You would think a wife who is aging well would be a GOOD thing for the husband, and mostly it is, except when she is standing next to you and you are seeing friends you haven’t seen in three years.

Old Friend:  Nancy, you look so great!
Same Old Friend:  Steve, how ARE you?

Comparisons can be CRUEL.

We have gotten to see JT, dropped off Matthew at University of Richmond, and I have had eye surgery which resulted in my eye going from 20-800 to 20-40. It has also caused me to react with shock at the dark-ringed, wrinkly-eyed guy who shaves my face in the morning. Thank you for not telling me what was really going on with my face.

I had the great privilege to receive the Excellence in Education award from the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC). If you aren’t in the profession, it means nothing to you, but it is the highest accolade you can receive if you are a guidance counselor. Like many things in my life, it did not occur like I wished it had.

NACAC had been good enough to tell me I was winning the award, but we had a computer crash and I didn’t know when it was. I showed up to the convention and asked someone at the NACAC booth WHEN I would receive the award. She told me Saturday and that it wouldn’t be necessary to say anything.

I was so excited about this award that I actually bought a NEW dress shirt, something I hadn’t purchased new in over a decade. I was going to think deep thoughts and prepare a GREAT speech.

I showed up for the opening session dressed for success with a yellow t-shirt and jeans. One of the authors of Freakonomics spoke, and I distinctly remember thinking, “I am SO lucky I don’t have to follow THAT guy.”

Then they gave an award. To a woman who came up with PAGES and PAGES of a PREPARED speech. I should point out that since my eye surgery, I have become a charming member of that special group that shouts, “Where are my reading glasses?” Often.

I couldn’t find them, so I asked the woman next to me, “You have young eyes. What does the program say about awards today?” She assured me that they were only giving two awards, and I thanked Jesus and I promised to never sin again as I listened to the second award being given.

Then I saw my picture being flashed on the stage.

I was sitting in the very back of the auditorium and I had to run up to the stage. I am never nervous before I speak. I should be, because I’m not much of a speaker, and maybe fear would eliminate my muttering and meandering, but I’m just usually not nervous.

I walked up the stage and promised Jesus many, many things I thankfully cannot remember, but He gave me a word for this mostly secular organization:

When my son died, I had the same dream for months. I could see him and I knew if I could get to him in time, he would be ok. I would run as fast as I could, and I would always wake up before I could reach him.

I haven’t had a dream, but I imagine a huge wave that is going to hit Africa. The thing is, we have time to get the children to safety. The thing is, we can save all the kids we decide we want to save.

How many children do we want to save?

In spite of everything, it was well received and I had many positive responses, and two interesting ones:

Guy at Door of College Reception:  Your speech was AWESOME dude. I actually cried. It really moved me.
Me:  Thanks so much!
Guy at Door:  Where is your ticket?

Young Woman:  When I get OLD, I want to do something noble like YOU.

The real reason for this email is to let you know that, after 11 years, our email has changed to Peifer@rva.org and to remind you that we would appreciate the opportunity to share with your small group or church or just about anything.

Nancy went to Chicago to visit her father, and I decided to do something special with Ben and Kate. We were going to see their first 3D movie. They were so excited, and they just loved the experience.

The movie we saw was Despicable Me. If you haven’t seen it, it is about a bad guy whose life turns around when he adopts some children.

Ben and Kate couldn’t understand why that movie made me cry so much.

Your pal,
Steve

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