Dr. James Whitfield

wife

Comfort

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My wife is my comfort. She’s shelter. My peace. My heart. She’s my everything. While I know this to be true every single day, over the course of this very trying week, that comfort, shelter, peace, love – everything, continued to shine through. 

A Life-changing Encounter

It was the end of the spring in 2003 when I first met Kerrie. In an instant, I knew I was in the presence of the woman I would share my life with. And I wasted no time in securing her hand in marriage, as I asked her to marry me on Christmas day that same year. 

As I reflect on the past two decades of our journey together, I find myself overcome with emotions. I have such deep gratitude – so thankful that the Lord brought this incredible woman, who has been a constant source of comfort and strength, into my life. 

Navigating Traumas, Embracing Imperfections, and Building a Joyful Home

We were just two young kids who were trying to find our way, navigating through the echoes of our past traumas. Her soothing, steady presence helped to heal wounds that had festered my whole life. With love and understanding, she embraced my imperfections and vulnerabilities, providing a safe foundation where I could begin to build a future beyond my wildest dreams. Her patience, love, and empathy are the bedrock upon which our love story has unfolded.

Building our family together has been such a magical journey. Her warmth and joy created a home where laughter echoes, love flows, and folks learned how to pick up after themselves…real quick (had to throw that in there, my love ☺️).

The Power of Belief

As I started my career in education, she was my biggest champion. During moments of self-doubt, her unwavering belief in my abilities has fueled my determination and ambition. The way she looks at me makes me feel as though I can do anything. It’s hard to describe what it feels like when someone has that level of belief in you. It’s truly transformative. Her belief and encouragement has always served as the catalyst for my personal and professional growth. 

And if that wasn’t enough, while she was so busy pouring into all of our lives, somehow she found the time and energy to become a world class professional in her industry. She is such an amazing hair stylist. Not only the talent and technical aspects, but in the way she creates space for her wonderful clients. It’s who she is. She works so very hard to take care of people (and animals  – my girl LOVES her some animals). There are no shortcuts in her professional or personal life. She gives her all! She’s such an inspiration! 

I’m so very proud of you, Kerrie! 

My Wife, My Superhero

This week I just found so many moments where I was simply in awe of the woman I’ve been so blessed to grow up with. The woman who has been my confidante, love, dance partner, and my greatest ally for going on two decades. 

It’s hard to imagine where my life would be without her presence. She’s helped me through the challenges of the past, serves as the anchor of my present, and the promise of my future. 

Kerrie Ann, I love you! Thank you for making every moment of my life richer, every challenge surmountable, and every joy more profound. 

Home is in your arms, my love. You are my best friend, my greatest source of comfort, my forever love!

Weekly With Whitfield – Anticipation

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Anticipation can be such a powerful tool. Whether it’s waiting to see what Santa leaves under the tree or the long awaited reunification of a loved one, that sense of excitement and anticipation can be a powerful and dynamic force. The feeling of anticipation can influence our emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

Numerous studies have shown that anticipation and the release of dopamine, the “feel good” hormone, are closely linked. When we anticipate something tied to a reward or motivation our brain releases dopamine in anticipation of what’s to come.

Wifey’s Birthday Weekend

This week has been filled with the anticipation of being able to celebrate the love of my life, my wife, Kerrie, who’s birthday is this Sunday. I know, I know – that’s Super Bowl Sunday – but, as luck would have it, I’m married to a person who really enjoys football. Additionally, I guess it doesn’t hurt that we will be on the beach in Punta Cana [HUGE SMILE].

Those who know me, know – I’m all about family vacations. I love being able to get away with our kids. Leading up to those trips there’s a great sense of anticipation that swells inside me as I think of the memories we’ll make. 

But it’s always nice to be able to get away, just the two of us. We’ve had some amazing adventures. And as I think about how beautiful those adventures have been, my anticipation of those that lay ahead grows stronger. Then, when we get back it will be time to start planning our 20 year renewal of vows for  the summer of 2024. Another moment of great anticipation awaits. It really is quite a journey being able to do life with your best friend. 

First Date

Life with Kerrie has been a beautiful journey of anticipation. There are so many anticipatory moments that stand out in my mind. One that jumps out is our first date. Now, if you can believe it – she tried to tell me “it’s cool, we can just go to McDonalds or something”. But there was no way on God’s green earth I was going for that. Instead, we went to a small, quaint Italian place close to her house. 

And it was in those moments of conversation, over spaghetti and chicken fettuccine alfredo, that I knew I’d found the love of my life. I immediately envisioned building a life with this woman. And the rest is history. Here we are, almost 20 years later, and each day I awake with a spirit of anticipation of what’s to come for our love story. I pray everyone to be so lucky as to have a life partner who they don’t just get through life with, but they anticipate all that’s in front of them. 

Oh, The Places You Will Go

That excitement has caused me to reflect deeply on the feeling and power created by anticipation. Over the past several months I’ve found myself thinking about what’s next for my career journey. Most every day someone asks that very question – “what’s next for you?”

And, while I can’t pinpoint exactly what that answer is, I anticipate great things. If my journey to this stage of life serves an indicator of what’s to come, something great awaits. The data speaks for itself. On the other side of chaos something great has always been there, staring me down. 

I anticipate being able to serve in some capacity in public schools again. While some may call me crazy, it’s where my heart is. And I anticipate that things will not always be easy in that space. But, such is life. I look forward to the educators and students whose path I will cross at some point this fall. It’s going to be magical, just watch.

Lauren Nicole

With great anticipation I await the college graduation of my baby girl, Lauren, in May. Proud is an understatement. This young lady amazes me at every turn. She’s smart, creative, empathetic, hard working, beautiful (inside and out), and has such a bright vision for making the world a better place. I love to listen to her thoughts and ideas – her hopes and dreams. I hope she knows how very much she inspires me.  Without question, great things in her future. And I get a front row seat to it all. What a blessing.

Jordan & Peyton

And then there’s my oldest son, Jordan, and his wife, my amazing daughter-in-law, Peyton. They’ve already given me a Grandpuppy (Jimmy) and now I’m anticipating…wait for it…

…Them becoming first-time homeowners! 

(Don’t lie…everyone reading this thought I was about to announce something else… Y’all stop 😂)

With fingers crossed that all goes as planned, they’ll purchase their first home together late this spring. I could go on and on about these two. Their story is one out of a fairy tale. High School Sweethearts who journeyed away together for college, obtained their degrees, then came back home and began successful careers. But, most importantly, they’re simply beautiful people. I can’t wait to see all that the future holds for these two!

Landon

While I am in no hurry for my youngest, Landon, to grow up, I’m so excited for the days ahead for him. He is such a trooper and brings so much joy to my heart. His fun-loving personality, determination, and creativity. The way he loves so big. His thirst for adventure and imagination keep me on my toes. 

One of the beautiful moments about this season of life I’m in is getting to pick him up from school each day. While it may seem like a small thing, it’s really quite a big deal. Last year, as he transitioned to his new school, we picked a predetermined place that I’d pick him up from school each day – by the big tree. Each day, as I grab his little surprise snack and drink for the ride home, I’m filled with anticipation – to see him look for me at that tree. Then, to see his face when he sees me standing there – priceless. And to hear all the stories of his day as a 4th grader. Anticipation meets sheer jubilation.

Blessings

I’m so grateful for every moment. These amazingly beautiful kids. My stunning, magnificent wife. And I anticipate joy, blessings, and warm days to come. I know storms will come for us all at some point along our journey, but I will continue to look back at the trends of our lives, expecting and anticipating brighter days on the other side.