
The Senior Banquet has always been a time of reflection for me. It took me back to the Senior Banquet when the class from Josh Wallen's grade all had a glass of Coca-Cola in Josh's memory. It took me back to a few years ago when there was another event next door that had a DJ and a dance floor....and how that group of seniors crashed that party and took over the dance floor. It took me back to the banquet from the group that I had been with since the 5th grade and me not believing I had known a group of teens that long. I was so proud of them! That was a tough night on me! (...but I still get to hear from many from that group) It took me back to last year as I sat at the table with Casey and Laurel. Nights like that are so wonderful for bringing back the memories. It saddened me a lot because it hit home incredibly hard that from now on, with the teens from Woodmont Hills, they would just be memories...that I would no longer see these teens grow up. That, for the most part, I would not be around to be a part of their lives. Sad.
This event was the first time I had seen many of the students in months. This night was obviously for them, but oh-my-word did it ever bless me. These students truly are some of the nicest and kindest and most awesome people I know. While I was there to honor them, they were the ones who made me feel like a million bucks. Not just them, but even their siblings, friends and parents.

I was able to get a big bear hug from Will - and oh how I have missed those! Jake, even while just losing his grandmother, went out of his way to make me feel missed and special. It was good to get to hear about Jake's college plans, though I was certain he would go to NYC and become a model... Emily Townsend, who is as sweet as Alabama Sweet Tea, well...she just always makes me feel like a million bucks. I saw Katy and simply loved getting to talk with her a some...And I got the chance to joke around with Emily Riddle again...and catch up with Blair Thornton....and finally meet the amazing person who raised Brieonna...and hear about how Hannah wants to help kids with special needs with music therapy....and catch up with the amazingly skinny-as-crap Sterling...and have Maggie almost make me cry (only to succeed later that night).... and take some pictures with Madison and talk about her love interest (as we always do)....and get a few minutes with Seth....and get a huge hug from Woody....And see Keller dressed in a Tux....and to get a picture with Ian.... and a high-five from Ty.
I wish this group the best, I wish them God's speed and a happy future. I wish them a happy summer and an outstanding start to "the next chapter." And I pray that God surrounds you with people in your lives who will bless your life the way you all have blessed mine.
As far as the dining out part....if every meal could be spent with people this amazing I would always be willing to pick up the tab! To the graduating class of 2011 - you are loved.
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