08/25/2017
Dear Family and Friends, !!
I love my Squad!
I mean, they're not perfect; but by them being in the pursuit of perfection makes them an group of men. The CitizensOfExcellenceGroup had to present the to these sick fellas!
It feels good to know I'm amongst men who have The heart and mind for their community. Their level of care and regard for the men, women and children that they encounter is rare. It's a privilege to have that as a part of my circle. It's a privilege to watch fathers of that circle put on a display of fatherhood that not only encourages me, but challenges me as well.
Like I stated before, my squad isn't a perfect group of perfect men, so we've witnessed each other make countless mistakes. Yet, it has been a blessing watching these men humble themselves and own up to their mistakes. It takes a certain level of bravery to do that.
That same bravery is what allows these men to go out in the community and provide the love, hope and service the way that only THEY can do!
Dowell, a.k.a "Moose," thanks for always providing a reason to laugh and think positive, especially during those moments when all we wanted to do IS curse or fight! Watching you grow into the man that you are becoming has been a blessing. Watching you strive to elevate yourself, in hopes of becoming more complimentary to Skylar is inspiring. Thus, I'm most proud of you and the example of "dad" that you are. Keep riding clean, bro!
Ray Razors, thank you for all of the talks, encouragement, and perspective. Letting me know that there's nothing wrong with the fact the we are just "a man's man." Watching you love on your wife Sarah the way you do helps me stay encouraged and believing in marriage. Proud of you, bro!
RC, a.k.a. Sizzle, thank you for always having the Word of God ready for me, and some Sizzle humor to go along with it! During those moments when things seemed like they were going to go south very quickly, The peace that's in you has always allowed there to be balance amongst us. You do remember that one time you lifted Bear up with one hand?!
Fernando, the Young Phenom! Thank you for the spark you added to the shop, and to our lives! You're just the mother-lovin' man! When I became a single man again I didn't think I'd want to go out, have fun, or even date again. I was "out of the game." But one day I sat in your chair.... you put one of the dopest cuts on me... I looked at myself in the mirror and said, "shiiiiiiid, I ain't doing too bad!" The rest is history!
Bear... honestly. You just do "Bear Stuff!" No One knows what you're about to do. But we know what you're about to do. That's that Moose 'ish you're always doing! And that's why you love you. Whenever I had a problem or a need, you didn't dwell on the issue, or ask a bunch of questions. You just got straight to the solution. Much appreciated!
Will, whenever I come into the shop declaring that I need some wreck, you're that one brother that doesn't hesitate to oblige. Helping me turn a self-destructive moment into a constructive one; for everyone! Brother, you have created a place of refuge for us, The Squad. That same place has now become a place of refuge for the entire community! There have many attempts made to destroy this place. Attempts Made by us, made by others. Yet this place still stands. In turn, we all still stand. Together. [You understand what I just did there.]
I'm proud of you. I'm proud to call you my bother. Keep growing, Good King.
Long story short, I know who my six groomsmen will be if I ever get married again. I also know the six men who will carry me in the end.
Y'all some sick fellas. But I love y'all!
-Vega
