THE HAY'S IN THE BARN!

One of my friends that I coached baseball with had a saying that he used during his motivational speeches to our boys just ahead a big championship game. I’ll never forget the eager, anxious, nervous, beautiful young men, on bended knee listening to my friend’s wisdom, convincing them that this moment before us was why we all worked so hard. That they’d endured, succeeded, failed, improved, failed some more, worked some more…. all for this moment before us… the championship game. He used to say, “THE HAY’S IN THE BARN”. What he was trying to convey was that they’d done the hard work and there’s nothing more they could do at this point except go on the field and do what they knew how to do.

My contribution to these pregame speeches was to tell them to go out there and “LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD”. In other words, go out there and do your absolute very best, and if you do that, you’ll have no post-game regrets or be left second-guessing yourself or your effort, regardless of the outcome. But regardless of outcome, you’ll need to come to practice tomorrow and keep working to improve.

Both of us were trying to teach these young men about life, not just about baseball or football. This is life. Soon they would realize that life itself was hard and we hoped that perhaps our simple words of wisdom would give them some small encouragement to keep fighting, working, bettering themselves, preparing for their next big “game”.

Friends, the hay’s in the barn. Today is the last day of early voting and in just a couple more days, this election will be in the books. I’ve spent much time telling you about me, who I am, my background, my stance, my ideas. I’ve talked with folks and gained an appreciation for all people in this district, not just those that agree with me. I’ve sacrificed time with my family, my resources, my hobbies, my other obligations. I’ve gained a respect for the power of the system; perhaps not so much FOR the system but certainly for it’s power. I’ve done all I can do and now I leave it up to you and to God.

THE HAY’S IN THE BARN! I’VE LEFT IT ALL ON THE FIELD!

Thanks and may God Bless all of you.

VOTE TUESDAY, MAY 15TH!