Meghan Meserole is a Tar Heel

 

This note from my golf buddy Greg Meserole's daughter Meghan just made my day! Also above is Uncle Ricky with Meghan at the Old Well. The message from Greg with the photo was simply: "Absolutely the best is Ricky May!"

Thanks (also) to my new Austin-friend Brian Golson, Chair of Honors Carolina and serves on the Rams Club Advisory Board. Brian opened doors for Meghan with the Woman's Golf Team, where she will be a preferred walk-on in the fall. Brian's daughter Kate will be a freshman in Honors Carolina next fall as well!

You can learn more about Meghan here. Check out her blog on nutritional science and wellness, a special area of interest she plans to focus on at Carolina.

#GDTBATH!

Happy Birthday London Sally

Hey sweet Sally Singletary Wilkinson. We miss you so much, but we are all so proud of you and happy for your amazing adventure with T across the pond.

Mom:

Happy Birthday to my April 1 baby! Dad and I waited anxiously from St. Patty’s Day until April Fools Day for your arrival. I felt sure you were a boy and we planned to call you Mac (Malcom McDowell), but you were a beautiful bald-headed girl that we named Sally after my great grandmother, Sally Collins. You have grown up to be very similar to the dynamic, funny, sweet great-grandmother I remember. You are hard-working, you light up every room with your genuine love, you make everything around you look pretty, you are smart, witty, and make everyone feel special, both young and old. You carry  Sally Collins' spirit, grace, and name perfectly!

Sally, you are amazing. It’s not easy to sell everything you own, leave jobs, family and friends and move to a different country even in the best of times. You and Taylor have done this during a lockdown! You have courage, strength, hope, and positivity that is admirable. You laugh at life and also find beauty in it. I love that you call me and share your days and life. That is the best gift you can give me and I never take one minute for granted. I can’t wait to see you soon. Until then, I’m hugging you tight from afar. Stay strong and happy. I love you!

Dad:

SALLY - Silly, Adventurous, Luminous, Loving, Y = ?????

Yummylicious? Nah. Yuppie? Nah. Youthfulness? Maybe. Young-at-heart. Closer. Young-gun business woman! I like that one.

Sally is ready to rock the world with her business skills. She has an amazing set of skills for design and people naturally gravitate to her for guidance and advice. That is the very combination you need to be successful in your own design business. I can't wait to see what is next.

Thank you Sally for being my first baby girl and setting such a great example for your two younger sisters. Keep it going!

Emily:

Sally has always been extremely gifted with style and taste. She is our go-to girl for all things fashion and home. I love that she is always helpful and truthful when it comes to what she likes. She has impeccable taste and I’m lucky to have her as a voice of reason in my life. Everyone who knows her knows how stylish she is. She is always very put together.

Sally is hilarious. She is always ready to laugh at any story and always has one to share. Whenever Sally would visit me in Savannah or NYC, we’d have a blast. I loved spending Covid times this year with Sally and T in Austin. I know they will have so many adventures to share from London but can’t wait for them to move on down to ATX!!

Lucy:

I love Sally's undeniable taste and sense of style. I love that she is so true to herself and really embodies all of the things that her style does - she’s classy poised timeless and fun! She’s so talented and it’s such a privilege to look at her excelling at her gifts and passions - and of course because of all of her hard work. 

I LOVE that s + t decided to take a huge step of faith and adventure to London! I am so proud to have a sister who wants to experience the world, travel, and gain more perspective. I know it’s hard at times but she has handled it with such grace :) I love you so so much Sal and I miss u like crazy! Come back stateside soon!!

Kyle:

Sally, we miss you and hope you enjoy your birthday over there. I respect how you made the jump to London with no job and just a plan to find a way to make it happen. It did not take you long at all to find not only one but two job offers. Successful people find a way and that's what you are.   

I love how awesome of an older sister you are. Being the oldest can be tough (I know from experience) but you always set a great example and precedent for your two sisters and help whenever you can.

Taylor:

Sal is my best friend and my favorite person in the world. She encouraged me to pursue work in London, to dream bigger than I ever thought I could, and to seek advice and consultation along the way. She’s a doer, achiever, GIVER, and supporter. She’s the only person I could move across the world with and do a 6-month lockdown in a foreign country. 

