From the kids to the parents to the staff to my own secretary, we are all still glowing from the honesty, class and courage that you two brought with to our town this past week. I will cut to the chase and just say up front--you two and your family are welcome in our schools anytime for any reason--you are part of our family now (like it or not--that's how families go, right?).

I have to tell you--the layers of what areas of being a person that you all hit, from anxiety, regret, loss, the love with baggage we have for our families (especially men and their dads), our accountability to one another--it is almost overwhelming. Our beliefs in a higher power inform a great deal about who we are and how we operate. One of the many things I know for sure based on the beliefs I hold, is that many wrongs can somehow, miraculously work through to some amazingly powerful rights. Your marriage and the message you share so effectively is proof of this--and an inspiration to many.

Chris, you hit some of our big, seemingly tough boys in the gut with your talk. This is an old-school town where the men are men and they work, play and suck it up during tough times. Getting help, admitting weakness--whatever--are not always a part of that picture. One of the messages I have spent a decade plus as a principal and superintendent working to get across is that there is such a thing as manliness--and it is vital to our homes and our society.

Manliness is taking care of yourself, your family and your friends when they need it. Manliness is about not making excuses and being accountable to yourself and others. Manliness is about looking toward what is best for all, not just for you. Manliness is about being a gentleman who respects and shows respect to those around them. Manliness is about being brave enough to admit to yourself when you are in too deep, and you need some help yourself. Manliness is about paying that help forward to others in need.

You did as much in 30 minutes of sharing deep stuff as I have done in 11 years--thank you for this.

I get to model this stuff everyday for our young men--but your story grabs them in a way that no one else's can.

I hope you realize that your story, your honesty, and the man you are--these are gifts you have been blessed with. And, you are man enough to share it. You may have anxiety and doubt, but you are filled with gifts and talents that make your athletic talent pale in comparison.

When you talk about your "one-last-dream-game" being back in NA, rather the Superdome, or Gillette, or Alumni Stadium...that grabbed kids in this town (it grabbed a few grown ups too).

The fact that you wouldn't go back if you could to what would appear to all of us as your "glory days" gives us all something to think about in terms of life priorities, and what really, really matters as we journey through life. Our glory days are when we are with people we love doing things that make the world better.

I did not intend this to be a fan letter to Chris. Kathi, I hope you heard from me this week that as someone who has learned and led in three states over two decades, you are off the charts for courage, conviction and dedication to your children, and to everyone else's children.

Chris, I hope that you hear that in spite of what you may feel, you have heart, soul, discipline and courage that are remarkable. But you also have a gift for connecting in ways that would make most professional presenters jealous. You are the real deal in a hundred positive ways, and I am grateful that you both came to Lee.

Both of you pass the toughest test that the toughest crowd (teenagers) can throw at you--the BS test. Kids have radar for ferreting out an ounce of phoniness--you all had them from the second they were greeted and walked in the door. You are both powerful people presenting a powerful message.

Be well and God bless.

Jake - Superintendent, Lee Public Schools.