Never Grow Up

During my time as the Athletic Director at Fowlerville High School, I was encouraged to start a blog.  Intimidating to say the least.  My first thought was, "Who cares what I have to say?"  I also thought, "I stink at writing."  Well after about 10 rough drafts and a half a bag of Oreos (my weakness), my 1st post went on the web and the feedback was positive.  So I did a few more and again, I received some good feedback.  I think you can look back and see them...

So after a CRAZY 5 months with the transition to South Christian, I am back with a few things to share!

Oh, and one more thing before I start..."I LOVE BEING A PART OF THE SOUTH CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY"!!!  There, I just had to get that off my chest!
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"Never Grow Up"

As an AD, it is vital to carve out specific times and activities with your family.  So we do a lot of things together when I am home.  One highlight in the Copeland house a few times a week is bath time.  Cram everyone into the bathroom, with both kids (Kenlee - almost 4 and Gracyn - just over 5 months) in the tub at the same time and the dog (Dupree - the lazy lovable lab) in the doorway.  My wife, Kelly (who is the most incredible person I have ever met), always dials up the Pandora - Taylor Swift station on her phone during bath time (not my favorite choice, but Kelly and Kenlee are big fans).  It was fitting that tonight's 1st song was by Miss Taylor herself and it was titled, "Never Grow Up".

This was the 1st time I had ever heard this song, and it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I volunteered to go to the kids rooms and get their pj's ready...also selfishly I did not want the Girls to see me shed some tears.  My kids are growing so fast and I am afraid that I am going to go to bed tonight and they are going to be all grown up and gone.  It hurts my heart to even think about it!

I then thought about all of the parents of seniors at South.  I tried to put myself in their shoes.  I am sure that they can remember their child's 1st steps, 1st words, 1st day of school and so on.  But I am also sure they are thinking - WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

I pray that each and every one of them has a great experience during their last run as Sailors.  Whether they are in the band or cross country, choir or volleyball, I want to say thanks for giving us the opportunity to work with them.  You have released them into a safe environment where their successes are real and memorable, and that their failures are not fatal and not final.  Each one is incredibly talented in their own way.  I loved seeing their enthusiasm on Thursday for their service projects and the "Mixer" (which was awesome!).

Each one is someone's baby boy or girl.  Each one is their parents most prized possession.  As teachers and coaches, we are not perfect and we make mistakes, but we are striving to be "Kingdom Workers" and Christ-like in how we do what we do.  We sometimes get caught up in the grind, and sometimes we fail to realize just how important each and every one them are to those who love them.

Thank you for your patience with us.  Thank you for your support.  Thank you for challenging us to be better.

And while you want them to "Never Grow Up", I THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, that you are allowing us to grow up with them!