One Last Run

So this is it.

All of the hard work, the effort, the blood, sweat, and tears shed has finally come to a magnificent conclusion. Never has the taste of second tasted so sweet. At State, we were not the winners in the eyes of the judges, but we were winners in the eyes of everyone in the audience that night. It was said many times that as long as you emotionally impacted one person in the audience, we have achieved our goals this season. In this sense, I know that we have reached achievement many, many, many times. Such an amazing season with such an emotional impact, and with such an enormous public reaction.

And it all came to a close.

I still have not yet come to terms with realizing that marching band is no longer a part of my everyday life. The Tuesday night rehearsals are gone. No more Crimson Regiment dismissals. It just seems that it all came to an abrupt halt. Although we still have the enjoyment of a concert band environment...it just doesn't seem to sum up to what marching band did to every individual in the Crimson Regiment. It's very upsetting, to me anyways, to think that these are some of the last days I will spend with some of the amazing seniors I had the honor of marching alongside this year. This year, I really felt like I had an emotional connection between everybody in the band. When I mentioned that I loved everyone, I truly meant that I loved everybody. There was not one person who didn't mean something to me.

The fact that the Gates will never rise again is a thought that truly saddens everyone in the band. What we would all do for one last run of this amazing show. Even though Air Academy has the blue ribbons, we have something they don't have: one of the most incredible family bonds that any group of people could ever feel for each other.

I'll never forget any of you.

No Witty Title

I want to keep this brief - inspirational if I can, and readable for David Carter. I mentioned you, aren't you ecstatic!

This month has been eye opening. I've learned that even when you are your own worst threat, you can come back and fight something that says you can't and come back with a vengeance and say "Hell yes I can." I have learned that there is no point in wanting something unless you act. Even if you are shy, or if you're afraid you won't get the desired outcome, you won't ever know unless you try. I've learned the true definition of the word "passion." To do something with so much pride, so much heart that there simply isn't a word fathomable to describe all that passion captures. All you can see is the emotional reaction of a tear-ridden boy who gave his all after realizing what he was capable of. Lastly, and definitely most importantly, you are nothing without your true friends and colleagues. You can deny it all you'd like, but there is no denying this: the company of a true friend is far more superior than any problem, any difficulty, any hardship, any object or concept imaginable ever experienced. I guarantee this to you. Sometimes this friendship can turn out to be all you've wanted. Possibly more.

Stay passionate.