Stunned. Disbelief. Shocked. Hurt. Dazed. Baffled. Rattled. Are just a few words expressed by people I know regarding the loss felt in our Athens community this past week. We lost two young adults that impacted so many lives in big and small ways. I was lucky enough to know one of them well and if you knew Chandler LeCroy then you know life was better for it. To describe Chandler is like describing a ray of light or a shooting star: not one beam of light or falling star us the same and there was only one Chan! She packed more personality into that small frame than a hungry bear. Spunky with a Southern Twang, big smile with a wide collection of style who could pull of any outfit, enormous heart with an even larger appetite to help others, and as everyone knows a Damn Good Dawg who loved some Georgia Football! A Double Dawg like me for 2 years whom accepted me as the "Old man or Father of Sports Management" we spoke about being from similar small towns, faith, siblings, our dreams, and everything in-between. No one would believe this, however, your first presentation in the sports management program was with me on a group project. You verbalized that you were still working on not being nervous speaking in front of big groups. It made me chuckle as you made friends so easily, could start up a conversation with about anyone, and believed in yourself with no hesitation. Long story short I made sure to lead off and told you the key is to make the crowd laugh whether making a joke about the topic or yourself. Once I made a joke about the title of the PGA's Waste Management Open in Phoenix, you went right into poking fun at your southern accent and ran with your part beautifully. I do not think you ever had any issues with public speaking after that. That smile could light up Sanford Stadium.
Death is not fair. It comes from all angles, ages, and numerous ways. It remains a mystery due to the inability to experience it beforehand or practice it as we are accustomed to in the industry of sport. It marks finality, but I am convinced that even though it is unfair it is not final. This past week has reunited an entire group of Damn Good Dawgs from the sports management program. We were close-knit with big aspirations, our department constantly had team projects, and we enjoyed doing life together. I will not lie and admit my job has been demanding and it had been before the football season since we last checked-in on each other and for that I apologize Chan. Why someone with such zest for life leaves early is unimaginable. Yet, we cling to hope that we are brought together in joy knowing we can celebrate such an amazing person and one day we cling to the hope will get to cheer the Dawgs on in Heaven together! Thank you for sharing life with me and so many others in our community. My wish is that this will keep our group more in contact over the course of the remaining life we all get to experience and remember we are just one phone call away for any curveball that comes our way.
Even though this has been a heavy week, we hope the following 5 Friday Finds raising twins this week brings a smile to your face.....
1. The twins watch TV like they're in a parkour competition. Just sit down!!
2. The twins have no clue when I ask them to shut the bathroom door I want them on the outside of it!!
3. A birth control commercial with twins in the backseat screaming “WHAT’S THAT” and “That” “What about that?” and a driving parent yelling “I CAN’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE POINTING AT” repeat until everyone cries!!
4. What are you staring at?? Those are the twins emotional support kitchen utensils!!
5. Parents and teachers know: School drop off me and school pick up me are not the same person!!
Comments