Thursday, March 24, 2011

Five years after I had my son kidnapped...

My son is 18 years old today (Yes, I feel old).

So, it was five years ago that about 20 guys got together and kidnapped Justin, took him out to a barn about 20 miles away, and put him through a series of tests.

Yes, I helped organize the whole thing (although the end result was so much more than I could have envisioned thanks to the awesome offerings from all the others involved).

Yes, Justin had "asked" for this adventure (though he didn't know exactly what he had asked for at the time) - and he had control during the entire experience - and all went well (I hope to have the full story to post soon)

Five years later...

Justin has embarked on several adventures, he's shown initiative, demonstrated compassion,  and lived loyalty to friends and family - and yes, he's had a few "learning experiences" along the way.

Justin is quite the musician, an impressive performer with a quick mind and ability to work with a crowd.

Justin has spent a considerable amount of time volunteering for a variety of organizations in the area, he has a knack for helping people address real issues - one time he was at the Empowerment Center in Newark and made sure two men got the job applications and interviews they needed - I think he was 15 at the time.

This year, Justin has been spending his Wednesday evenings as a camera operator for a local television show and an exciting venture known as IndiFilmNight.com - cool stuff.

Let me say this - I am both proud and impressed with my son - who he is, how he thinks, and what he does.

Allow me to follow that with this - I am both proud and impressed with the incredible community of friends and family we have who continue to teach, support, encourage, correct, help, and grow with us. I cannot express how much I appreciate all of the men who were part of the kidnapping five years ago - and I cannot tell you how blown away I am by all who make a difference in Justin's life.

Happy Birthday to Justin - I can't wait to see more of your life's adventure!

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