09/29/2026
Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
My son Eli goes to a very small school, and their senior class only has seven guys! They are all so tight-knit, and Jav and I have grown to love each of these guys over the last four years. We've spent countless hours driving them to practices and activities, hosted dozens of hangouts at our house, lost our voices cheering for each and every one of them on the basketball court, and they are regulars in Jav's barber chair. Their parents are all incredible, too, and we feel so blessed to have found such an amazing community.
These guys tease each other constantly, but I know they would have one another's backs in a heartbeat if needed. It was kind of like herding cats to get them all in one place, at one time, and paying attention (haha) for a few group pictures, but I'm so glad we did this. I pray their friendships last well beyond high school and that they are able to look back on this time with fond memories.
I also loved getting to do a mini senior session for everyone. While they are far from perfect (😉), here are a few things I appreciate about each of them:
Chase: He is ALWAYS smiling and spreading joy. He's kind, athletic, and I think he knows every lyric to every song that plays on the radio!
Micah: He is fun and funny, kind, and just enjoyable to be around. He's polite, a well-rounded athlete and student, and has grown so much in his skills and character over the years we've known him.
Henry: Henry has never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone. He's selfless and considerate, extremely bright, and a natural leader.
Braiden: He describes himself as introverted, but he's also the guy who goes in for a hug before parting ways, and that speaks to his character and kindness. He's super fast on the soccer field and basketball court, and he's a good, reliable friend.
Carter: He is cool, calm, and collected. I don't think I've ever seen him visibly flustered, and I know that God-given characteristic will serve him well in his future endeavors. He's super polite and sometimes quiet, but don't let that fool you—he's passionate and skilled, and I know he surprised me the first time I saw him on the court!
Soren: After my son's first day of his freshman year at a new school, I asked him who he sat with at lunch. He said, “This kid named Soren.” I was so thankful that someone welcomed Eli. Soren has been an amazing friend and accountability partner to Eli since then, and I've loved watching their friendship deepen over the years. Soren is good at pretty much everything he tries, but he's humble and kind. We call him a “vault” because he can be confided in and trusted.
Eli: I've already shared enough about my son, but I had to include a picture so that the post with all of the senior boys could be complete. 🙂
