To Mom and Dad,

Your support from the day I was born until this day has kept me going and growing strong. Our constant discussions- from sports to school, from possible careers to politics- your guidance and advice has always put me on a path to success and I am so grateful. I know you and I haven't always seen eye to eye (just look at our tastes in music!), but whenever I made a choice you always supported me, even if it was not the right one at the time. Your insight into particular situations and providing a calm demeanor when I get a little heated has helped me realize that there are two sides to every argument, and that even sometimes my own parents aren't infallible.

To Trey and Sean,

I know we have had our differences in the past, but if there is anything that those differences taught us, it would be that despite all of that, we are still family. We always pushed each other but the competitiveness gave us an energy that we were able to use to push ourselves when the others weren't around. I've seen all that we achieved: all three Eagle scouts, all three Benet Academy senior athletes, and all three brothers,... and I could not be more proud to call you two men my brothers.

To JLR, Jacob, Michelle, and the rest of the BA Family,

I know it has been some time and that we don't talk as often as I'd like to, but you guys helped me through some tough times in high school. I know it might be a little cliched but you all were- Hell, ARE- family. When things got rough and I felt like I couldn't talk to my parents or siblings, you were always around and willing to talk. Lord knows I may have raised a little bit of extra Hell for you guys back in the day, but you guys made it a great four years.

Jonathan, if I ever got riled up about politics I knew I could turn to you- and there was so much more to it than that. At LOGOS 107 our senior year, I was so estatic that you were part of the Hyena group (shout out to Romes, Theresa, Gen, Megan, Alexis, and Señor) and it was comforting to have a close friend, and if I'm perfectly honest I miss our talks, JLR.

Jacob, you are my brother. That's all I need to say. Even if we disagree on some things I know I can talk to you, day or night, and discuss whatever is on my mind. Seriously, if that is not family I have no idea what is.

Michelle, I never had a sister but if I were to have one I would pray to God that she was something like you. I know if there's anything wrong your ears are (usually) always open, no matter if its politics, relationships, or country artists coming into town, I can always come to for advice or to be awesome company.

To Steve Pulaski,

Brother, it's been too long- honestly. I've listened to your radio podcast, read your reviews, and seen everything you've accomplished and all I can say is: God Almighty am I glad I met you at North Central Orientation all that time ago. When you, Cameron, and I ran into each other, I knew the college was a good fit- and Lord knows I wish I could have stayed so that I could have seen you grow as a student. I see everything you're doing and I remember all those times we hung out at the Boiler House and just chatted about everything, and I must thank you for introducing me to Chris Stapleton's music. Brother, if you need anything, and I mean anything, you just shoot me a text.

Last but not least:

Grandpa,

Thank for for all the times you gave me a "Gibbs Slap" on the back of the head and followed it up by saying "That's for nothing". Often when this happened, I'd look up, smile, and go back to what I was doing- completely oblivious as to why you did it. Now, after all these years, I look back and I think I understand. I gentle clap on the back of the head signified a bad thing or situation, and saying "Thats for nothing" signified that those things happen just because they happen. And that lesson has been well recieved.

Thank you doesn't even begin to say what I wish I could put into words. And these are no where close to all the people I wish I could thank, but those that stick out in my mind the most at this time. Everyone that I've come into contact with has left their own individual mark and that has made me who I am today. With that, may you all spend time with loved ones and don't forget to thank them. Happy Thanksgiving!

God bless- DB