The Dudes who Rule

So, now it's time to recognize some of the guys in my life who are special to me. They've been there for me and they are someone I can talk to at anytime. They've either been a father or a brother to me. I want to thank you.

Father Figures/Mentors in my life!

Dad - You didn't birth me, but you do take half responsibility for my existence. The first thing that comes to mind (other than you're awesome bald head), is your patience. I think you have more patience than anyone I can think of. On the nights when mom and I have argued (all because of my stupidness) and I was in tears, you kept your cool and helped moderate everything. Even when I screwed up royally, you walked with me and asked what went through my head. You've been a person of great wisdom, not only in life in general, but also spiritually. Through many of my spontaneous...."decisions"....you helped me think through it and told me I was doing wrong, even when I was deeply upset about it. You don't tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to - NO exceptions. I also blame you for my puns and sense of humor. I enjoy that part. It's fun. No doubt I'm gonna be a punny dad like you one day, and I can't wait for it. There's so much more I could say, about your encouragement, discipline, laugh, and example of a godly husband, but I won't mention those, :-P.

Jon P. - I don't know exactly where to start with you, Jon. Our friendship really started when my mom practically begged you to start taking me out to lunch and disciple me. You started out as just my youth pastor who I had pizza with once a week, and became one of my closest mentors and friend. We have many a joke and I enjoy the time we spend together when I'm home. I'm really looking forward to being home and helping you out with stuff. You might not have quite as awesome a bald head as my dad....but you're getting there. Just be patient, :-D

Andy C. - You're blunt with me. I enjoy that. I need that. Thanks. You're a cool mid 30-year-old who loves to hang out with us twerps who think we are cool. You have a loud laugh and it's fun to listen to. I've enjoyed having you out to lunch with Jon and Jesse and I. You've been a cool example of someone who follows God and loves to enjoy life while still being serious. I have to say, you probably have a bit more awesome bald head than my dad...it's cool. Perhaps I will live up to your standard someday, :-P

So, there have been many other father figures/older mentors in my life, but I need to move on. You know who you are. :-)

The Brothers from other Mothers....

Jesse - You were the first person who accepted me as a friend when I first came to visit oooohh, so long ago. I remember walking up the "creek" in the front lawn of the church. It was great. I'm sure you put up with me for many years. I did lots of stupid things that I'm sure made myself look foolish, but you stuck by me. You were there when I was deeply hurt and I needed a friend to give me a hug. You came to my house later that night and just hung out. I can't tell you how much I appreciated that. You've been someone that I can talk to about my struggled when it comes to "girl-trouble" or just purity. I vent to you, and you don't care. You've been the voice of wisdom (though many times I don't listen to you, and I normally got in trouble for it...like that time I through a smoke bomb out the window and you told me not to...and then I did...and then I got in trouble). You've been the source of many inside jokes, laughs, and great memories. Thanks!

Jess W. - The first things that comes to mind when I think of you are, "Ephesians 5", "Ima cut you so bad you gonna wish I never cut you so bad", "Rawr!", and that time you stood up for me when I thought I was standing by myself. You came between me and the "problem" and put yourself in the way. That said more than you think to me. You've been my friend even when I was a big "jerk-face, jerk-face", and you felt like hitting me (for good reason). You've been someone I can talk and relate to. You've given me rides to and fro. I appreciate our friendship very much and I hope nothing makes that change

Stefan - You've been my roommate for the third semester now. Freshman year we were just ping-pong buddies, but Junior year and this year, you've been that amazing friend for me. I think you're the only guy at school that I really feel I can be completely open with. Sometimes I start saying something stupid, and you just nod, and change the subject (normally very bluntly), to let me know that I'm saying something stupid. I admire how systematical you are with the Bible. I've told you this before, but it's amazing how much you know about God's Word, especially for the short amount of time you've been a christian. I bring my thoughts about the Bible to you, and you normally have an answer. I love that we can have fun at just about any time. I also love when people look at our friendship and ask, "How does that work? Neither of you are ANYTHING alike"...and I respond, "Exactly". You're an awesome roommate and friend. Thanks!

Cookie - Not exactly sure where to start with you. You're probably one of the most interesting characters I know. I'm very grateful for your uniqueness. You've helped to shape some of my thinking. You've "unbubbled" me. I love talking with you about ideas and bouncing thoughts off you. I respect you a lot for who you are and what you stand for. You're a smart dude, but you don't go around acting all prideful or arrogant. "147"....(I think that's right) :-D. You have thoughts and ideas about lots of things, but most of the time, you just sit and listen. You accept people for who they are, even when they are sheltered homeschoolers and don't know "Rock-and-Roll" and pronounce "Sobe" wrong. I admire your STRONG passion for the lost. Keep it up Chris. You're an awesome guy and I'm proud to call you my friend.

Again, there are other people who I'd love to mention, but I just don't have enough time to go through you all. Thanks...