What Gives?! :)

You know, it is interesting... I tend to think about writing this blog when I'm exercising. And that is great. Except that means that I'm never at a computer when I think of the topics I want to write about. And because I'm not at a computer then, I tend to forget when I AM behind a computer. Somehow, I guess I think the blog will write itself when I'm thinking about it. Apologies...it means you miss out, while I still benefit by thinking about it.
The last six weeks have been productive. The youth continue to amaze me. And there's a lot I could talk about. But instead of talking about "What gives", I really want to talk about "Who gives."
Lest you think that I manage TADD on my own - I have some amazing people in my corner. And so do the youth.
Linda has been on this amazing journey with me. She's been there since Day 1. In fact it was Linda who knew the "Four Fathers" (their words, not mine!) and let me start to try to get them to meet on Tuesday nights, when the police had Teen Night, which got canceled. I know the FourFathers didn't like it much in the beginning, they stuck with me. And I'm sure that I owe Linda for a good bit of that!
Linda has been through the ups and downs. She's been paid for her time. She's volunteered her time. She's propped me up when I needed it, and supported me. She's been there when I couldn't be. She's helped the young  folks through tough times. She's been there, celebrating with them, in good times. She's known many of these young folks since they were wee little things.
She's such an important piece of the puzzle. She was often the connection to The Board. She's kept me in the loop when decisions are being made. She's let me vent. She's told me when to stop.
But more than that, in these past 5 years, she's become my friend. And she gives.