[JaneYoung]

The Woodie Flowers essays are what have triggered this post.
As we pack and ready for travel to compete - my thoughts have been about the incredible people that are involved.
The team members that aren't packing for Atlanta but wish they were.
The college students that are piecing it together academically and financially so they can continue mentoring and sharing their gifts.
Mentors and teachers who continue to help with the teams' homework assignment from Dean.
The teams that are coming from across the pond, some for the 3rd time this competition season. That gives me pause - tools, equipment, the robot, travel arrangements, climate and dietary changes. Something as simple as the differences in tea bags.
The good people that we have lost this year. Their spirit is with us but we miss them.
The incredible efforts and struggles of the rookie teams and some of our older teams trying to hold on, maintain, rebuild.
Some of the Woodie Flowers essays are posted in our Thanks and Congrats section along with threads of support and cheer for FIRSTers. I was reading through them and that's what got this started. Maybe others have thoughts as well.
Jane