Today is officially “Flag Day”. It bonds us together.
The combined party for Dominic and Mitchell celebrating their high school graduations was really nice. Great weather. Great food. Great stories. As you know we all got to write our favorite memories for each graduate on a piece of paper and they had to read the memories “out loud”. Lots of shared secrets. Lots of laughs. Good stuff.
First, I get to “roast” Grandson Dominic. His career is headed towards law enforcement. I asked what he would do if I sped past his police car at approximately 10 mph over the posted limit. I was informed I’d get a ticket. I inquired about “maybe a warning” because I was his Grandpa (family). Nope. I’d get a ticket because I broke the law. He would ticket his own Grandma, Mom, brother and even Angelina Jolie. Really?
On the proud moment side, I did get to see Dominic compete his sophomore year in high school in the State Trap Shooting tournament. He won the Junior State Title. I think his score was 95 out of 100. How great is that. Mom and I got to see a state championship performance.
Dominic might tell you some of greatest achievements were on the football field.
For Mitchell I must reflect back to a family visit several years ago. Mom and I were visiting Madison on a weekend. Grandson Mitchell must have had plans and our presence got in the way. In late afternoon when were leaving his house, I remember forgetting something and went back into the garage hallway. Mitchell didn’t hear me come back. He was walking into the kitchen at the time and he asked his Mom, “are they gone yet”. At which point I responded from the staircase (where he couldn’t see me) “no, we’re not gone yet”, Got ya! I never let Mitchell forget his words “are they gone yet”. It is like he got rid of a dreaded disease.
Mom and I are proud to have witnessed some of Mitchell’s football achievements. His junior and senior years at Middleton High saw him playing offensive tight end, defensive end and special teams. He played all positions really well. I think Mitchell will tell you some of his favorite moments were “crushing tackles” or sacking the quarterbacks. On offense, Mitchell did score offensive touchdowns by catching passes at critical moments. Mom and I saw every high school touchdown he caught. Scoring a touchdown in high school is still a premier achievement. Mitchell is now headed for Iowa State. No, he does not have an athletic scholarship but I have heard him utter the phrase “walk-on”. At 6 foot 2 inches and weighing 215, he might just be a force to be reckoned with.
My advice for both graduates is to keep their priorities straight. First comes academics. Second comes academics. Guess what comes third! Yep, academics. Don’t lose sight of why you are in school in the first place. Extra curricular activities come ninth or tenth in priority. Girls are nothing but trouble. They don’t even belong on priority list. Are you listening!
Good luck pursing what comes next!
Love,
Dad