I love how we dream together. We love to spend Friday nights dreaming, chatting, and bouncing around ideas. Sal is on the cusp of uncharted territory with her work. She’s revamped and revitalized a young company, providing them with the leadership and dedication they’ve needed. And now the knocks on her door are coming in heavy, which couldn’t be more exciting and happen to someone any more deserving than Sal. It’s amazing to be at her side and bear witness.

2 for Cathy - Happy Birthday Mom!

Sally:

I love Mom’s spirit and overall zest for life. She has a contagious personality and sense of humor that everyone is drawn to and captivated by. She puts people at ease and makes a point to include everyone. Our new friends in London are already so excited to meet her. I am always SO proud when I talk about my mom. 

I love how mom is always willing to take on a project or listen to an idea. She makes her girls feel like we can do anything, and as I get older, I realize what a rare and special gift that is for us. She is always cheering us (and dad) on in all endeavors, thinking of ways to help, and actively listening. We are SO lucky for such an incredible mom who empowers us to be the best we can be! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Taylor:

Cathy always makes sure there is something for everyone to enjoy at all times. She is an amazing hostess who looks for ways to make others happy. I loved having over a month in Austin last summer. 

My mother-in-law is very supportive of Sal and my dreams and plans. Sometimes I’m amazed how she and Sal have enough to talk about, as much as they talk, but I’m thankful she has that patience and desire to stay in touch.

Emily:

Mom is the type of person that people gravitate towards. She is the most welcoming and fun. This week was a true display of wherever Cathy is, the party follows. Not only do people want to be around her (because she’s the life of the party), but also Mom is always giving 100% effort to make everyone feel at home and welcome. She is always the absolute best host.

I love how Mom is always there for her girls. She is loyal and extremely reliable. I’m so grateful that mom is the type to drop everything and help, but overall I’m grateful that mom is my best friend, and there is not an errand too small that I wouldn’t want to do with mom because she makes everything more fun!

Dad:

Whether she's baking a cake, planting flowers, learning to play golf, running with a friend, or helping a kiddo learn to walk, Cathy goes ALL IN! She has this unique ability to be present and to be fully engaged in everything she does. People see and feel this in Cathy in a way that is inspiring. It makes them want to spend more time with her! There's just 'something about Cathy,' and I'm the luckiest man in the world to get to do life with her!

Family first. Cathy has a strong love for family. She stays connected to her girls and her siblings in a genuine and caring way. With our daughters, it is a special blend of being there for them while encouraging uniqueness and a belief in the good in the world.

Lucy:

I love how hard of a worker mom is. We say it every year, but truly I’ve never seen a woman who can juggle more and do it so positively and with such zeal! Not only does she work 1-3 jobs at a time, but she’s always hosting, planning extravagant weekends for us girls, traveling to see friends and family she loves, painting floors all by herself, cooking every meal for us, etc. She’s crazy! But she knows how to get sh*t done, and it's rooted in wanting to love her daughters/husband/friends/family however she can!

Mom is our best friend, and I am so thankful for it! I am so glad I have gotten ample time at home over the past year to spend with her. Our daily 5-mile Covid walks allowed us to get so close, and we talk about everything! I really do admire her and look up to her so much. She knows how to make everyone feel cared for and special, she is FUN and adventurous, she cares so deeply about her people, and I just hope that I get to be half as amazing as Mom is one day :) I love you, Momma!

Kyle:

Having Cathy here helps me feel like I have another mom at times when I am missing my mom. I’ve said this before but I really mean it and she goes out of her way to make me happy and always treats my family and friends so well.

I respect that Cathy sticks to her Georgia roots after a lifetime of living away from Georgia. I especially appreciate this when it’s brought out in her cooking. Never forget where you came from but always know where you are headed. 

Happy 21st: Two for Lu, plus some other special love notes and photos

Cathy: Well, Lucy, exactly one year ago, the world shut down. You have braved the chaos with grace and courage. Your college experience was interrupted, summer travel canceled, and socialization halted. You handled it all and have even made yourself stronger, healthier, and wiser. That’s what I love about you! 

You are truly a servant to God and to others. Each day you carve out time for personal worship and then give hours of outreach to your Young Life students and teammates. I am amazed by your diligence and love of the Lord. Keep up the good work. He’s watching.

