tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19450965922423243492024-02-28T23:26:34.556-08:00From a Mom of Boys & a Bulgarian PrincessTracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-66531145541282247702017-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:002017-10-28T10:53:00.687-07:00What about our boys?Dear Life,<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">have been thinking a lot about International Girls Day. As a woman, I totally understand and appreciate such an empowering day. I am so glad young girls are being taught they can do anything. Because they absolutely can. However, I am a mom to five amazing boys.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I wondered why there is no day to celebrate boyhood, to teach what it looks like to be a strong, amazing boy that can do anything. As we teach little girls that they are in charge, that they can do anything, we might be changing the role of boys. As much as I appreciate an empowered young lady, I also appreciate young boys that are taught to be gentlemen, to be kind and sensitive, to work hard for their families, to know that they are valued and important. Girls can do anything.....and so can boys. Let’s empower all of our youth. Let’s teach them all how valuable they are, regardless of gender. I think then the world might be a better place.</span></span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-62775323395005465122016-10-04T23:04:00.000-07:002016-10-04T23:04:57.519-07:00Free Agency<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you think of free agency, what comes to mind?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As a Latter Day Saint, we have been taught this principle:</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our eternal progression depends on how we use this gift. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We must choose whether to follow Jesus Christ or follow Satan.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We teach our children right from wrong daily. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Always tell the truth, don't steal, be kind, don't pull your sister's hair, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our children learn there are consequences if they do not make good choices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't do your homework, you will get a bad grade and probably lose screen time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Give mom sass when asked to do something and you will probably gain extra chores. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But we don't always teach our kids how to deal with the after effects of someone else's bad choice if it affects them directly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If someone drives under the influence and crashes into you, you have to deal with that, but it can make you angry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It wasn't your choice that put you there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have been thinking a lot about my son, and the suffering he has faced for years because of the choices of another. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How do we deal with this?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How do I teach him forgiveness, to move forward, when I am angry?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mean I'm really angry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This person robbed my son of 4 years of his life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My boy's life will be altered forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All because of someone else's agency. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then I think about God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He gave us the gift of agency. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He probably wishes he could tap us on the shoulder when we are about to do something wrong and say " are you sure you want to do that?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He loves us, and wants us to be happy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So why do bad things happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Why does my son have to suffer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All I can think of is what I have been taught. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we teach our family the principles of the gospel, we can fall back on them to deal with difficult challenges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We can pray, often, read the words written in the scriptures, we can read talks from our leaders, we can forgive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We can love each other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And we can fight battles together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wish my son never walked home that day long ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wish he would have been receptive to getting help earlier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All we can do now is be there for him, and rely on our God, and find comfort in His loving arms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We can learn to forgive, so that our son can forgive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We can take this awful experience and grow, get stronger, and become more refined. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As victims, if we are faithful, we can take great comfort in knowing that God will compensate us for every injustice we experience. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin stated: “The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. … Every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.”