Today,
Please read!
We had a speaker. His dad was the football coach shot and killed in Parkersburg, Iowa. He came in to talk to us because we recently lost a student (Rest in peace Makenzie) and a students father.
His words moved me, a lot. He was ana amazing speaker. He told us that after the first disaster in Parkersburg, a tornado his dad pulled the town together and within 100 days time had the Falcons playing on thier field. He was a great man. Then one morning while lifting with 22 of his players one of his graduated players came in with a gun and shot him in front of the students.
His family didn't blame the player and in fact had people send cards to them to tell them it's okay. It turns out the kid who shot Ed Thomas (the coach) had just been diagnosed with skitsofrentia. His younger brother who played on the team had to deal with that and you know what? That team and that community supported him through it all.
Aaron Thomas (the speaker) told us something, something that will stick with me forever. "Never forget where you come from."
He then explained that no matter where you go, thoose people will always be there. And to follow your dreams, your passion. His dad came from a poor home and his dad was a drunk. But Ed? He knew he didn't want to be that. Football was is his passion, and he chase d it and achieved it because he wanted it.
Another thing he said?
"When the National Guard came out to help with the tornado they where surprised to see how the community pulled together. On the coasts every one expected stuff from them, for it to be just handed over. Here it was 'Help or get out.' You guys don't know how lucky you are to live in a small town in Iowa, you are raised to give and help."
And that made me want to cry, I'm pround of being a country kid, I'm proud of my muddy boots/shoes. I'm pround of my stinky animals and tall rows of corn. I'm proud of it.
As I sat in the bleachers I thought, you know what? I pray to God my dream comes true. I want to marry a farmer, I want to have four kids, tractors, 4-wheelers, and barns. I want to be a photographer and a writer, I want to be the best wife in the world and the greatest mom ever. I want to live like I'll never see tomorrow and love like I'll lose you in the morning. I'm going to live with no regrets.
kaitygrace