Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy food, family, friends, and reflection on the gifts you have in your life.

"If the only prayer you say in your life is 'Thank You,' it will be enough."

-Elie Wiesel

I have a good life for which I am sincerely thankful. It's not perfect, it's not easy, but it's good, and there is plenty of joy to be had in it. All the factors in my life go toward making it such a life, but naturally there are some things that I am more thankful for than others; of these favorite things, I would just like to focus on one.

There is nothing in the world that brings me more joy than people. Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, classmates, fellow actors, and the people that I have not met but have inspired me to be better. I don't really care about what I do or don't have. I don't mind the thought of not ever being a great person of importance. But a life without people would be meaningless. Thank you to the people who stay in my life when they could choose to spend their time elsewhere. Thank you to God for my family and my neighbors. Thank you to everyone, for being who you are.

As We Stumble Away

Here are some things I left unsaid last night because I just couldn't handle all the emotion. I'm sorry it took so long for me to get this out. (If you're not here, I'm sorry, but don't feel left out! It's just that most of the leads were my close friends before the play started! Just skip to the bottom.)

Megan Maw

You're my first, and best, marriage. Thank you so much for being there for me, even though I kinda sucked for a couple of years there. You are so important to me. Bless you. Bless your ballroom feet. *kisses passionately*

Maddie Bradford

There are not words. You know that. Thank you. I am who I am because you have been with me for the past seven years. I will be grateful that I know you until the day I die.

Braxten Lucas

Seriously, so much of the journey I have taken, so much of how my character has formed, I owe to you. You have been an example to me, you have been a friend, you have been a rock. It was a fortunate day when I met you. 

Bracken Gossett

I'm sorry we butted heads for so long. I seriously adore you now.
*Jazz hands*
 I know they're shallow words, but I don't know what else to say. Thank you.

Ashley Sheets 

I think you are pretty much the best thing ever to happen to the Performing Arts Department. You are so talented. I used to be so jealous of you, but that left, and now I just admire and love you. You are so excellent a person. Aside from your talent, there's also such goodness, humor, and intelligence in you, I am always astounded that a person so young can be so fantastic. You are a great example to me. 

Bailey DeVries

We grew up together. I think you've grown a lot better than me, because there is so much goodness, talent, beauty, and just honest Christ-like attributes to you. The fact that I get to rub elbows with the likes of you is such a blessing and an honor. Thanks for being the great example that you are. Thanks for your friendship through the years. They have been good ones.

Kollin Wasserlein

Thank you. You are the best partner a girl could ask for. Above that, though, you're an amazing man. You are so conscientious, it makes me want to work to be a better person. I admire that so highly. And of course, if I ever feel down, you can bring my spirits right back up! That's so important. I hope you realize how your humor has the power to heal. 

Dallin Saunders

Whoa. What a journey it's been. In just two years I've gone from tension and resentment to absolutely loving you. Your spirit shines. You are so wonderful! I love you to death. I think you are a wonderful man, so respectful and such a gentleman. Thank you for always being there for me, whether I needed a shoulder to cry on, or a hug, or a gentle reminder to be a better version of myself, you've been there. Thank you.

Kooper Crittendon
I don't know if you'll see this- I hope you do. You have been so positive and supportive to everyone. You must have been stressed out of your mind, but you were there for everyone. I admire that so much. Thanks so much for your kindness and support!

Tyler Howard

You already know. I don't have to say it, nor could I if I tried. Thanks.

Ryan "Chuck"Johnson

It's been super fun getting to know you. The quiet moments have meant as much as the loud, fun ones. You're fantastic, sir. I hope you have a great experience in high school.

To the Cast in General

This has possibly been the most important experience of my life. I have learned humility, gratitude, trust, faith, and friendship through this rehearsal and performance process. You people are better by FAR than I am, and I have been so proud and grateful to share the stage with the likes of you. Every person has made this a special time for me, by what you said or did or even just a smile or a "Break a Leg." I hope I've left my mark at Fremont. More importantly, though, I hope I've left my mark with each of you. I hope I've given as much to this cast as this cast has given to me. Thank you for the memories and the love. You are in my heart forever.

They Will Keep.

I've spent my life judging my worth by my successes. The awards I've won, the praise I receive - these are the increments by which I have measured myself. When I met somebody new, my first priority would be to let them know about all my achievements so they would be able to measure my worth the same way I did. I thought that was okay, to do that to myself, and to try to force that way of thinking on other people. But lately I've come to think differently...

"But you comprehend me? Tis [simple] work, very humble. What will you do with all your fine accomplishments?"

" I will save them til they are wanted. They will keep." 

 I may not do anything significant with my gifts and talents. But if I can help people be happy, then I have done enough, and the fine accomplishments will keep until they are wanted. For now, the simple and humble work may be enough.

I accomplish things because I am great, not the other way around.

Like so many other people, I have not seen myself for what I truly am. I don't think I fully comprehend myself now, and it's possible that I never will. But I know that I matter. Whether I leave a mark on the world or not, I matter. Whether people remember my name or not, I matter. I am a child of God, and He loves me and measures me by a standard much fairer and more comprehensive than any I have devised for myself. 

I hope you realize that you matter. Regardless of any other factors, you matter. You are too used to your own brilliance to realize how you glitter to other eyes. There is greatness in every person. Perhaps the greatness manifests in fame and public import. But, more likely, your greatness will manifest as simple, humble work. And that's okay. Because the accomplishments will keep until they are wanted.