Old Friends + New Friends

The past year has been divisive in both hurtful and hopeful ways. It seems that you former friends have all drifted from indifference to intentional distance, and through it all you've been resilient. The sporting events and powder puff and cross country and soccer - sure, they are acquaintances and sometimes friendly. But they have not proven to be real friends. 

Meanwhile, you're leaning into your family and Jacob. You have picked up a summer job waitressing at the Paisley Pig making "bankkkkk", and you are about to start working at Bouws Pool in the city of Holland. 

And by God's grace, you have become very closer to Adeline - a new friend from Victory Point Church. Together you have met for coffee, purchased new bibles, and you're going on a Missions Trip to Mozambique, Africa! She has been a much-needed reprieve for you during this season, as your heart has been longing for a   t r u e  f r i e n d.

Last night before leaving our house from Memorial Day weekend you shared the recent news that you have been "canceled". When I asked for more details, you explained that you had posted a note on Instagram about people who take their senior pictures posing next to their care "are either hick, or black." And although that's probably true - in 2024 you will get blasted for being a "racist." 

You were astounded, (partially because it came from Lauren, a black girl in your school that you once ran to hug after her boyfriend broke up with her); everyone knows that Ambria DePoy is the furthest thing from a racist! 

Perhaps the real reason for so much toxicity from your former friends is because of their jealously of your life. Your world travels, your beauty, your family, and your boyfriend. They see you as "goals." and instead of being happy for you, they throw shade. 

So today, at Jacob's last baseball game, you're going to confront Lauren and explain the truth of the matter. I am proud of you, and I grieve from a distance as you experience the pain of shallow characters around you.  

Varsity Soccer - Diesel DePoy

One thing is clear: there is an abrupt transition between JV and Varsity Soccer! There is a sizable difference between the athletes in the evolution of development. Where you once stood out as one of the best players on the field, you're finding yourself battling for a position in the lineup. 

A couple of weeks ago we could all hear your Coach Sitehammel literally screaming at the team to play harder and better. And then last week he made it personal. He called you out by name in front of the whole team, and criticized your efforts. 

Now, I know you. And I know that you are not used to being yelled at. And I you've never been publicly humiliated. And I definitely know that you will not respond well to being disrespected! You can handle coaching and instruction, but not through being called out and criticized. 

After the game you met me at half field with tears in your eyes. (It's been a long time since I've seen you cry!) After inquiring, you explained that you were "so sick of your coach. He's so mean!" His vocal criticism was very hurtful, and unprofessional...

Well, nobody makes my daughter cry! You continued to walk away across the field while Coach Sitehammel approached me. I met him directly with a confrontational tone - that he needs to speak differently and watch his tone when addressing my daughter! I told him that you are receptive to instruction but not disrespect, and that if he needs to provide coaching critique, to pull you aside and talk privately. He agreed with me, apologized and promised that he would not make that mistake again.

On Saturday, I drove up to Traverse City to watch you play in a tournament. In the beautiful sunshine, you started at left wing, and played with enthusiastic energy and a surge of confidence! You played with speed and aggression, making crisp passes and almost scored on a couple of occasions. On one particular play, I captured video footage of you racing to the ball and beating out the opposing defender...

I love watching you excel, especially when you turn on that diesel engine and slam your way through the victory! 

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