Notes from New Friends reach Blattler boys at boot camp
This summer, the Manitowoc Lutheran High School New Friends Group said goodbye to several special friends from the MLHS Class of 2015. These students started the first New Friends group that existed on a high school level. Without hesitation in their freshman year, they extended their friendship to the special needs community and were dedicated to these friendships throughout their high school years. They devoted their time, developed the trust of families and grew to be friends with kids often not accepted by their peers at school.
Twin brothers Tyler (pictured, from left) and Jordan Blattler were among the graduates. During their four years of high school, the “Blattler boys,” as they are often called, made a point to attend every New Friends event despite being involved in football, basketball, track and other extra-curricular activities. Their hearts were bigger than their busy schedules: They knew how important their friendship was to the kids involved. Tyler and Jordan had a remarkable connection with the children who had special needs, and their compassion made a big impact on the New Friends families.
When members of the Class of 2015 left their last New Friends event, New Friends parents felt mixed emotions. They were excited thinking of the new ventures that lay ahead for these young men and women, but sad knowing these caring individuals, who had been an important part of their children’s lives, would be tremendously missed.
At their November MLHS New Friends, families and students created care packages to send to the Tyler and Jordan at Marine boot camp in California, where they began training for military careers. In the packages were hand-drawn pictures and messages such as, “We miss you and love you!” “I miss you, Blattler boys. You guys are my friends forever.”
“We wanted these two young men to know that we are grateful for them, praying for them, and proud of them,” said Elli Bonack, New Friends Coordinator and mother of one of the MLHS New Friends participants.
Each year, New Friends will say goodbye to friends who graduate. And God-willing, there will be new friends to follow, all of whom will have an important place in the hearts of our families.
“The hope we have in sharing our friendship and faith, in New Friends and throughout our life, is that we’ll share our heavenly home with all God’s children — our friends. So we’ll never have to say goodbye forever, just goodbye for now,” Elli said.
See all the New Friends program locations or contact Elli Bonack to start a New Friends program — (262) 424-0508 or eabonack@tlha.org.