As the proud grandfather of a Cedar Rapids Prairie football player, I was recently asked if I was having trouble keeping the buttons on my shirts these days. All I know is that Mary is sewing them on about as fast as they’re popping off.

You know something though? There is no “earthly” joy that compares to the one you feel when it comes to watching your children and grandchildren succeed, and even more so, when it comes by way of their hard work, personal sacrifice, perseverance, and God-given talents and desire to do whatever it takes to make the decisions necessary for making good things happen in their lives.

As adults, we often look up to those who inspire and lead us, and believe in those who stand firm on the fundamental principles that guide us. Perhaps we can all take something away from the young men of the Prairie football team. Perhaps by believing in them, just as we do others, they’ve become role models in our lives without us even knowing it.

Thank you, gentlemen, we needed that!

Steven R. Rathje

Cedar Rapids