</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By Elder Kevin R. Duncan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Of the Seventy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">April 2016 Conference)</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-82777900659896142082016-10-04T13:30:00.002-07:002016-10-04T23:06:18.008-07:00What would I say<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What would I say to the person that destroyed who my son used to be with one small act of violence?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Did you think about what you were doing that day 4 1/2 years ago?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How did you choose my son?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As you live your life, possibly still hurting others, my son still daily faces trauma because of you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are the reason he feels worthless.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are the reason he feels like he is undeserving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are the reason 4 years of his life are gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are the reason he struggles every day to go to school,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To play basketball, to do anything every other kid can just do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are the reason he doesn't believe in himself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I hate you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What would I say to my son?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are a warrior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are fighting a battle that seems unwinnable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Every day you conquer it a little more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You may think that you will never get better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To that I say look at you a year ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Two years ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are struggling right now but you will get through it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Although I wish I could make it all go away, I can't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Instead I will stand by you, hold your hand, lift you up, wipe your tears. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are so much better than that person that hurt you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Your life matters. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are worth the battle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I love you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" /></span>Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-75336345974597486252016-10-01T11:51:00.002-07:002016-10-01T11:51:50.788-07:00Spina Bifida Strong<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Many of you know Kumaka's story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were told at 19 weeks of pregnancy that we would have a child with multiple severe birth defects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Spina Bifida.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hydrocephalus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bilateral Club feet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were told his quality of life would be non existant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were told to terminate our pregnancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">We were never told what our son could do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were never given any hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were scared, but we forged ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first three years were rough, Kumaka had multiple surgeries and hospitalizations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And then he found Wheelz.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And watched backflips in wheelchairs every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When Wheelz came to visit him after the worst surgery he had, the beginning of a transition happened.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCs_evkTA-mgbAs5KcMBTJnY0xDialcfC2zenvaEokXPH4PfF7_nbLQBQ6r8njKRlIsyoOtTo2E7e9ZUNmviLa6z8wHc0xZaiQZj_J6t5tqOMXp1J512Ekvte3jNJgpJTnAHT6PuQ-9mU/s1600/DSCN0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCs_evkTA-mgbAs5KcMBTJnY0xDialcfC2zenvaEokXPH4PfF7_nbLQBQ6r8njKRlIsyoOtTo2E7e9ZUNmviLa6z8wHc0xZaiQZj_J6t5tqOMXp1J512Ekvte3jNJgpJTnAHT6PuQ-9mU/s320/DSCN0305.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next he met Otter, and was introduced to Box Wheelchairs.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGXS_QiBIIQx9IBx83lcnor4OG4Ya7uzHXS0wWU-4ukP3Uxex9wyxFGTQw8VQpnMerPm52D5kklPaGnaeZ9MAZdmA-JPMMYpakqO6cmqjuK4xcuRjmVETrQKjJd0uUpUV6KEQTlEeRYQ/s1600/christiaan+and+k.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGXS_QiBIIQx9IBx83lcnor4OG4Ya7uzHXS0wWU-4ukP3Uxex9wyxFGTQw8VQpnMerPm52D5kklPaGnaeZ9MAZdmA-JPMMYpakqO6cmqjuK4xcuRjmVETrQKjJd0uUpUV6KEQTlEeRYQ/s1600/christiaan+and+k.jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OEfwUYNC-uzNcujwOfZvusyWzgQVt4wyfsML6arzQsDc4zbnkQ0NVGWdLjWRk94Wzz31xqyRPljx0uGw8y1YLQfKO-rrBCnXET1vfNdbhBQ1750Xc8YuxytV5tYooqOk1FtiE_V6ADQ/s1600/k+and+c+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OEfwUYNC-uzNcujwOfZvusyWzgQVt4wyfsML6arzQsDc4zbnkQ0NVGWdLjWRk94Wzz31xqyRPljx0uGw8y1YLQfKO-rrBCnXET1vfNdbhBQ1750Xc8YuxytV5tYooqOk1FtiE_V6ADQ/s320/k+and+c+12.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When he received his first Box Wheelchair, his world was rocked!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He became so independent, so athletic, and so CRAZY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Years later, he is dropping in 9 foot bowls at the skate park, surfing, playing wheelchair basketball, even trying monoskiing! Nothing stops him, he tries everything!