Funny

Evan says to me, “Mom, the funniest thing that has happened in a while happened last night. Keagan asked me to get his phone so I could look at his fantasy team. As soon as I put in his passcode, I see his chat screen, and all of the open conversations were with girls. Guess how many girls he was talking to at the same time? Eight! I said something to him about it, and he just laughed. That kid. He loves the chase.”

Not sure if I should be proud or concerned. 😝

6Teen

It’s been a crap year for Evan. From winter spent at Vandy with “heart problems” and an order for no sports - to a spring spent with the podiatrist to remove four ingrown nails - to a summer spent in PT for an Achilles injury. There’s been very little to celebrate. But Evan has handled it all with grace and with an attitude that I’m in awe of. I’ve been sick with angst and frustration; Evan has persevered and proven he can tackle even the most trying of times. Life can be hard - Evan makes it look easy. He’s maintained an excellent GPA, volunteers in his free time, and spends Saturday mornings reffing U7 soccer games. No teen deserves this more.

This is his year! 

“Blessed is he who perseveres under trial.”

Nomination

This came in the mail today. 

Evan was nominated by his English teacher to participate in a summer leadership summit. He has a choice of participating at either Harvard or Yale. Ironically, he was nominated by his third grade teacher for the sister program when we lived in Georgia.

Congratulations, Evan! 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above self.” Ph 2:3

I can’t wait to see how you change the world!

Shocker

Evan graduated from PT on Thursday and got to play in the weekend tournament. Not only did he get to play, but he was able to physically run in four games in two days! The last game he played all ninety minutes. If that wasn’t good enough news, we actually won a game on Saturday. I hope this means we are over the injury and he’s on the road to recovery becausing watching this season has been almost more than I can bear.

I don’t want to remember this season because there are very few highlights in a season we’re more time was spent in therapy than on the field,  but today’s finalist win is a true show of perseverance. Not only did we suffer with Evan’s injury, but we had two other players out this season. As state league comes to a close, I’m thankful Evan’s healthy and ready to play in showcases. 

Fall Break

While I was at work and Evan was at PT, Keagan was spending his fall break in Orlando. He spent his days hanging out at the pool, taking death-defying slides at a water park, riding a few rides in Epcot, and playing video games into the late hours. Even the hurricane didn’t slow them down.

Wednesday night he called us because Ty left the room key in the condo and they were locked out of the room. It was 8:00 and the Rouses were at dinner. The boys went to the front desk to ask for help, but they were told they had to be 18 with a room reservation. Wes called the front desk and explained to the kind man Keagan had severe anxiety and was near panic. Housekeeping arrived within five minutes, Keagan played the part of an anxious teen pacing and wringing his hands, and just like that the door was unlocked! We call that Dad Magic. 

He’s home tonight. I can’t wait to see him!

Team Captain

Not only did Keagan make the varsity basketball team, but he was also chosen as the team captain. Today he plays in the team’s first scrimmage.

He’s ready for double-doubles. He’s ready to play out of Evan’s shadow, but he doesn’t realize yet his strengths on the court go far beyond scoring buckets. He’s a proven leader; others look up to him. He can handle the ball with a layer of confidence that has him play with ease. He’s got the heart of a winner constantly challenging himself to be better. 

I’ll be cheering the loudest in the stands this year - no different from any other year - but cheering for him so that he gets that coveted double double.