Tales of Two Freshman-Part 2

Today we left a part of our heart on a college campus in St. Joseph, MO. And even though we have been preparing for this day for a long time, I am not sure it is possible to be completely prepared for a moment like this.

The baseball team had a full day planned for us. After checking into the dorm we attended a meeting to introduce us to the baseball program. We were very impressed with everyone who spoke. From the coaches, to the trainers, to the Athletic Director. Each one seemed genuine and very excited about the program. They have a plan in place to help the student athletes succeed academically, athletically, personally, socially and in the end, be prepared to move to the next phase of their life with all the tools they need to succeed. We took a tour of the high quality facilities and ate lunch with the other baseball families.

Kellan at the MO West Field

Nerves turned excitement as the day progressed. What an amazing opportunity that our son is about to be a part of. He set a goal to be a college baseball player when he was a little boy and in a few short days that will be a reality for him. With the help of some key coaches in his life, he has earned it. Lucky for us - we get to sit in the stands and watch it happen.

But, this is about more than just baseball. It is about him finding his way in a world away from us. He's ready. He is smart, confident, grounded and a leader. He has a strong value system and his faith is a priority in his life. Without a doubt those things will guide him in a positive way going forward.

It is also as much about us finding our way with him away from us. He has a presence that is hard to describe. He loves life and it shows. His laugh is unmistakable and we will all miss hearing it fill the house. He is a thinker and a talker and I will miss our late night talks about baseball and other random subjects. But, his absence will make us more appreciative of the time we do get to spend with him. We will all find a new normal and it will be good, just different than before.

There were tears shed when we left today, and maybe a few since then too. They are tears of sadness mixed with tears of joy and pride as well. It has been the pleasure of our life to parent this boy into the young man he is today. We know that God loves him even more than we do and that He has a purpose and a plan for his future.

As we said goodbye, Kellan hugged us and said " Thanks for everything, I love you." Simple but impactful words from our college Freshman.


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Tales of Two Freshman- Part 1

Today our youngest son Owen started high school. He was very excited. Any bit of nerves were hidden behind a big smile as he road off with his brother who had offered to take him to school.

He's Off!

We have been here before as a family, four years ago as our oldest son too started his freshman year at the same high school. Little has changed in regards to the school itself. The size, their high academic standards and the majority of the staff have remained the same. We have grown familiar with the expectations and we are fully equipped with Orange and Blue spirit wear. Even though so much has stayed the same, one thing is very different,  the student.

Our oldest son had a wonderful high school experience. He had great friends and was involved in FCA, the Leadership program and played baseball. He did very well academically in the classroom and on tests. He enjoys the process of learning and his personality lends itself to being the kind of student teachers like to have in class. He fits in box.

Our hope is that our youngest son will have the same wonderful high school experience even though he may not fit in the box as well as his brother did. He is smart, inquisitive, creative, interesting, athletic, relational, kind hearted, witty and full of personality. Unfortunately most of those qualities are not things that are given a grade or a test score. He has a big voice, which can be a negative when talking in class, but when he sings it is a huge asset. He is a people person and can hold a conversation people of with all ages. We know that all of these things will serve him well in life even if they don't always do the same in the classroom.

This picture captures a lot of who Owen is.

As we move into this next phase of Owen's education our goal as his parents is to find a balance between who he is and who he is expected to be. We will encourage him to take classes that feed his interests and fit his personality, as well as those that stretch him. We will be supportive of his teachers while at the same time encourage him to advocate for himself. We will focus on his strengths more than his challenges, and hope his teachers will do the same. Education is important and it will be a priority in our house. But it will never be a priority over "who" we are and our strengths.

He goes back tomorrow and will meet all of his teachers for the first time. I pray that they will see him for everything his is and all that he can be. I know that God has something big planned for this boy!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Make It Count

Three years ago today, Army Spc. Spencer C. Duncan was killed in action when the Chinook helicopter he was in was shot down in Afghanistan.  In memory of Spencer his family started a foundation to help support United States Veterans and their families. Proceeds from the annual Make it Count Today 5K race go to the foundation.

 For the past three years, along with other members of the JC Naturals baseball teams, our family has helped staff a water station along the race course. The boys enjoy watching the runners pass by and take pride in the job they've been given.



As a part of the event the Army has Chinook helicopters set up so that runners, volunteers and spectators can take a walk through and around the aircraft. As a memorial to Spencer, his picture and uniform are on display in the seat he would have occupied as a door gunner. This year pictures of all 30 soldiers and one service dog that lost their lives that day lined the seats of the helicopter. Their photos were also held by volunteers on the race path, one every 10th of a mile. Our oldest son had the honor of holding a picture along "The Boulevard Of The Brave".

Boulevard Of The Brave



As parents we have tried to instill in our boys a sense of patriotism and pride, as well as an appreciation and gratitude for those who have given so much for our country.  They read about this in history books, see stories in movies, watch the news and hear about soldiers who have lost their lives.  Being able to put a face to the sacrifice, has impacted them in a life changing way.

As one friend and race organizer put it "While I absolutely hate the tragedy that brings us together, I have to say it is just awesome to watch this group selflessly give so much to honor and support Spencer, his family and our treasured veterans."We are so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this event and we will be back next year to Make it Count again!

To read more about Spencer and the foundation please visit their website Make It Count Today