I remember Jake’s senior year of high school being filled with “lasts”, and here we are three years later, Derek in his own senior year, experiencing the sadness of “lasts”.

Last week was the last football game on home turf. He certainly made the most of it, playing one of the best games of his life.

Derek, who is the antithesis of a showboater on the field, showed emotion after a sac. This, ironically, was caught on camera by the local newspaper.

What no one knew is that it was an inside joke between him and Peter.

The seniors and their parents were honored before the game, which brought about unexpected emotion in all three of us.

It was the last time praying as captains before a home game.

We were grateful to have some old friends come to visit!

The homecoming informal dance was later that weekend.

Derek, along with six other guys, was voted onto homecoming court.

Lest all this go to Derek’s head, we are keeping things real by playing around with the fathead he received before the football game.

We’ve had some good conversations about the importance of finishing this chapter of life well, even while experiencing the sadness of all the “lasts”. Jim and I desire and pray that Derek’s life would honor God, both in this chapter and all the chapters that follow.

“So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)