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3VRGrPGpgZ3Dox5zLishqpCnyGknJZjnsJRDOPscUDt2fzrCnvYU-SCEF6MDhWdF6if2EX1Kpiigs3xN1wgqsQGzCQlSNbOKxYtv6kNr0utldmR7RjybTgqe3HfLGHHNt3mtq1ayeuE/s1600/10688289_915522411831457_5373444045935698054_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3VRGrPGpgZ3Dox5zLishqpCnyGknJZjnsJRDOPscUDt2fzrCnvYU-SCEF6MDhWdF6if2EX1Kpiigs3xN1wgqsQGzCQlSNbOKxYtv6kNr0utldmR7RjybTgqe3HfLGHHNt3mtq1ayeuE/s320/10688289_915522411831457_5373444045935698054_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is not weak, he does not have a poor quality of life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is Spina Bifida Strong!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26FA1mpHyfwemqHP0ldYVfVZeivuH4miwwX5_Gd6jb12jR2tPsTF7g36GnsjNkZ9itmfkuXWeZHaIp_J2m4PFPcMzM0wiChSYezmgEYOoXtbl7wl18FmlmW77E8geUuK-KRdDKg5w_zE/s1600/11427040_973006086083089_2382824893232068630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26FA1mpHyfwemqHP0ldYVfVZeivuH4miwwX5_Gd6jb12jR2tPsTF7g36GnsjNkZ9itmfkuXWeZHaIp_J2m4PFPcMzM0wiChSYezmgEYOoXtbl7wl18FmlmW77E8geUuK-KRdDKg5w_zE/s320/11427040_973006086083089_2382824893232068630_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4J1nBsQ9d1jAenR14s9MYu1UV0Wt3gLtbSklo9fpYbd0VHkhw8t27AOPIBlX7HRlU3hRVtoE4lOnQgFgbjb8x7aSi4fc5kjNlZ_gMuhyphenhyphen0TZ3xiKyt23z6TL6MBaJ6lQ_QOMEcYLzv4U/s1600/11791804_10207353773464878_78828093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4J1nBsQ9d1jAenR14s9MYu1UV0Wt3gLtbSklo9fpYbd0VHkhw8t27AOPIBlX7HRlU3hRVtoE4lOnQgFgbjb8x7aSi4fc5kjNlZ_gMuhyphenhyphen0TZ3xiKyt23z6TL6MBaJ6lQ_QOMEcYLzv4U/s320/11791804_10207353773464878_78828093_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj7qCK9tUBFUwQbLLWEIJ_b7T6vuIB1YVy4daWlsHhQ0-RbT_xZlag19vwbtrKm6dymCirx-Lr5SVaCD7xrOsbl9lLGiUKfly516K09oSsvxHokQsXaLHbumoj6eAF6nUEED_A2Lmn0Q/s1600/12088538_10207856272467039_4874938160609261877_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj7qCK9tUBFUwQbLLWEIJ_b7T6vuIB1YVy4daWlsHhQ0-RbT_xZlag19vwbtrKm6dymCirx-Lr5SVaCD7xrOsbl9lLGiUKfly516K09oSsvxHokQsXaLHbumoj6eAF6nUEED_A2Lmn0Q/s320/12088538_10207856272467039_4874938160609261877_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-9636838368755723802016-09-28T22:29:00.000-07:002016-09-28T22:29:25.783-07:00Light over dark<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes life is just hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes simple things like going to school or work or practice </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">requires more effort than normal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes you wish you could just stop. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stop trying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stop doing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stop hurting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But you have no control over any of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It rules your life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It tells you lies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It keeps you alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It silences you when you need to talk the most. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It keeps you in fear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fear is a dark and dreary wasteland. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To stay in this world, you have to push harder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fake it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Until staying becomes reality. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's exhausting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But it's necessary. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you don't push away the lies, if you don't shine a light in the darkness, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You would get swallowed up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Watching this battle, not being able to take it away, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">breaks my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Watching this battle makes me angry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Watching this battle gives me hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Because there is a battle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is a fight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And we will win. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is no other alternative. </span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-36113436327178083842016-09-19T23:26:00.000-07:002016-09-19T23:26:43.271-07:00The gift<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Vulnerable. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Easily hurt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet extremely strong. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That is the paradox of my my tall one. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He has seen more hurt and pain within himself </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in the last few years that he never trusted anyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes not even us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His story grew and grew within until his brain couldn't hold it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His mind was under so much stress it seemed like it was fracturing before our eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was as if he was a piece of glass and he was shattering slowly yet devastatingly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After learning to slowly trust those around him, he started sharing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little piece by little piece little bits of his story came out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Such a sad awful story, but to him sharing it was like giving a treasured gift when he did choose to share. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It opened him up to vulnerability. