A lot to do this morning, we 39 of us were off to Biloxi, about half that number know exactly what we are doing, and the other half and their parents, we want to make sure that this is the week that unlocks service for them. Not just a check mark on a form, but an introduction of a lifetime of service. How did Sam and Megan get it right away? How did they know that this was something important to them and would be continue to be?
So it turns out, in the end, we had plenty of time. but this morning I needed someone for Breakfast, luckily Frank Hellwig is making his rookie trip and he is always game for whatever anyone needs. If I had told Frank that I needed him to dress in a chicken suit tonight and walk around the mexican restaurant. He would have said something like , "Okay, do you think I am more realistic chicken if I say "Cluck, Cluck." or "Bwaak, Bwaak." and do I get some time to practice my walk. We are friends and I know that Frank will always be with me, no matter what. We have a shorthand, and I also know where other friends of mine would consider what I ask them, Frank just trusts me and would literally do anything legal I ask. No matter what I do or what cause I get behind he is always ready with an encouraging word or a check of support, both of them have their own rewards, but I always no Frank will give me both. Because he believes in me. Tomorrow I am taking to breakfast two incredible young women in college. They have both met Frank Hellwig today for the first time. I just realized maybe that's where we should start. "Guys, I have a friend, I have known him for many, many years and guess what he always believes in me and he also encourages me to be the best version of myself." Man, don't we all want that. Tonight, Frank brought an air mattress from home to save our service trip some money and has no trouble taking that hit for our team, because the money we save in Jackson can be used to help someone on the Gulf Coast.
I encouraged Frank, just like I encouraged the new students, to carve their own path and find their own way to be of service, to find kinship this week. Immediately after I told him that he had a good idea that I immediately discouraged, just because the students in his car had not met him yet. We got to Jackson tonight and he told me that he had his car listen to a podcast about the Supreme Court and then had a mnemonic device to remember all 9 members of the Supreme Court. This is definitely new for a Biloxi trip and I think it would be great if somehow at the end of this trip, all 39 of us would know this small piece of important knowledge.
Frank, like Jane Magee, has a "sense of whimsy" and he also encourages the absolute weirdness of my weird being. When I lose others along the way, Frank wants me to double down, not only give 'em the full Magee, but the Double Magee. Sometimes, we just giggle at the end like we were 9 after our schemes or our plans come to fruition. We have a guys Christmas party every year that Frank helped craft into one of the funniest afternoons of the year. If it wasn't for Frank this never would have happened. If you are a guy, just let us know and you will be invited. If you are a woman, then just talk to Terri Gaffney and show up when she does.
Here is the coolest thing, Frank gets to be a part now of my biggest adventure. I have told him for years about Biloxi. He knows how much I love it. Now, he gets to see it and undersand it. I have a real feelking knowing Frank that this will not be his only year. So I have to ask, does anyone have an Adult, size medium, Chicken suit? I am going to need it for next year.
No comments:
Post a Comment