What a Difference a Day Makes

It’s good to come home. Honestly, for my out of state people and/or those who come from really tight knit communities, that is a statement that will always be close to your heart no matter what. For the past few weeks, I’ve been able to come back home (where my parents’ now live) and just do something I thought I was allergic too back on campus: rest and relaxation. For the most part, there have not been that many emails, phone calls, or panic text messages that I haven’t had to respond to. Driving down from Greeley to Tulsa, I had the opportunity to really think back on how blessed I am to be where I am.
Not only just that, it was an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that were going to be there when I get back with administration changes along with the most excited, yet fearful, senior year ahead. This was a time for me to debrief and unwind for a bit. Thank you 10 hour trek through Kansas!

I’m struggling to convey the amount of excitement I have right now. Less than 48 hours ago, I was able to look upon the newest addition to our ever-expanding clan. While I was able to hold my own namesake with a “K,” I was honored to see the bright future that was ahead of him, based on his big cousin being able to offer advice to him down the way. (Not only that, since my name is Christopher D. and his being Kristopher L., I have the honor of giving him his nickname!) I can’t explain when you can see your entire family and friends gather around another through a very pivotal and crucial time. This may sound sappy, but I really did look around to see if my UNC family would be around so I can share the exciting news. Then I realized the miracle of camera phones! I’m sure as time goes on, you’ll see numerous pictures of my mini-me as the year progresses.

Remember that challenge I was talking about concerning the fear of senior year? Well, being in Tulsa helped remind me how precious life and opportunities are. With at least 2 murders a day of young people 25 and younger in the Tulsa Metro Area, I’m able to see that despite vacation time, there is still an obligation to provide hope to people. I thought about those who are now laying in caskets, with architecture, sales and marketing, biochemist, and all sorts of potential, being pushed aside for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It hurts. But, with all the hoopla about having a new baby in the fold, it reminds me of the obligation that we all have to encourage one another to finish stronger than those before us. One day can literally change your life.