I won't back down

This evening was the annual FFA banquet, where my boys were

recognized and awarded for all their hard work and dedication 

during the year. It was held in the local church building with

first-class Southern food and sweet tea. 

(Which we don't drink, but it's a Southern staple

and I really wanted to share that).

Both boys received several awards, and I was so proud.

But, this banquet was a mixed bag of emotions for me.

For one thing, Ollie wasn't there to receive his awards and cords

for his graduation next month, and since he's a senior, they

did a little spotlight on him, too.

I cried through it.

This was the only pic we got of his spotlight. Nailed it!

It's pretty incredible that he's in Brazil serving 

a full-time mission, but it makes me sad to see

all his buddies and friends graduating together without him.

But the truth is, he doesn't care.

He worked really hard to graduate early to get on his mission 

as soon as he turned 18 in January, and 

I know he's very happy where he's at right now.

So, I am too!

Gigs was a good brother to receive the awards on Ollie's behalf.

I remember last year at the FFA banquets talking about how

Ollie probably wouldn't be at this ceremony, thinking it 

would never come.

And here we are, and Ollie is gone.

There were quite a few awards that were given out that night

and lots of claps.

Lottie got a little bored, and so this happened:

I was asked several weeks ago if I'd share a little bit of my story 

which I was so happy to do!

(They introduced me as a "motivational speaker,"

well, sheesh, thank you!).

I shared about the hard times I endured and how I overcame them with 

the help of, first and foremost, God, my family, and my friends,

hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

This was the only photo (which was a screenshot from

the video that Lottie was talking while I spoke.

 (Thanks, Lod!)

I told them to keep pushing themselves up their mountains

that they will inevitably encounter in life.

But they will find tremendous strength and wisdom if they fight

for their happiness, for their future, and never back down.

Then I ended my remarks by quoting the legendary (and my favorite),

 Tom Petty and his song "Won't Back Down."

"Well, I won't back down

No, I won't back down

You can stand me up at the gates of hell

But I won't back down

No, I'll stand my ground

Won't be turned around...

I got just one life

In a world that keeps on pushin' me around

But I'll stand my ground

And I won't back down".

I love that they call Nicholas "Gigs,"

I actually wonder if anyone knows his real name is, Nicholas?