I can’t tell you how many times that I was driving and listening to the radio (most likely WGNA 107.7) and out of nowhere, a song comes on and it describes some aspect of my life perfectly. A few weeks ago, this is exactly what happened to me and I can’t stop thinking about it. I was driving and I was reflecting on how much I’ve grown as a person. I kept thinking of all of the positive things that has happened to me, but I couldn’t help thinking of the negatives too. All of a sudden, I heard this song called “This One’s for You” by Luke Combs (on a side note, it’s a great song, so you should really check it out!) In the song, he says that “There’s a couple people that I owe a beer or two/ and three or four I owe more than a few.” So this article is for everyone that I owe a beer to (a metaphorical beer, since I am nine months short of the legal age limit).

"Mom and Dad always did their best, for a crazy fool who couldn’t help himself/ I thank God they were there to see me through/ This one’s for you."

I know I don’t always act like it but I am beyond thankful to have you two as my parents. Thank you for being my number #1 fans in all of my sporting events, including the ones that I sat on the bench. Thank you for always supporting me in whatever I chose, even if you don’t necessarily think that they’re the best choices for me. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong and that each choice is followed by a consequence. That philosophy has stuck with me for all of these years. With that being said, thank you for forgiving me when I made mistakes (and we sure know I tend to do that a lot) Thank you for giving me everything that I need and most things that I want. Thank you for always taking care of me while I was sick and recovering. Thank you for dealing with me and loving me unconditionally. I love you two more than anything.

"I’ve been knocked down time and time again/ got picked back up by love and a couple of friends/ Who reminded me of all that I stood to lose/ This one’s for you."

Trust me, I have no idea where I would be without you either. You guys are the types of friends that I can count on to do anything with whether it’s venting while going on adventures on Tuesday night, going to get frozen yogurt because it’s been a hell of a week, doing my hair and make-up and making me feel incredibly beautiful, letting me cry on your shoulder after a guy broke my heart, catching up when we haven’t seen each other in forever and for every other thing that you guys have done for me. I know I can always ask you for advice and I won’t be let down by your responses. Knowing that I have you all to create more memories with keeps me going during the hard times.

Technically, Luke Combs didn’t write about anyone else but I want to mention a few other people… This one’s for you. To my sister, I know we don’t always get along and our love/hate relationship is strong sometimes, but always know that I’ll have your back and I’ll always be here for you, no matter what. To my grandparents, thank you for everything that you do. I always look forward to spending time with you because you make family gatherings that much more special. And last but not least, my fur siblings. I hope they always know how thankful I am for all of the times that they put a smile on my face when I’m down or being man’s best friend.

"Well I told you all that I would write a song/ Pour my heart into the melody, to keep you singing along. This might not be the right time, these might not be the right lines to prove/ This one’s for you."