What do you want to be when you grow up? Why do we even ask that? I am a person, it's not like I can say "a dog!" "I want to be a dog when I grow up." I mean I do, but that's not going to happen. But I get it... it's more about what do you want to do. But how about this, WHO do you want to be when you grow up? I am a bit old to fantasize about being an astronaut or ballerina, but I can certainly keep trying to become the best person I can be. And in the end, I want to be like Gail Wade. I have known Gail since I joined Suncreek United Methodist Church. Now, I don't know the day I met her, but I am certain it is within the week I joined Suncreek. I know this because Gail is always at Suncreek. She volunteers, leads Vacation Bible School, goes to Sunday School, crafts, plays in the Bell Choir, watches the Children's Christmas Pageants, attends the Easter Egg Hunt, plays games... the list goes on and on. I believe the only event she skips is Frisbee Friday but only because it conflicts with picking up donations for Hope's Door. Gail is amazing. And I believe it is because she is so selfless.
I was the photographer for a local magazine for a while and the community could nominate families they thought represented the best of Allen to be on the cover. I nominated the Wades. Gail resisted. Oh she resisted, but if you don't know me, I can be a bit persuasive. So Gail and Jim agreed to be on the cover of Allen Neighbors. I believe the Wades represent everything that is great about Allen. They have lived through a few seasons here in Allen and have stayed. It takes more than a big stadium or great parks to keep a family here after kids have passed through our amazing school systems. It takes a great community. And people like the Wades make our community amazing.
So, what do I want to be when I grow up? A little bit more like Gail Wade. Married for 60 years and still laughing at my silly husband. And always a servant.
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