As a former college football player, I know a thing or two about developing teams. To forge tight knit bonds, individuals routinely undergo a stressful experience whereby they’re required to depend on one another. It often requires individuals to buy-in and repress their desires for the team’s sake. It demands selfless sacrifice. With the best teams, there is also a strong sense of accountability whereby team members have each other’s back and refuse to let each other down. When all these elements are in sync, the group’s synergistic effect can often accomplish more than the sum of the individual efforts.
Here at FPC Montgomery, Montgomery Dorm C Wing has coalesced into a fairly strong team. The pressure caused by being away from our families, friends, livelihood, and communities have caused us to lean on one another, develop close bonds, and become group focused by putting the collective good above individual wants and desires. Watching this team come together is not unlike watching my former football teams come together each year with different players.
In Montgomery Dorm C Wing, we have one team member that has contributed tremendously to our success, Ralph. Ralph is about 5’3″, 165 lbs and Hispanic with a buzz cut on the sides, hair gelled back, spectacles, and a goatee. He has a quiet and unassuming demeanor. On any given day or evening, you can often find him sitting in the corner or lying on his bed reading thought provoking books such as the The Bible, The Purpose Driven Life, or Parenting Your Adult Children. What Ralph lacks in size and height, he more than makes up with his unselfish heart. He is willing to do whatever it takes to help his teammates. For example, he offered me stamps so that I could send letters to my family upon my arrival. He has been a sounding board for my blogs, often ensuring the messages were clear and tone appropriate. I’ve also witnessed him help other campers with their laundry. Whatever anyone needs, Ralph answers the call without hesitation if he is able.
In football, players come and go. A senior may have used all his eligibility and graduates. A player may experience a season ending injury. While the team will not be the same, life goes on and replacements must fill in with a “Next Man Up” mentality.
Just like my football team, this team too loses members. Ralph will be leaving us on Monday. No, he won’t be leaving because of graduation or a season ending injury. Instead, he will leave because he has finished his required camp time. He will depart without any disciplinary infractions and will reunite with his family, friends, and community in Midland, TX where he belongs.
While I’m not sure our paths will intersect again, I am happy for Ralph’s success and wish him well. While I’ve enjoyed the laughs and his contributions to the team, things won’t be the same without him. It won’t be easy, but I know that emotionally, “We’ve Got To Let ‘Em Go”. Unfortunately, there will be replacements. Hopefully, they will be able to fill the void in a meaningful and substantive way, just as Ralph did.
