A great many things have been said and written about Hawks.

“They are often seen as messengers or guides of the divine, suggesting perhaps that one is being watched over and protected. 

Their sharp eyesight is symbolic of the ability to see things from a broader perspective so as to gain greater clarity and wisdom in one’s life. 

Being powerful birds, their presence can inspire courage and strength in the face of challenges. A hawk can be a sign that help or support is on the way. “*

Here are the Ozaukee Hawks; the 2025 Special Olympics Basketball State Runners-Up!

They won their regional, hung on at sectionals and gained an at large berth for state, and then overcome a dispiriting game one at Osh Kosh to place second in their division, in all of Wisconsin SO basketball the weekend of April 12th and 13th.

A closer knit team is not known to this coach. They stayed together on and off the court. Watching over and protecting each other.

The way they played, the effort they gave and how they treated each other gave witness to their ability to see things from a broader perspective so as to gain greater clarity and wisdom in their lives. 

And when things got tough and challenging, ones presence and grit just happened and came to inspire courage and strength in their teammates to face adversity. 

A Hawk was the sign that help or support is on the way and I will be there for you.

On the court.

And, in life.

Well done Hawks!

Well done indeed!

• Borrowed from Google when seeking definition of a Hawk. Some changes, but their verbiage for the most part.

Here are the Ozaukee Eagles; the 2025 Special Olympics Basketball State Champions.

They flew through the regional, sectionals and state the weekend of April 12th and 13th to claim the highest perch in all of Wisconson SO basketball in their division.

Truly an amazing team. One of a feather, flocking together. Coached superbly to recognize their strengths as both individuals and as a team, overcome and adjust to any sudden updraftsgoals and ultimately hone in on their goals from afar.

The passing, patience and pattern of their approach to both O and D and their opponents were championship caliber. As was the passing, patience and pattern of their approach to one another. Therein lay the difference.

One is made to do good things.

A true team is made to do great things.

And soar.

Well done Eagles!

Well done indeed!

“….Dante and every other spiritual master knew that the only way up is down. When we live in convenient darkness, unaware of our sins, we will never make spiritual progress. So we need the light, however painful it is. But then we can begin to rise. ”

Bishop Robert Barron

When one is laid low in life, it can become comforting to remain in the dark. There is a sense of acknowledgment, that it is where “things” put you. Choices, circumstance, adversity, loss accumulate. Shutting you off from what can eventually become right. But only when you choose to perceive the light. And move towards it.

There are no expectations when you remain in the dark. Just that it is accepted as the way of life. Moreso a sentence than an existence so to speak.

But once you see the shine around the edges, feel the warmth of its glow and sense the tug at your core, the dark begins to feel less like home. It may be an arduous path requiring excruciating examination, openess and honesty. Ego and self will need to remain behind in the dark. For there is no place for them in the light.

We all have our demons in a multitude of shapes, depths and forms. They are adept at finding safe houses within your being. But only through the light can they finally be seen for what they truly are. Once and for all. And then surrendered and left behind. Leave them to live out the balance of their time in nooks that only populate the dark.

Embrace the light.

Trust where it leads you.

Let it take you where you are meant to go.

The way up.