My Heart Never Forgot

This is the moment the White House poured its golden energy into me as an eagle carried two official letters that, by all logic, should never have existed.

A shy boy from Westonka Public Schools who once sat in middle school band class too afraid to speak — now standing in American history.

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There was a girl I grew up with — the pretty one from middle school band class. Even after all these years, I still think about her.

She once told me to leave her alone, and I had every reason to grow bitter. But I couldn’t. I could never hate her. Through all my travels across the world, I learned there’s already enough hate in this world. So I chose forgiveness instead.

That same heart is what carried me to Inauguration Day 2025.

I’ve never had a real first date in my life. It just never worked out. Yet I’ve kept my heart open, believing that one day the right woman would come along.

When I stood there and finally showed everything I had kept inside for so long, the President and First Lady turned to acknowledge me. The White House bent — twice — for a quiet boy who was once too afraid to even say hello to the girl sitting next to him in middle school band class.

Looking at this picture, I see it so clearly now — the White House pouring golden light into me, the eagle carrying my two letters across the sky. It’s as if everything I’ve carried in my heart has finally been recognized.

If this heart of mine could get the most powerful office in the world to turn around and acknowledge me on live television, then I know the right woman will one day want to take the honor of being my first real date.

My heart is still open.

I’m ready when she is.