Adam and Me - 2001
I just can’t wait til my 10 year reunion
I’m gonna bust down the double doors
And when I stand on these tables before you
You will know what all this time was for
– “No Such Thing” by John Mayer
I’m sure these lyrics summarize what Adam secretly thought when he graduated high school. And now it’s here – the Concord High School Class of 2001 Ten-Year Reunion… Adam won’t be attending, though, because he will be out on the road. I know that part of him would like to be there, but the other part is not satisfied with where he is at in his music career. (Don’t we all wish to be living our dreams when we attend our first reunion?) Adam is definitely a proud husband and father, but I know that he would feel like he hasn’t been as successful as he thought that he would be at this point in his life. He wants to be able to support his family doing what he loves – singing his own music! Of course, everyone measures success differently. The fact that Adam moved to another state by himself to pursue his dream at 19-years-old is pretty courageous. Adam is able to play music and sing professionally. He works off-and-on at a well-known rehearsal facility in Nashville. He has written (what I and others believe to be) some radio-worthy songs.
Even if Adam were where he wanted to be right now, there would be no “Toby Keith ‘How Do You Like Me Now?’ moment”. The vast majority of people who have known Adam and have heard his voice have believed that he would be a star someday. He was voted “Most Likely to Succeed In Music” in his senior class. He performed original songs for two graduation ceremonies and a choir concert (which was extremely rare, if ever done before). I know that a lot of people in the town of Elkhart, Indiana are rooting for him! Please continue to support him! I know that he appreciates any encouragement he receives! It can be very frustrating and discouraging at times to feel like you have come so far, but have so long to go! There is no sign of giving up, though. There is no “plan b.” The dream is still alive!
We have no idea what God has planned for him. We are open to His will, but the difference now is that Adam has a focus and a mission to let God inspire and bring joy to others through his music and singing. Adam’s confidence has grown so much in just the past month, because as long as he is following what he believes is God’s path for him, then he knows that’s all that matters. He cares about how God views what he’s doing more than what anybody else thinks. How can a person go wrong with an attitude like that?!
Performing "Tell Me It's Real" by K-Ci and Jo Jo for Pops Concert (2000). That's Adam with the bleach blonde hair!
A Dreamer's Wife 
Oh I love this picture! Brandon Ellsworth wrote a song for graduation this year and everyone was making such a big deal about it (and it was good, don’t get me wrong), but I was proud to say that Adam had done it twice (the junior thing was definitely out of the box!)….well, Brandon was certainly impressed! I miss that group of boys—they were so much fun and all so talented in so many different areas, but so together when they sang. Don’t give up, Adam! One day, when you least expect it, lightening will strike (good lightening, you know, like a hit song!!!!! 🙂
Adam definitely has some great high school memories! I’ll let him know about your encouraging words!