Brace yourself.
I’m sure you’ve already read a million posts by various people giving reasons to why they are thankful. After all, it is Thanksgiving week.
I swear I wasn’t going to do that today. I’m still going to get into sports, but when I was driving down a dark, rainy Iron Avenue this morning, a song came on.
The words “Thank You” appeared on my radio screen. Yes, that’s the famous song by Dido, and if we are being completely honest, the start just seems so depressing.
But then we get to the chorus. “I want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life.” For full effect, just imagine me singing it, with pauses, voice fluctuations and all.
It’s impossible that every day is the best of our lives. To give you an example, I was playing basketball last night. I couldn’t make a shot and I became very frustrated. I even spent an hour after the pickup session, angrily throwing up shots.
After hearing that song, I realized how silly that was. There are far worse things in the world, but what that jam (and Thanksgiving) does is remind us that we have that one person who brightens are day.
Well, mine isn’t just one and I assume that’s the same for you all.
I’ve been in Salina since August 29. It’s truly hard to believe that I’ve been in this town for three months. Just like any new situation we are placed in, it’s tough on different levels. I’ve learned more about myself in the past three months than ever before. In my life, I’ve been challenged, but this has been a bit different.
And the tests will never stop, but at the end of the day, I think of everyone. Sure, that seems like an exaggeration, but I truly do. This town has opened its arms to a 6’7″ goofball who wears ties in an industry that clearly doesn’t show me on camera (and for good reason!).
To every Kansas Wesleyan supporter, athlete, coach and family, thank you for giving me the best day of my life. I see a purple and gold family, not just a college. The experiences we have been through are something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
To every Salina South, Salina Central, Sacred Heart, Ell-Saline and Southeast of Saline supporter, coach, athlete and family, thank you for giving me the best day of my life. I’m not sure if you can tell during the broadcast, but my heart is passionate for Kansas high school sports. I’ve lived in this state all my life and when I came down here, I knew there was something special in the air. You all make it extraordinary.
To all my coworkers, thank you for giving me the best day of my life. Whew. Okay. I need to take a deep breath here. It’s hard not to get emotional just thinking about the appreciation I have for you all. I came down here so late in the sports broadcasting season and you’ve been nothing but supportive, loving and motivating. I dearly thank you.
Last, but not least, to every listener, Twitter follower, supporter, friend, family member and more, thank you for giving me the best day of my life. I do what I love, not for myself. Your love and support only keeps me going. It’s the fuel to my fire. I strive every day to be a better broadcaster, friend, brother, son, Christian and person. And it’s all because of you.
Alright. I mentioned I would dive into sports. You’ve made it through 600 words so let’s make it short and sweet.
- THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS WON A BIG 12 FOOTBALL GAME! I was ecstatic when I saw the final score. Nineteen game losing streak snapped in Big 12 play and the reaction from coach David Beaty was priceless.
- Well, I’m 2-0 in state championship picks (congrats, Hanover & Osborne).
- My title picks
- Class 6A – Derby over Blue Valley
- Class 5A – Goddard over Mill Valley
- Class 4A-I – Bishop Miege over Buhler
- Class 4A-II – Hayden over Pratt
- Class 3A – Rossville over Hesston
- Class 2-1A – Troy over Plainville
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
