Thank You Lads to Leaders
Other than when Covid canceled the Lads to Leaders convention in 2020, I have attended every convention since 2001. The one that will occur this weekend, though, will be different in a way.
It’s my last time to attend as a parent.
Now, I went before we had kids. Leah and I helped the group from 9th Avenue before Mary Carol was even born. But since the kids were old enough to do anything, they’ve been there (Mary Carol even got one award before she could read!).
We’ve watched our kids grow and mature. We’ve dealt with losing a tooth just minutes before speech time. We’ve had the kid getting sick in the room. We’ve seen them happy at winning and disappointed when things didn’t go their way. We’ve had to push one around the hotel in a wheelchair. We’ve seen them memorize over 1000 Bible verses, and somehow forget simple questions in Bible Bowl. (Raising kids is never dull!)
But this weekend is the last time we do that as parents.
I’m writing this, not really to be emotional, although it will be. When Mary Carol finished last year, I was emotional, and I’m sure I will be this year when Turner is done, too.
I’m really writing this as a simple “thank you” for everyone who had a hand in their development through Lads to Leaders over all those years. The elders who provided this program. The coaches who helped them improve. The adults who gave words of encouragement. The other kids who were kind and helpful. And to all those who work at Lads to Leaders and put on this amazing program, I’m grateful.
Lads to Leaders isn’t a perfect program. No program is.
But I can say that it has been a blessing to our kids. They expanded their abilities. They grew their talents. They interacted with different generations. They gained new friends. They learned more of God’s Word. They learned how to be gracious in various situations.
Who knows what the future holds. I’m sure we’ll still help Central’s Lads to Leaders groups in various ways. Maybe, Lord willing, we’ll even get to go at some point in the future to encourage grandchildren (but that had better be a few years from now!!!). Only God knows those things.
But as I reflect back on all these years–laughter, tears, exhaustion, memories–I’m simply thankful. Our kids aren’t perfect, but they are better because of their efforts through Lads to Leaders.
So, to everyone who helped Mary Carol or Turner in any way through all these years, thank you.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
