May the road rise up to meet you...

I just got home from the banquet we have for band every year. I always forget how huge a part of my life this band has become, but tonight was a huge reminder. This year's seniors are some truly wonderful people. I've learned more from just being around them everyday than I will ever be able to say. I don't know all of them very well, but a few I have had the great privilege of getting to know. It's weird to think a few months from now, I won't walk down the hall and see their faces, but I am so excited about all that God has in store for them. I can't wait to hear all about where they are going in this crazy world! It's still hard to say goodbye to them, though. We've been through so much together, from the ridiculous heat in July and August to the sub-freezing state championship football game. That's not all, though. We've fought, cried, yelled, kicked, worried, laughed, loved, rejoiced, prayed, sang, cheered, hoped, and lived life together. We are one big family, an often times dysfunctional one, but a family none the less. I know that if I ever need a friend, I will always have one from band. I wish all of the seniors the very best in whatever their endeavors may be. I love you all so much and am so grateful to have gotten to know you all! I will always carry a part of you with me, and I "have been changed for good" because of who you are. My only regret about this class is that I didn't get to know you better.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Here is the Band of Gold playing our school's alma mater a few years ago.