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comfort at funerals, joy at weddings, and inspiration at patriotic and political events.
We've also witnessed her battle with the side effects of high expectations and the pressures to perform. And we've admired the compassion she's shown in pouring herself into the lives of others who've faced similar struggles.
I still have this image in my mind from 2004 of Brittany as a high school sophomore literally limping her way through a hip flexor to a last place finish in the 800 meter race at the State Track Meet. She was crying when I caught up to her on the infield grass to ask her why she tried to run through that much pain. She said, "Dad I didn't want you to think I was a wimp." By now, Luke has figured out that's the least of his worries.
As he and Brittany begin their life's journey together, Kimberley and I begin our slow fade into the background. They tell me the grandkid stage is really fun, I'm just not quite ready for it yet. Like most roller coaster rides, our ride through life with that fiery, red-haired daughter went just way too fast and we loved every minute of it.