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I wrote here last week about how incredible our local sports teams are doing this year.  Sadly, the boys hockey team and the girls basketball team lost their respective playoff games.  Both  had great seasons and the future is brighter than ever for them.

We do still have some teams active in their pursuit of a state championship.  

The boys basketball team plays Hermantown Friday for a chance to play in the state basketball tournament next week.  Coach Gargaro has the boys playing really well right now. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for information regarding a possible fan bus heading to Duluth.
 
The other sport of mention is the Chisago Lakes boys swim and dive teams that are sending a boat load of athletes to the University of Minnesota to compete for state.
200 Medley Relay: Austin Turman, Charlie Olson, Phil LaPlante, Jake Carlson
200 Free: Austin Turman
200 IM: Riley Darling, Derek Frank
50 Free:Jake Carlson
Diving: Jake Doble, Jake Carlson
100 Fly: Riley Darling
200 Free Relay: Derek Frank, Jake Carlson, Austin Turman, Riley Darling
400 Free Relay: Derek Frank, Colton Olson, Austin Turman, Riley Darling.

 Good luck to all the athletes and hopefully we will be running photos of some champions.

I was thinking about my life this week.  Every person reflects on their past.  We all wonder what could I have done differently if I had a second chance?  I know my life is not over, at least hoping so.  But, there are a few things that I would alter if I could go back in time.  

 I would have spent more time with my parents.  We have all been there, young, so full of life and wanting nothing to do with your nerdy parents. For most of us, it's not until we are older when we realize what beautiful people our parents are/were.  Think of how differently our lives (at least mine) could have been if we would have spent quality time with mom and dad.  All of the appreciation I failed to display, all of the learning, all of the friendship, our lives could be so much more complete.  

 Another aspect or part of my life that I enjoy so much now but scoffed at when I was young is volunteering.  Helping the needy is the most satisfying feeling in the world.  When I say needy, that can mean anyone.  It doesn't have to mean poor, homeless, or downtrodden, rather, it means helping or being part of someone's life.  Reading to the elderly, mowing somebody's lawn, bringing a dinner to a neighbor's house, serve dinner at a community meal; anything to make a difference in people's lives other than ourselves.  We (myself very much included) have become such a self-centered country that only worries about ourselves.   If somehow, someway, we could get our children involved in volunteering (on a regular basis) their lives would change.  I flat out guarantee it.  They will look at life differently, they will view people differently, they will become better people.

This week is my grandmother’s 96th birthday.  That makes for me, two grandmothers still alive and doing well.  Both in their mid 90’s and both are a very important part of my life.  With mom and dad being gone, these two beautiful women have become my heroes, my inspiration, and my mentors.  Happy Birthday Gram!

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