A Tribute to Matt: Facing Change

Matt, our senior, is going through a lot of changes this year, probably more so than any of us. He's found himself out on the basketball floor once again only to find there are changes there as well.

For one he's playing on a varsity team of one of the largest high schools in Missouri. Second, the pace and speed is much faster than he was use to in North Dakota. Another change is the strength and athleticism of his peers and finally, he's a racial minority. Oh, and instead of red and white, it's crimson and silver.

He sees his weaknesses but we see his potential. He brings to the court many positives that he doesn't give himself credit for: his disciplined style and basic fundamentals, his hard work ethic, and his coachability Matt doesn't see a lot of it in his fellow players and neither do we.

Knowing what he gave up his senior year in athletics for us as a family to be together pains our hearts. However, change IS good. We see many new and wonderful qualities Matt's developing. His past and what could have been is gone now, and there is liberation in admitting that fact. His success depends on his ability to let go of the "what might have beens/could have beens" and focus on the "what difference I can make NOW". He's been doing that in other areas of his life through this move, but now it's shifting to the court. "Come what may and love it!" Thanks, Matt, for your good example of perserving the ups and downs. Hang in there--the best is yet to come.