jodyshelton.org

Yesterday I was at a meeting with about 6 other ladies discussing my son Dawson’s development and progress in the school system this year. I must say I was pretty impressed with Gwinnett County’s professionalism and concern for my child. In the room we had 2 speech therapists, occupational therapist, 2 teachers, 2 assistant principals and Ruth and I.

The more and more I thought about this meeting the more I realized how important it is for parents to allow other people to be be a part of their child’s life.

I was raised in Texas and lost my Dad at the age of 9, my mom had to keep the family business going so she worked a lot,  as a result I became a latchkey kid.  I can honestly say the faithfulness of other caring adults has made me who I am today. This is one of the last pictures taken of my dad before He passed away in 1985.

Some of the coaches I had growing up,  Bob Kultgen, Steve Houchin, Coach Mann,

Coach Harbison. These men taught me to work hard as an athlete and to always give my best. They also taught me to be a team player.

Some of my friends parents became like “father figures” to me: Robert Simmons, Bob Kultgen, Doug Woodburn. I spent hours and hours at these families houses eating their food, hanging with the family, learning how to be a man.

There are several teachers I could name who made made an impact on me but the one who far outweighs all the others is my High School choir director (who has become a legend in Texas) Billy Talley. He took us on trips, we competed in all kinds of festivals. We sang at elementary schools, middle schools, nursing homes and even sang at the Astrodome, in Houston, TX. I spent 4 years singing in his choirs and loved every minute of it. Mr. Talley taught me how to love and appreciate music and strive for excellence! He was also a man of God and has tremendous Christian Character!

Lastly, those who served as youth pastor’s, leaders, and mentors. These are Larry Kopp, Meshelle Bowles, Mitch Wilson, Jeff Parsons, Shayne O’Brien, Todd O’Brien, Alan Ford and of course my big brother John.

These names represent my elementary years-high school years. If these people would not have taken the time to invest in me, I’m not sure where I would be today.

Parents I encourage you to allow your child to be influenced by other people rather than just you. It is clear that you are the #1 influence, however all of us need others who are smarter, wiser and more experienced in life to speak truth to us. I am forever grateful to those men and women who did this for me!

Thank you to all of you who invested in me.