When our son, Rylan, walked into the ECLC when he was three years old, we were new to Maplewood and didn't know anyone.
Fast forward eleven years later. That toddler is now about to enter high school, and the Y has been a foundational part of every stage in between.
At the ECLC, he made friends he still calls best friends today. He has teachers who still check to see how tall he's gotten, and say hi when he walks by the building. In the gym, Coach Fred taught him basketball fundamentals that allow him to start on his school basketball team. At teen camp and at the teen leaders club, he began to understand what it means to participate in community service by working with younger kids on crafts and wrapping holiday presents and fishing ducks out of the river at the duck race.
But the gift I want to thank the Y for is for helping him see he isn't just one thing. He's not just an athlete; he's someone who helps his community, who has a community, who helps build a community. As he enters a new stage, he's bringing an identity with him that wouldn't be possible without the teachers, mentors and friends he's made through this organization.
So often our Y is also seen as one thing. Daycare, or the group that runs aftercare, or the group that runs camp. But the Y, too, is so many things, and serves so many of our families at all stages of their lives. We're grateful that it's served our family through so many of ours, and know that it will be here for whatever stage is next, too.
As for what's next for Rylan? He's planning to train to be a counselor through the CIT program, so hopefully we see many of you this summer.
