Curve Balls

For the past two years, our son and by extension our entire circle of family and friends have been focused on a singular goal; becoming state president of NC DECA.  By the time his car is a year old, Chris will have put 20,000 miles on it, mostly traveling for DECA.  He has worked tirelessly and without complaint, and along with the support of his amazing teacher/adviser (Evan), mentor (Dennis) and a great group of kids, has brought incredible success to our local school and DECA chapter.  With the guidance of a beautiful and brilliant State Adviser (Pam O'Brien) and five other amazing young men and women, NC DECA had a record setting year with Chris as part of the 2012-2013 State Action Team.

This past weekend we went to Greensboro NC for the state conference.  We had tears in our eyes during his "farewell address" as Vice President of the Coastal Region.  We sat breathlessly as the election results were announced.

                His name was not called.

Honestly, we were stunned.

I have always believed, and still do, that success comes to those who work hard for it.  Another quote I love is, "To those whom much is given, much is expected," (or something like that.)  Chris has met, fulfilled, and far exceeded all of our expectations.  He has grown, over the past year, into a man that I am proud to know...much less to have given birth to!

After many conversations with the people whose opinion I value most, I know in my heart that there is a reason he was not meant to hold THIS office, this coming year. 

I have had some extra time to sit and think and digest the events of last weekend thanks to a winter storm that once again closed the only road off of and onto our island home.  Luckily, we had a place to stay just north of the Oregon Inlet bridge.   We got a good night's sleep and a visit with one of our favorite people.  In less than 48 hours I have watched Chris process disappointment with more sportsmanship and class than I was able to muster although I have more than double his life experiences.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

So this morning, we will get our cars packed again and head south on Highway 12.  The road may be covered in sand, under ocean and/or sound water in patches, our drive may be slow and full of unexpected debris and obstacles, but we will get home and life will be good.

I can't wait to get back and finish getting the shop open for the year, unpack the inventory that has arrived since I left last week, and look forward to watching all of our children realize that great benefits of overcoming adversity.  I am thankful for the life lessons that each of my children teach me.

The tide will rise,
And Fall
The Ocean May be Angry Today
And Throw Unforeseen Challenges Our Way
But Tomorrow is another Day...

You just never know what life has in store for you.  You might as well enjoy the ride.