Swing Kids

I first started hanging out with Wes senior year in high school when a group of us decided to take swing dance lessons together. One of the silliest memories from that year was when Wes and Chad decided to have a peculiar little contest. I believe the goal was to see who could go the longest with a diet consisting only of carrots. Or maybe it was to see who could turn orange first?? I'm not really sure. But I do remember that both of them looked a little jaundiced by about the 2nd day! I decided to capitalize on Wes's new orange tint by asking him to the Sadie Hawkins dance with a giant bouquet of orange balloons. He just so happened to be wearing an orange polo shirt that day... much to his dismay! :)

I remember so many fun afternoons and evenings that year spent at the Truman household: swing dancing in the garage, swimming in their neighbor's pool, enjoying pizza, Kool-Aid, and root beer floats, and playing Clay-tionary in the Rumpus Room. Wes always guessed "turtle, snake, rattle-snake!" as we took turns hurriedly rolling the clay into a recognizable form. We always joked that Wes was the magnet that brought everyone together... and it was really true. His house was the hub and he was the common link among everyone who showed up. One of the things I admire the most about Wes is his kindness...the way that he welcomes anyone and everyone to join in the fun. I also deeply admire his faith, as well as his choice of a wife! Lori and Wes set such a beautiful example of what marriage was truly meant to be. Their faith and their love for each other brings hope and light to everyone they encounter. Wes is an amazing, brave, kind, smart, funny, faithful man who we are all so blessed to know.

Whenever I hear the R.E.M. song, "Night Swimming," I will forever think of the carefree days of the summer of 1999 after high school with all the Swing Kids... and I will think about Wes, praising God for the gift that he is to all of us.

Love,

Adrianna Evans