Heartache

It is hard to believe that a photo that caused me so much joy to post a week ago can cause such a painful ache today.

 

David Temte (back middle) died in a car accident with his twin brother, Ben, just this past Monday, June 24.  He was a dear friend of Caleb (and also a friend of Nicolas).  This is what Caleb posted on Instagram this week: 

"You're one of my best friends, through thick and thin"

Those were some of the last words David said to me the night before he passed.  No words can describe the pain or the ache, and there are certainly not enough words to capture all the memories, moments, and joys of our time together.  David was more than a teammate.  He was my confident, selfless, and joyfully exuberant friend.  He was always quick with a hug and words of encouragement when I needed them most.  I rejoiced with him on the track, and I rejoice with him now knowing that he is forever happy with his Heavenly Father.  While his earthly race may seem cut short, we know that he ran the race set before him with joy and perseverance.  Our grief is temporary, but his joy is eternal.  David, my dearest friend, I will miss you more than words can express.  Much love.

NAIA National Track Meet

Russ and I had the opportunity to fly to Gulf Shores, Alabama to watch Caleb run in the NAIA National Track Meet.  He ran the 4x800 prelims and helped get the relay into the finals.  The coaches put two fresh legs in for the finals the following day which certainly helped put the relay in the position to win!  National Champions in the 4x800! 

Caleb also ran in the 4x400 prelims, but they did not run well enough to qualify for finals in that event. 

Russ and I had a great time reminiscing about our times at the NAIA National track meet over 25 years ago.  We truly do love track and field and watching our son compete at that level was so much fun.  We'd really like to go back and do it again--no pressure Nicolas!

At the recommendation of Aunt Joanne, we stayed at The Original Romar House, a quaint B&B right on the coast.  We were about a mile down the coast from the condos the team stayed in.  Russ and I walked down the beach, texted Caleb, and then waved to him as he stepped out on his condo patio!

The day we flew out we took Caleb out for a fresh seafood lunch at Cosmos before dropping him off to meet the team.  I had never had cobia before, but I would highly recommend!

My one regret to going to Gulf Shore to watch CJ run was that I missed Lydia's viola recital.  She played a beautiful viola duet with her teacher.  I was able to hear it a couple times at lessons, and Anna also sent me a lovely video of the recital.

Dordt Chamber Orchestra

Having the Dordt Orchestra on tour to the Northwest over spring break was a real treat since we do not get to hear the orchestra concerts in person very often.  Dordt Livestreams the concerts and then posts the videos on a website so we can watch them later.  We were able to enjoy the last concert of the year by watching online.  I was able to screenshot a couple of great pictures of the boys.

 Senior Recognition--Caleb's last college concert

Outdoor Track 2019

Getting instructions from Coach Herman

I love this venue for a track meet--such a beautiful view!

District Meet

4 x 200 (2nd Place)

400m (2nd Place)

100m (4th Place)

4x400 (3rd Place)

State Track Meet

The first day of the state meet was a little wet

At the corner to cheer Anna on in her 400m race

Coach Herman found a great place on top of the press box to time the races

Lydia in the 200m at State

Sprint Medley (4th Place)



Anna with a 6th place finish in the 400m

Nicolas and his friend Josh remembering their glory days on the blue track at State

Dordt College Track

5th place finish in the 400m at the Sioux City Relays for CJ

Nicolas in the 200m at the Sioux City Relays