05/05/2026
May 2, 2026 was a special day and marked a milestone—one that represents years of effort, growth, sacrifice, and perseverance. You’ve shown up on the days you felt confident and on the days you didn’t and that matters more than you might realize.
Cole but here’s the truth no one says enough on days like this: graduation is not the finish line, it’s a doorway and now, you stand here with an earned master’s degree… we are proud!
Not just because of what you’ve accomplished but because of who you are. Cole, you are a strong, loving, principled, caring servant leader and as your parents, one of the things that has meant the most to us is this: you show up.
You shown up when it’s hard.
You shown up when you’re tired.
You shown up when things don’t come easy and as a college basketball player, you’ve learned what it means to push, persevere, and to stay disciplined and what makes us proud isn’t just how you show up on the court—it’s how you show up in your life, in your faith, and in your character. Cole, as your parents, if we could leave you with anything as you step into this next season, it would be this: Trust God with your life. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You won’t always have all the answers. Things won’t always go the way you planned and you are allowed grow into your calling. But God is ordering your steps. (Proverbs 16:9) says In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
You just have to stay grounded in who you are and whose you are. And when life gets hard—and it will—don’t forget that God is still present, still powerful, and still faithful.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”
Keep being a man of integrity, a man who listens and a man who leads with both strength and compassion and who stands firm—even when it’s difficult.
In Micah 6:8, we are told to Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Because the world doesn’t just need more educated people—it needs more people of character. We love dearly and excited to see the man you are becoming and the life you’re building!