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And he got really frightened. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Trauma can do that to you. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But he slowly realized that those he chose to share pieces of himself to kept that special gift to themselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So he began to trust. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And he began to heal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes he fell back to his old ways. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Old habits die hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But we noticed a change over time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We noticed his strength. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His courage. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And the light started to come back in his eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He started standing tall, owning who he is. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He stopped trying to hide, trying to shrink, trying to be invisible. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We applauded this change. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were amazed and so happy to see our boy again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And over the last three weeks he was like every other teenage boy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He went to school, he practiced with his team and he worked out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He went to a football game. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He smiled. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then he got braver. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He shared his journey with those that have stuck by him but didn't really understand. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His team. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The courage he had to stand before thirty boys and share his personal hell and thank them for standing by him is powerful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Amazing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Scary. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today he is a little fearful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What will they think?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Will the tell others?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Will they think less of me?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today he is vulnerable. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">30 boys now have a piece of him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know they will treasure the gift that has been given them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I know my tall one will be ok. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He is the strongest man I know. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-43961702956513405982016-08-31T10:13:00.002-07:002016-08-31T10:13:23.759-07:00In one year...miracles have happened<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The emotions from last year to this year have changed drastically. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last year, our home was covered in a big dark cloud.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Kalani had been struggling for three years, as he was dealing with serious after affects from something he went through in seventh grade. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He was unable to attend school for three years.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He became increasingly anxious, depressed, and unable to do daily things.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The most heartbreaking thing to watch was his inability to walk on the basketball court. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His freshman year should have been exciting, his first year of high school basketball should have been fun.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We watched him deteriorate right before our eyes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFarGo6KClC5VVwMkbx1YOe4cEEsDbNylh5qd99srVIkJF2j7Wg8H9JkPS_1kvrv2DTk795QPnGGOU_P3msr_lB5pedIGWABzg1UBJ0MwHwQKl3EeeP4Sq6Do4v1OOquc_1zTBEP6EAY/s1600/12573937_10208611046815926_8176163314103506610_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFarGo6KClC5VVwMkbx1YOe4cEEsDbNylh5qd99srVIkJF2j7Wg8H9JkPS_1kvrv2DTk795QPnGGOU_P3msr_lB5pedIGWABzg1UBJ0MwHwQKl3EeeP4Sq6Do4v1OOquc_1zTBEP6EAY/s640/12573937_10208611046815926_8176163314103506610_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Facebook and Instagram became a place of heartache for me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw everyone's posts of their children starting school, their shiny happy faces, the high school sports starting.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I watched my son doubled in half, not talking, covered in a blanket.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In unbelief, I listened to him tell me he was hearing voices that didn't exist; seeing people that weren't there.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I watched become someone else.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart broke in a million pieces as I watched my son become a shell of himself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We attempted to watch the other freshman boys play basketball.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I cried in the bleachers as he couldn't even talk to them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would look at my son's pictures from when he was younger, and I would just wish we could go back to those times of innocence and joy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj344KUBQqhbs-e8tGY5_4NH6mYXfith4UeJ2pGhOZvdNnjdJQm3IlilX6MEy5_fiWqoXFxZO4wOw3wAi_TsV_PEnYATepEc9zgCkZ7aopZJ2ENTs9sefJkmNM7Y5LxpVv0be5EkJuSRQs/s1600/13051564_10209408005419393_3639419298413665479_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj344KUBQqhbs-e8tGY5_4NH6mYXfith4UeJ2pGhOZvdNnjdJQm3IlilX6MEy5_fiWqoXFxZO4wOw3wAi_TsV_PEnYATepEc9zgCkZ7aopZJ2ENTs9sefJkmNM7Y5LxpVv0be5EkJuSRQs/s400/13051564_10209408005419393_3639419298413665479_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I missed hearing his shoes on the court, watching him play the game he loved. