My Man...Of The Year

The day had finally come for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Match Banquet. It is everyone's favorite event of the year. It's such a glamorous night for the kids. Everyone dresses up and has a nice evening out. It's a great chance for the Littles to feel fancy and have a great sit-down dinner. 
We were excited too. More excited than usual because this year, Scott was being honored for receiving Missouri Big Brother Of The Year. 
It's such an amazing honor. 
As an adult, there aren't many opportunities to be recognized for dedication, hardwork and effort. Tonight was different and I was SO excited for my husband. 
The boys got ready. Scott taught Kyle how to tie a tie (and Landon how to clip one on).

Off we went!

It takes a damn good "Little Brother" to hold his "Little Brother's" head when he falls asleep on the way!

When we arrived, it was amazing from the start.Again, Big Brothers Big Sisters pulled out all of the stops to ensure that their people had a night to remember. Just walking in the room filled with people and seeing all of the Littles dressed up and admiring how beautiful everything was made me tear up. 
To be in a room, filled to the brim, with people making a difference in this world, is overwhelming to say the least. 
I felt lucky. 

And Scott? Oh, Scott was the happiest I had ever seen him. He was surrounded by those who love him and I just know he could feel the love.Being around Steven and Kyle and our family...welp, that's all he needed.  

Then, came the time for Scott to receive his award. This was no surprise to Scott Cruce. He already learned months ago that he had been awarded this honor. 
His boss began with the most amazing words.
~He said that he created the job description for "Recruiter" with Scott in mind.~He said that Scott has made enrollment grow leaps and bounds (he had impressive numbers that I can't remember) since being hired.~He said that he feels grateful to have Scott.~And then, he said he had something he wanted Scott to watch.
The surprise video!(I have it posted at the end!!)I was so excited all night for Scott to see this that I couldn't even eat. I knew what it would mean to Scott to see so many people that he loves and admires on that screen.
And, my man watched in awe as his friends and family and Littles said words that would add up to be one of the best moments in Scott's life (his words!).
He received a standing ovation after the video.

And the whole "trying not to cry in front of 500 people"? 
Yeah, um...that didn't work out. Because when Steven and Kyle got up in front of the 500 people and presented Scott with the award, it was all too much.  

Scott got up and at first, could barely speak.Hearing his voice crack filled my eyes with tears again. And then, he gave the most compelling speech about how it's not about him, but it's about everyone in the room. And how it's actually about the Littles having more of an impact on the Bigs than the other way around. It was perfect.
I have watched Scott go from being a Big Brother,To us being a Big Couple,To all of us being a Big Family. Those boys are as much a part of our family as anyone else. We are such an awesome group. 

There is no award, or banquet, or ceremony that can explain what Big Brothers Big Sisters has done for our family. 
But maybe this video will help explain... ENJOY!! Video  

Cheers boys! You ALL deserved this award! We love you SO much!