The Giving Has Been Done — Now Come The Thanks

Publisher’s Note: This post is written by an author who prefers to remain anonymous. As you read the blog, you’ll come to see why, as nearly everyone who has ever had the privilege of interacting with Kevin and Andy shares nearly the same gratitude for them and what they do for people every day.

Today NP CHI passes the torch to our new leaders. But before we welcome Andy and Waz back to whatever passes for a normal life, I want to say thanks.

 

Something I hear a lot from #traverballers is how strong our community bond is in Chicago. That doesn’t happen by chance, and anyone who hasn’t experienced it needs to know what these two incredible humans have done here.

 

To Andy, Waz, and all of the NP CHI family:

Thank you.

Thank you for the warm welcome on that first day when I was feeling overwhelmed with fitting in, and every day since.

Thank you for pulling me out of my shell and making it impossible to stay in my own world even when I want to stay on the fringe.

Thank you for making me uncomfortable, body and mind, and forcing me to grow.

Thank you for sending me to my first prom.

Thank you for turning my fake enthusiasm into real enthusiasm.

Thank you for awakening a side of me that had been dormant, a side that is passionate and excitable and *weird* and doesn’t care who sees it.

Thank you for making me do pushups in strange places every November.

Thank you for the joy I feel every time I see all of your faces in the morning, on good days and bad.

Thank you for running around the freezing city with me in my underwear.

Thank you for being friends who care without expecting anything in return – for always watching out for each other – for being ready to drop everything when you see someone hurting.

Thank you for a guaranteed burst of energy at every single race.

Thank you for pulling me out of a dark time in my life without even realizing it – for reminding me that when you feel most alone is when you need connection the most.

Thank you for being there with love and support over, and over, and over again.

Thank you for every. fucking. single. hug.

Thank you for making me believe in myself they way you all do.

Thank you for inspiring me to be a better friend and a better person – for showing me what is truly important in life. I’m still learning. But I have a lot of good teachers.

Thank you for making Chicago finally feel like home instead of just a cool place to live.

Andy and Kevin, I don’t have the words to thank you for putting years of your life into growing this family. We will change in new and wonderful ways under the amazing team of Stewart and Chris, but what you have grown here will never be lost or forgotten.

Sincerely,

The Tribe

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