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was scared of this dark depression.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was scared of this presence in our home that I couldn't see but he could actually see and hear.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was scared I was going to lose him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Through a whole year of help from his therapist, his coach, and the staff at his school, he climbed out of the darkness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It didn't come free. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He struggled, he cried, and he worked. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He worked hard. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes he went forward. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes he went backwards. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His coach reminded me often that it was a marathon, not a race. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I had to cling to those words often. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every step backwards broke my heart again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He even told me a few times he wanted to quit basketball. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I wondered if he would every play again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHHJZpLKmDsa_HM8zBLQmRhUe-1eMDtM62am0W0nNoGB-yz03ta1UHxDgAKkIr29qClFxENjkHYy_oAndyhFanHXvbb-RAU_4dqKE-1Zcepmyiy0H5h22STzpW1pLpwd-HoJpn6WRr8I/s1600/13048216_10209428782898817_4816209002705692298_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHHJZpLKmDsa_HM8zBLQmRhUe-1eMDtM62am0W0nNoGB-yz03ta1UHxDgAKkIr29qClFxENjkHYy_oAndyhFanHXvbb-RAU_4dqKE-1Zcepmyiy0H5h22STzpW1pLpwd-HoJpn6WRr8I/s400/13048216_10209428782898817_4816209002705692298_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The love of his family and friends, the support from his coaches and teammates, (who have never once judged him, only supported him), the support from the school staff and his therapists brought him through this horrible year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This month, I have witnessed a miracle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Excitement.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happiness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And today, Kalani went into school.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">NO BIG DEAL.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He's just another sophomore.</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfof6ly2FxzzNc_9GG-FFRl4M5PtQnuHTfcH-2ZDzbRrubOfpj4yh1PjSRvDd7ZHh2AzxX2-pceO2gKTV822IArIl3Ssit3Bk3XKhoNcCkoXlvMPZM23-A5QUMp2OaLlUY-a_fxKsJDVM/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfof6ly2FxzzNc_9GG-FFRl4M5PtQnuHTfcH-2ZDzbRrubOfpj4yh1PjSRvDd7ZHh2AzxX2-pceO2gKTV822IArIl3Ssit3Bk3XKhoNcCkoXlvMPZM23-A5QUMp2OaLlUY-a_fxKsJDVM/s640/IMG_2570.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Who ran a marathon.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvbfDNPFcZ8W0YqNjNLI9a8fD_8PBVFcADIiufDd-1LzlHbKYXyOSMMubUxEFtOPfTiqDmZuZMC7EoA5bOKBHzkoa2G5oUw1kFqHphG6kOL5L5LdRK7lWFQKAr5X6lDcwoHlKjutFsHw/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvbfDNPFcZ8W0YqNjNLI9a8fD_8PBVFcADIiufDd-1LzlHbKYXyOSMMubUxEFtOPfTiqDmZuZMC7EoA5bOKBHzkoa2G5oUw1kFqHphG6kOL5L5LdRK7lWFQKAr5X6lDcwoHlKjutFsHw/s640/IMG_2571.JPG" width="412" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">PS:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So grateful that Kawika made the decision to attend the same school as his big brother!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Best Brother Status!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">#ItTakesATeam</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-53337318112375306402016-07-22T17:19:00.001-07:002016-07-22T17:19:42.992-07:00A GlimpseDear Life,<br />
<br />
Kalani and I worked together to create a video that shorts a very small amount of what he has felt and been through in the past year. He wants to be able to show other teens dealing with mental health issues, that their lives are worth getting help. He is such a huge example to me! He is not afraid to share his journey in the hopes of helping others. <br />
<br />
Last year, Kalani was unable to go to basketball, unable to practice with his team, unable to even watch their games. He was unable to go to school or leave the house. He was trapped in fear, and anxiety and depression took a toll. He gained over 30 pounds in three short meals, he wasn't sleeping and he was not acting like the same kid I was used to. He was either angry or sad. Every night he turned into a very angry person who couldn't be around anyone. He couldn't sleep in his room, he slept in mine. He started hearing voices, and seeing people that didn't exist. He thought he was crazy and thought he had to go to the hospital. <br />
<br />
As a family, we were determined to help him while he stayed at home. We got him into a special outpatient program through the county, and he was assigned to a psychiatrist and therapist. It took many many weeks for Kalani to trust his therapists. He was given medication to help with the depression, anxiety, and voices he was hearing. It was a very scary few months, and honestly, we never expected him to play basketball again. We were so sad that our boy had to fight so hard to just live, and often times the voices told him to quit. He got so tired.<br />
<br />
