Dear Raider Football Team -
Wooooooooooooo! Congratulations on another win, men! 14-0 is unprecedented in Appomattox and a milestone that few other teams ever reach. Be proud. Suit up. And let's do it ONE MORE TIME!
As an Appomattox native, football fan and former Raider (maybe lifetime instead of former...after all, once a Raider, always a Raider) I can speak for us all when I say that we are so proud of your accomplishments - on and off of the field. You've shown us incredible feats of athleticism and more importantly, how faith and perseverance can overcome insurmountable obstacles (shout out to a 4th quarter comeback vs. Richlands!). You've shown us that coming together as a team can accomplish great things. Then you taught us how to come together as a community. God is using your lives to heal broken hearts, mend broken spirits and uplift broken people in your community. For that, we are eternally grateful.
I'm positive that you didn't set out to be healers of your community. After all, you were not immune to the troubles being faced. But very quietly and very reverently you took that pain - yours, ours, everyone's - and quite literally, tackled it on the field. You are being blessed in your lives for being a blessing in others. You give your game to God and he is undoubtedly working through you each day and each week.
Therefore, you have become the Sons of Appomattox. Each one of you is now a part of us. Someone you may never know will hear your name in years to come and remember you. You will be thought of fondly in this town... probably for the rest of your lives. No matter where you go and no matter what you do, you will always be the boys of fall that put a broken town back together. That title doesn't yield you a championship ring, but something much greater than that.
So thank you Raiders. From the bottom of my heart that pumps the Blue and Grey through my veins. *Obligatory cliché alert* - no matter the outcome this weekend, you are winners to us! Seriously.
Cheryl
Class of 2000
Well stated, I am glad you said what everyone of us feel. These boys are a blessing to our community. They come together to play with grace and as one. They have brought our little town together when we thought all was hopeless, they put it in gods hands and moved ahead. They are so special. SO no matter what the outcome this weekend, You are all our hero's. Remember you will always be winners to all of us. Kim Class of 83
ReplyDeleteI think I love you Cheryl! Beautifully said. Hit me all in the feels! I couldn't be more proud to be a Raider!!
ReplyDeleteLove you Cheryl and your thoughtfulness. Heather, Class of 1993 and mom to Jackson, #84 Raider Proud, Class of 2019!
ReplyDeleteThank you for expressing my feelings & our towns feelings so beautifully. I want to also thank the coaches for teaching these young men about more than just football but life, community, family, & Faith.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you have said what so many want to say. Your words speak volumes as a Raider (c/o 2001), as a fan, and more importantly as A PROUD RAIDER MOM (shout out to #2 Matt "Deuce" Page, Quarterback). You are one of the most genuine people I know, so I know reading this, it's definitely from the heart. Thank you for your support and continued prayers for our Appo Boys! #PO1 #AppoStrong
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you have said what so many want to say. Your words speak volumes as a Raider (c/o 2001), as a fan, and more importantly as A PROUD RAIDER MOM (shout out to #2 Matt "Deuce" Page, Quarterback). You are one of the most genuine people I know, so I know reading this, it's definitely from the heart. Thank you for your support and continued prayers for our Appo Boys! #PO1 #AppoStrong
ReplyDeleteWell, said Cheryl. I went to school with most of the parents, aunts and uncles of the team or either they are family. Proud of these young men with all their accomplishments. YOU ALL ARE WINNERS. CLASS of 1982.
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