Recognizing contributions

A friend of ours, Gary, was recognized by the city of The Colony, TX on Tuesday night. I was able to be there and hear about all the things Gary had done for the kids of the city as he was a physical education teacher for many years, and encouraged running and fitness with his kids - as he also taught them about God's love for them.

From the city's Facebook page:

At tonight's City Council meeting, Mayor Joe McCourry presented Gary Cox, who recently retired from BB Owen Elementary School, with a commemorative poster as a token of appreciation for the many years of support he has given to the Kids Chase by the Lake event. Staff from Parks & Recreation, BB Owen Elementary and representatives from The Colony Roadrunners Club were also in attendance to announce that the name of the event has officially been changed to Coach Cox's Kids Chase! Thank you, Coach Cox, for all the help and dedication to this annual kids running tradition in The Colony!

Gary had been a teacher at BB Owens Elementary School...

He encouraged his kids to participate in the Kids Chase by the Lake -- such that the kids from BB Owens made up half of the participants in the race! 200 out of 400 participants!

He was given a big "Thank You" card signed by many of us there...

Gary was given a few minutes to share from his heart about how God directed him in his teaching and encouragement of the kids, and how God is still with him now, even as he battles cancer.

 

His daughter and her youngest (newly adopted) daughter came up from Austin, TX, and his son and his family, as well as Gary's wife, Marla, were all able to be there.

Along with a lot of other folks! Many people came out to express their appreciation for all that Coach Cox has done!

 It was a blessing to be able to be with them and to see and hear all the folks tell Gary how much he has meant to them!