He had a major breakthrough three months ago. He was able to talk about something that has plagued him for years. He is still working through this, but he was able to complete a semester of school, a session of summer school, and summer basketball. We are so proud of him and all of his hard work. He still has work to do, but he's in a completely different place than he was last year. <br />
<br />
He created this short video to show a little of what he has been through. Thank you for everyone who supports our family, for those that have been kind and supportive to our boy, and to those that share his journey in hopes of helping others. #ItTakesATeam<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9eFgNHI5KCg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9eFgNHI5KCg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-66449519811105246712016-06-22T09:05:00.003-07:002016-06-22T09:05:45.511-07:00The Marathon<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tears.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Psr98WZMMTgqkW6pnKqfGbvyIL1D9bD_bfksnuSBDVpv0AJ8gPG8GEZzbtDxFI6zmKH9OzYHBPZoQtcHeL-vi29vmZy6S7Cwf4jOVRURq2xqZW3It0EkwOz3A-Uz44vcqy3wvGweXpo/s1600/12573937_10208611046815926_8176163314103506610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Psr98WZMMTgqkW6pnKqfGbvyIL1D9bD_bfksnuSBDVpv0AJ8gPG8GEZzbtDxFI6zmKH9OzYHBPZoQtcHeL-vi29vmZy6S7Cwf4jOVRURq2xqZW3It0EkwOz3A-Uz44vcqy3wvGweXpo/s320/12573937_10208611046815926_8176163314103506610_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For months on end I cried every single day. I fell asleep with tears on my face as I prayed and prayed for my son.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I dreaded waking up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our family was living a nightmare.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of our children was living in a nightmare.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He was not sleeping, unable to go to school, even unable to play basketball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He was paralyzed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By fear. Anxiety. Depression. Voices. Only he could hear them. But they were horrible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You're not good enough. You don't deserve anything. Quit. Die. Just STOP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He withdrew from life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He wasn't the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We didn't know how to get him back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Scary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We did the only thing we knew how to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved him every day, even when he pushed us away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We fought for him, even when he gave up on himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And we found a team. A group of people in various positions, a high school coach, a school psychologist, a teacher, a therapist in a county program, and we all loved him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No one gave up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even when he pushed us all away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AILPIfFhxuknCyVVfbDnusGHTBNiBpbJ7OcbWqmB9Ivin9rfHY0SqqY9ovw3GgCh6oJ8VqPqiYDQloenm28OWxszn9GT7DVI4e8CPWOVhbWxTi2mb1A9efhGNhQ8CEQ7fkKDt33fzE0/s1600/12493557_10208583466766442_8839168133810523015_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AILPIfFhxuknCyVVfbDnusGHTBNiBpbJ7OcbWqmB9Ivin9rfHY0SqqY9ovw3GgCh6oJ8VqPqiYDQloenm28OWxszn9GT7DVI4e8CPWOVhbWxTi2mb1A9efhGNhQ8CEQ7fkKDt33fzE0/s320/12493557_10208583466766442_8839168133810523015_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It took a full school year to find my boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has some serious work left to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has some deep scars from the battle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But he also knows that he has people on his side; people he can trust.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">People that care.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We smile more now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We watch him play basketball again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We see him find success at school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We give our thanks to a Father in Heaven who heard our cries, and I'm sure He wept when we wept.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then he helped put these amazing people in place to help him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To guide him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To find my boy in the broken shell he had become.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I think back at the last year and I wonder how we survived.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I remember not too long ago I was so weary I just wanted to lay down to sleep and not do it anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But we kept pressing on. I know now that God was lifting us up, pushing us forward, putting angels on earth in place, so that our boy would make it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He still has many many things to work on. But he will be ok. As the coach says, it's a marathon. A long, tough, steep marathon. But a marathon worth running. We see the light at the end of the tunnel. And it's oh so very bright.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#ItTakesATeam</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-86419675550494000162016-06-14T21:54:00.000-07:002016-06-14T21:55:46.759-07:00Grant Dreams<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ten years ago, Stuart and I went to the doctor to find out what the gender was of our fifth child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We were so excited!