A Heartfelt Thank You

It is finally quiet here this morning. In the last two days I’ve responded to dozens of posts and emails, offering congratulations and supporting me as the candidate selected to become the Commander of the Name Logan. Each has been wonderful to read and respond to. But I really needed a moment to collect my thoughts so that I could thank all of Clan Logan properly.

First, I wish to thank my two fellow candidates, Robert Logan of Scotland and Steven Logan of Canada. They were both among the first to congratulate me and offer their support. I am grateful to both of them for working so diligently in keeping the campaigning civil and courteous. This has not always been the case for some of the other clans as they worked through their conventions. But it honestly is not surprising to me that men of such great character exist in the Family and Highland Clan of Logan. I look forward to working together with both of them, united in the improvement of the lives of Logans globally, beginning with finding our hereditary chief.

I also want to thank my close family, most especially my wife, Lisa. As the planning committee and I have been working to set up the events of the convention, Lisa has had a nearly nonstop, in-depth, day-by-day view into all that has taken place. It has not been easy on her listening to me go on and on, of this I have no doubt, nor do I doubt the stress I’ve added. However, as many of you know, the people who choose to marry a Logan are made of the best qualities of a human being: kindness, compassion, and an indefatigable will. Lisa was the first person near me to read Caleb’s letter, and she came bounding down the stairs to congratulate me before I even knew. This is what is best in life, to have someone who shares your troubles and your joys, and to have them so thrilled when you succeed.

I should also apologize to and thank my children: Erika, Jon, Justin, Rachel, Aldon, and McKenzie. I am quite certain that none of them, at least in the last ten years, has spent 30 minutes with me that I haven’t managed to turn the conversation to family genealogy, the Logans of ancient Scotland, or my hopes and dreams for Clan Logan. Sorry kids, it’s not going to get any better at this point. Your old man is definitely set in his ways. Just set the grandkids around me and I’ll entertain them with these stories now.

I will likely address my Mom in another standalone post. It would be impossible to properly explain in one short paragraph how her never-ending support of her sons in all that they have done in life, whether she understood or completely agreed with it (“Sometimes kids just have to make their own mistakes” – Bonnie Logan, during my teens), has meant.

There are many others I’d love to thank as well:

• My Dad, James Franklin Logan, who left this earth much too soon, and I think about him daily it seems. I hope he is smiling about this.
• My brother, James Franklin Logan, Jr, who has meant so much to me throughout my entire life – he’ll probably get his own post too.
• My younger brother, Scott Alan Logan, who put up with the capriciousness of two older brothers and has managed to live his best life in spite of us.
• My extended BIG family of cousins, all descended from the 12 children of James Franklin and Lula Frances Logan, my great grandparents. Being a part of this amazing family tree has been one of the best blessings of my life. Thank you all for your support.
• No round of thank you would be complete without mentioning Tricia Logan Locke and Linda Street-Ely. They have been with me through the entirety of the planning of the convention, even getting it kicked off before involving me. And then Joanne Logan came along in the nick of time, joining us for all the work and our VERY early meetings each week. Working together for a total of 42 combined months of effort, these three ladies are responsible for all that we will enjoy as we gather together as a united family and clan. The debt of gratitude I feel for them is beyond words.

Most especially today though, my heart is filled with gratitude for all of my Logan kin. Your outpouring of support and kind words will carry me to success in finding our hereditary chief. I hope in every way to live up to the ideals of a Commander of the Name Logan and to represent you in the best ways possible, making our ancestors proud, living the clan motto in its fullest measure.

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