Grateful for Guys

This post is long overdue.  A while back, over a year ago, I made mention of the women in my life.  I knew at some point I would need to echo these sentiments for the men in my life but I tend to get wet eyes thinking of all of them and who wants that? But here we are, on the eve of Thanksgiving ... it's time.

I came to this earth with a full roster of amazing men standing ready. My first memory is next to Papa on my rocks watching the sun come up over the Lake, that is my happy place even still. I often sit and listen as friends describe their relationships with their fathers, stepfathers, brothers, grandfathers and other men in their family and think to myself, "You lucked out self!"  Yes, with the exception of Papa as he certainly is teetering on the line between simply patient and saint, the men in the family can be overly opinionated and intrusive and pushy and demanding and just on this side of absolutely ridiculous but I wouldn't trade them or their behavior for anything.  Because in the quiet moments or in the glances across the busy room or even the loud laughter filled conversations or singing matches across the piano, I see the motivation behind such behavior, unconditional love and support.  I have not once questioned my ability to conquer the world because not one of them has ever stopped believing in me, in spite of my behavior.  They stand as my advocates and my examples.  They have overcome everything this world could throw at them and remain constant to who they are and to what they know to be true. 

Recently I was in the car with 50 or so year old woman, single and beautiful.  She, with very little reluctance {a brassy old broad she is}, asked about my most recent failed relationship.  I laughed it off, likely not the reaction she was expecting but the only one I am able to give sometimes.  She did not mirror my blase attitude.  Rather she pulled the car over to the side of 13th and began to explain why I would likely never find someone ~ truly, she was gravely serious.  She began to list the divine and unique qualities of the men in my family and ended by saying, "Kasi, there may not be another Jeff {that's my Papa but you could also insert the rest of the family men here} out there for you." Instead of sobbing as my worst fear was vocalized I sat there with a genuine smile on my face and again thought, "You lucked out self, you lucked out." 

As the years continue on other guys came into my life.  Some to offer the truest form of friendship, some to steal my heart for a minute or two, some to see the person that I have yet to become and push me towards that end, some to be a constant source of laughter.  I can say, without reservation, that I have the best guys a gal could ever ask for.  Yes, it does make for an absolutely ridiculous standard for one man to meet ~ I recognize that.  But more than that, I recognize that these men have been and always will be with me.  As I look in their eyes or reflect on my time with them, I feel not only a love that is necessary but I see the person I hope to become.  

50.Brad Rule{hilarious}
49.Chad Hall{sincere}
48.Justin Lybbert{true}
47.Jon Wright{strong}
46.Ron Labrum{kind}
45.Rick Worthen{bold}
44.Brik Eyre{compassionate}
43.Bill Schupple{endearing}
42.Dan Sessions{accepting}
41.Paul Mogle{cheerful}
40.Nate Svetich{devout}
39.Roger Adams{hard working}
38.Jeff Froebe{genuine}
37.James Kohl{honest}
36.Wayne Bush{patient}
35.Kevin Ludlow{trusting}
34.Mark Baldridge{hopeful}
33.Work Men (x3){pleasant x3}
32.Robert Branham{determined}
31.Tyler Labrum{loyal}
30.Kenny Murray{student and friend, now teacher and brother}
29.Jon McBride{understanding}
28.Kacey Udy{zealous}
27.TJ Davis{capable}
26.David Canfield{adventurous}
25.Richard S. Hagopian{enthusiastic}
24.Joseph Costabile{motivated}
23.Mark K. Schiefelbine{original}
22.JR Haynie{steadfast}
21.Ted Davis{faithful}
20.Steve{joyful}
19.Bunk{my vacation}
18.Brandon{my brother}
17.Dave{my guide}
16.Jeff{my friend}
15.Ace{my hope}
14.Doc{my reminder}
13.Adam{my truth}
12.John{simply steady}
11.Joe{simply growing}
10.Jacob{simply here}
9.Grandpa{simply loving}
8.Uncle Joe{simply fun}
7.Uncle Matt{admire deeply}
6.Uncle Mike{miss desperately}
5.Uncle Max{need consistently}
4.Josh{my chosen friend}
3.Buba{my chosen friend}
2.Gramps{my laughter}
1.Papa{my heart}

You pick up the phone. You get on a plane and show up when you hear 'that voice'. You send flowers to make me laugh. You send emails to remind me that work is likely not really where I want to be. You winterize my home. You hold me when I cry. You keep me grounded. You let me be a part of your children's lives. You force me to talk about things that scare me. You are patient with me. You brush the snow off of my car. You marry the girl that I can get along with for the rest of time. You love my dog. You let me write it in a Hallmark card. You tell me to stop crying. You swear for me. You are impressed with my mad skills in the truck. You remind me of my dreams. You vocalize what I cannot. You stay up late with me. You lead me to the Lord. Thank you.