Please forgive me for any names that were misspelled
Last night the Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton, Ma. Class of 2025 put on what we call the Turkey Fest. It is an opportunity for the seniors and others in the school to show case their talents to friends, families, fellow students, and teachers. It was a great show but when it ended it brought me some sadness. This would be the last show for my son Anthony as he is graduating in 2025. I have spoken in past posts about the transformation of my son as he has grown to be a leader. I credit his growth because of the friendships he has. We cannot undervalue the relationships we have and how they can impact our lives. I believe that when these four young men became friends it sent them on a journey that has created four future leaders who will be successful in whatever they do.
Sixth and Seventh grade my son Anthony had some challenges. I think that time is difficult for most kids. It was hard for his mother and me. We did our best to support him but that is also the time when kids are fighting to be independent then COVID came, and the schools closed. The fear of isolation and what that can result in was a concern for many parents. What would be the long-term effects? From the ashes of this pandemic rose the BFL fondly known as the backyard football league. This is where the friendship of these four young men grew and from that created four leaders.
I credit Anthony’s turnaround in high school because of the friendships he has. They brought out the best and sometimes worst in each other. They challenged each other, supported each other and even had disagreements but their friendships help them get through the challenges of a time the is unprecedent in American history which gives me hope for the future. My only fear is that when they all go away to college that they may lose that connection they have. I hold on to hope that they will build a friendship that will last a lifetime.
If I ever have the opportunity to sit in front of Anthony, Coby, Dom, and Braden I would first thank them for being great friends to my son. I would tell them that they give me hope for the future. I would tell them what took me over 40 years to figure out and that is how important it is to honor and elevate dignity.
These young men didn’t become who they are all by themselves. If I had the opportunity to sit down with their parents, every teacher and every coach they have had and I would say that your support, leadership, and love has created four young men who can become leaders and make a difference in a world that sometimes seem hopeless.
You give me hope.
“The greatest leader is not the one who shines the brightest, but the one who lights the way for others.” Unknown
Continue to be the light that creates a path for others
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 