BDPB / gPa / Dad: When I think of 21 years with Lucy, I first feel so blessed that the Lord gave us a third daughter. It was not easy for Cathy, nor were the odds in our favor, but she came to us, and our family was complete. One theme that has held true throughout Lucy's life is that people are drawn to her because of her calm demeanor and a sense of purpose.

If I'm the captain of a team of 'life,' I'm making Lucy May my first pick. She is the definition of a servant-leader. She thinks of others first. She is alert and aware of everything going on and seeks to understand before being understood. She takes time to keep herself grounded and healthy, so she has the energy and love to give to others.

Thanks for being my daughter Lucy May!

Sally: I cannot believe that we have a 21-year-old Goose. I love how Lucy is ALWAYS thinking of others. She is a servant in every sense of the word, and I am so incredibly proud of how she shines her light in the world and treats everyone around her with so much kindness and love. 

I love Lucy’s drive to focus her career on something she is passionate about. She is so focused on her goals and has an incredible amount of wisdom at her age to understand the importance of doing something you love. I am already amazed by the experiences she has sought out and cannot wait to see what the future holds. BIG things ahead for Lucy, no doubt about it!

Taylor: Lucy is good at celebrating others. She consistently celebrates her Young Life students and has stuck with it for the whole time during college, which I really admire. She lives out the “come as you are” mentality with others. 

I enjoy Lucy’s sense of adventure. She keeps me young. I can’t wait for her to come to London and spend some time seeing what the city has to offer. I’m looking forward to my invite to the next Colorado trip. Hopefully, it includes skiing!

Emily: I love that Lucy is so thoughtful. She’s so smart and mature. She is constantly thinking about others. I’m so proud of the 21-year-old she has become! Lucy is throwing her friends a party on her own birthday because she wanted to make them feel good and have a good time. You are so caring, Lu!

I love how much fun Lucy and I have together! This past year, while crazy, has created a time that we would not have normally had to spend together, and I am so grateful for that! I LOVE hanging out with Lucy and giggling about everything. I know we have many more adventures to come! Who’s ready to parrrrtyyyyyy?!?!

Aunt Cindy: Jay and I remember sitting on a hammock in Mexico beach with Lucy singing at the top of her voice “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis. We smile, thinking of her every time we hear it! Love you, Lucy!

Aunt Caroline: I love her "open and loving heart." From a little girl to a grown young lady, her friends and family always depend on her loving friendship.

Aunt Susan: I love the memories of a special family trip to Disney World and especially of Lucy. She was so cute having fun with the princesses. It was a great trip.

Aunt Dana: The first time I met all of y’all in PA, Lucy was just a baby and wanted to swim. I got in the pool with her and taught her how to put her head in the water....she loved it! Alllllsoooooo.....love love love the memories of watching the Westlake football games through rain, sun, and wind....and watching our Lucy!!! Remember the cold and rain in the stands with hot toddies????

Aunt Cornelia: Can’t believe that Lucy will be 21! I still remember when she was a baby, and she would only let you do things for her! Here are some things that I love about her. I love Lucy’s smile! It can light up a room, a picture, or a stage! She’s easy to spot because of her infectious and contagious smile! (Not really sure if infectious and contagious are appropriate words to describe somebody these days!?) 

But speaking of infectious and contagious. What a resilient young lady Lucy is and will continue to be! I don’t know many people who have attended college during a global pandemic. I think you would have to be pretty tough to do that!

Finally, probably one of the things I love most about Lucy is her servant's heart! Lucy, your heart for Jesus and others makes my own heart smile! 

Aunt Shoo Shu: Lucy-Wow!!! I can’t believe you are 21. You are so beautiful on the inside and out. May God bless you each and every day for the next 21x21x21x21 years. Happy Birthday, Lucy!!! We love you lots! - Shoo Shu, Caroll, Perry, and Sarah!! 

(Special shout out to Cousins Cam and Emily Fuller for making last weekend so fun in Austin!)

Warming up and making it a great Monday

 

SWT: Once in a generation snow storm in Texas

 

A collection of V-Day Nuggets and some cards from the box

Tuesday, February 14, 2012: Valentines Fairy - Stay Whole Tuesday

Friday, February 14, 2014: Stay Fit, Be Mine!

Saturday, February 14, 2015: Happy Valentines Day to these three special gals!

And this one is the most interesting if you want to know what I was thinking back in September of 1986!

February 7, 2012: 25 Valentines ago (now 33 Valentines ago!)