Q: How do you get a teenage boy to give you a real smile for his senior photos?
A: Ask him about what happens after football on the game bus.

Q: How do you know what kind of man a teenage boy will be?
A: Look at the way he treats pets and strangers.

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with River and his Mom the other day. I am excited to see where he will go as he moves on next year, from school to college and then out into the world as a man. I know that he is enjoying his time in life now by the distinct laughter I got after I asked about the game bus. And I know he will grow to be a good man by the way he loved on his family’s rescue dog and was kind, respectful, and helpful with me.  I think my favorite part of the time I spent with them was seeing the pride his mother had in him and the great connection the two of them had.