the movie Hoosiers, "Let's win this game for all the small schools that never had a chance to get here."
How bout them Braves?
I'm sure when most people talk about their hometown, they feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. It has a place in their hearts, it is special, it is home. To some people Borden, Indiana is nothing more than a small dot, that doesn't even make some maps. A town that consists of a caution light, one gas station, churches on every end of town, and most recently a coffee shop and a Subway (which is a big deal). Our school is one building, consisting of students K-12. People make the joke that if you blink when driving through town, you'll miss it! This weekend our Boys Varsity Basketball team will make history, and will be playing in their first ever State Finals Championship game. What most don't understand is that this weekend is about so much more than a basketball game.
Borden is a community that usually only makes the news when tragedy strikes. Whether it be an accident on Hwy 60 that intersects town, or tornadoes that have now affected our community for a third time, you rarely hear the good news about how wonderful this little farm town in the valley really is.
My roots go back multiple generations. My parents, grandparents, and great grandparents have all called Borden home. My Grandmother had either a child or grandchild in the Borden school for 50 years straight. This is just one family, and there are many, many more. It is a community that loves thy neighbor in every sense. Last year when the tornado of March 2nd hit Daisy Hill, the community came together and helped those who were affected. The Boy's Basketball team even helped with the clean up. That is who we are, and that is what we do. We love our school too.
I can remember in elementary school saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning before class started. I think of teachers like Jo Ann Wright, where we would sing every day before class, even sing a special song about Borden, Indiana that she wrote. Mrs. Wynn, she not only taught me, but she taught my parents too, as did so many other teachers. Whether we sat in the pews next to them on Sunday morning, were friends with their own children, or they were our coaches , our teachers cared for each and every single one of us. Only now do I realize how wonderful that was, having to send my children to a school where I don't know who is influencing them. It is very scary for me, and I long to have the feeling of community that I once had growing up in Borden and attending school there.
I have lived in other places, and have traveled far and wide, and I can honestly say that there is no place like home. On any given Friday night during basketball season, a town with a population of 800 will fill a gym that seats 2000 almost to capacity to watch a ball game. There is nothing better than watching the team roll into town accompanied by the fire truck after winning the big game, with a caravan of fans following in their cars, and people standing on their porches waving. It isn't just something written for the Hollywood movie, "Hoosiers", it is a way of life here. My grandpa said it best when he told us that he had been many places, but no place was better than the bottom of Daisy Hill. Living in Louisville, I choose to drive 30 miles each Sunday morning, passing many churches along the way, just to go to my little country church that I grew up in, and that my parents and grandparents grew up in as well. It is important that even though we don't physically live in the community because of circumstances beyond control, that my kids still feel at home there, and that the roots continue to grow deep in their hearts as well.
Whether you are a transplant, or whether you have shopped at Brewer's and Randall Martin's store, there is no better place. Whether you picked berries on the hill for a nickel a gallon, hauled watermelons and cantaloupes for the Kirchgessners, or pitched hay for Frankie Brown, there is no better place.
This Saturday our Boys will do something that Borden players of the past, both boys and girls have only dreamed of. Finally we are not in the shadow of our larger neighboring schools, it is our chance to shine. It has been a long time coming, and a foundation that was set decades ago. A foundation that is strong, based on faith, family, community. From Daisy Hill to Jackson Road, from Starlight to Martinsburg Knob. From Deam Lake past Dow Knob, down the valley into town, the Borden faithful from far and wide will ascend on Indy and Bankers Life Fieldhouse to cheer on their beloved Braves. Win or Loose, these kids and this community are winners. We have grown up in such a wonderful place and have the privilege of calling it home.
Alabama may have football, California may have surfers and sunbathers, but this is Indiana High school basketball, and it doesn't get much better than this! In the words of Merle Webb in the movie Hoosiers, "Let's win this game for all the small schools that never had a chance to get here."
How bout them Braves?
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