Your Wingman

The movie "Top Gun" came out before my kids were born. I connected to one of the lines in the movie that I have used in parenting for 20 years: "never leave your wingman."

I have tried to teach the kids that their brother and sister[s] are their wingman. They are life partners. They are blood. They should always stand up for each other and take care of one another.

Someone is ugly to your brother at the bus stop, you take up for him. Don't ever take the side of the person who is hurting your brother or sister. Don't leave your wingman. The entire mission depends on us sticking together, us working together.

Over the years we have had some success and some failures over this theory. Still, I have persisted: Don't leave your wingman. Take care of one another. You guys are all that each other has. You will always be brother and sister.

When we have a problem with this doctrine, there is always a lecture. So, when we have a success, there is a celebration.

Jenny has had trouble adjusting at MU. She has been lonely and homesick. Its too big, she says. So, without hesitation, Alli says, "Jen, come to Warrensburg, and it will be ok."

Alli could have protected her own turf. She could have left her sister to suffer. But, from somewhere down deep, when she heard of the problem, a little voice inside of her said, "don't leave your wingman."

Jenny is transferring to Warrensburg in January. Alli is making her welcome, introducing her to people and getting her connected. Dad couldn't be more proud.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.