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After having four boys, we were secretly hoping for a girl, but absolutely knew that having a fifth boy would be awesome!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Driving to the ultrasound, we talked about names, and about the vacation we had planned the following week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was asked to come in by myself by the ultrasound tech so she could do measurements.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stuart sat outside and waited for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With my full bladder, I waited, and waited, and waited.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I didn't suspect anything, although I did wonder why she wasn't showing me the monitor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After quite a long while, she said she would get Stuart and the doctor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stuart came in, sat next to me, held my hand, and watched the doctor move the ultrasound camera all around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He watched him take extra care around the baby's heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The doctor was silent, and I started to get a little nervous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I didn't understand what was going on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stuart squeezed my hand, and kept watching the monitor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally, the doctor put the ultrasound camera down for a moment, and said those fateful words "I'm sorry to tell you this, but the fetus has a birth defect called Spina Bifida. There are signs of hydrocephalus as well as club feet on both feet."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The gender was quickly forgotten by the staff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They were only worried about one thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Letting us know that if we moved quickly we could terminate our pregnancy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We were shocked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He let us know what to expect with a child with this disability.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Words like retarted, disabled, poor quality of life, possible shorter life span, multiple surgeries, multiple hospital stays, infections, the words burned our souls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We wept for our child.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The child we wanted desperately.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We still didn't know the gender of our child at this point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Through my tears, I said "We are keeping our baby. This is our BABY, not a fetus. Please tell me if the baby is a boy or a girl."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He said "The fetus is a boy".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had to ask the doctor for a photo before he left.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They printed one. Of his face. As if we would be so disturbed by the baby's disability.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPceMGi0uuX2aaikhT0bDgew7J8scwq0D1BqV8QJfK7dSK5nYsPKh1Gjd6VIHOm2O60hGBvb_YRM2ALchpNqA_OhelpTec0EybZ-bBiAbUVY1yu_rv3upODmi3_ZJ9qcVq9PRA4-gO-D0/s1600/kumaka+ultrasound+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPceMGi0uuX2aaikhT0bDgew7J8scwq0D1BqV8QJfK7dSK5nYsPKh1Gjd6VIHOm2O60hGBvb_YRM2ALchpNqA_OhelpTec0EybZ-bBiAbUVY1yu_rv3upODmi3_ZJ9qcVq9PRA4-gO-D0/s320/kumaka+ultrasound+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We were never told what our child would be able to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just a lot of what he wouldn't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thankfully, we didn't listen to that doctor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We did research Spina Bifida online. (Not our smartest choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We educated ourselves the best we could.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We reached out to others that had children with Spina Bifida.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And then we had our baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">LUKE KUMAKALEHUA JENSEN</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Kumakalehua is Stuart's Hawaiian name, and means strength or foundation of the home)</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTa9EY2L2wB1xcqYnLVSE_R0I6oqHn19DAnrZsl-IUBh9rbrz2DBmrVDm4eCxoBjjl3c3x96XLiHsGsVpS7OzMjzd9avWdLk0kasML9ypNp3hhIuXwFLFqQhliSscyHkxz-wFn9Lnk70/s1600/kumaka+at+birth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTa9EY2L2wB1xcqYnLVSE_R0I6oqHn19DAnrZsl-IUBh9rbrz2DBmrVDm4eCxoBjjl3c3x96XLiHsGsVpS7OzMjzd9avWdLk0kasML9ypNp3hhIuXwFLFqQhliSscyHkxz-wFn9Lnk70/s640/kumaka+at+birth.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He defied the odds at birth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He left the hospital after six days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There were times of difficulty, surgeries, casts, infections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr6EeAEGjvRKC39bl1dbD_y3nnkHNv8hyWXXu8LJsOkn-e0oJlW1HBfFkOXu7m6CqCkslhg10yYWOWqbJaHCDdMCpLdnaReZmMtIv0P3LhVSoj04bgXmit_8wcyE7uChWa92vmw16Pdo/s400/arm+crawling.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But there was also JOY. HAPPINESS.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At three, Kumaka was working hard in therapy and watching videos of Aaron Fotheringham on YouTube.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At four, he had a pivotal moment in his young life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He had hip surgery on both hips.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDv9Z6d8uqwtab8Kg0PB7sLlX6dyooV4Ao4Uv73q3Ptx5OwftqQ6G1GHzfCN-eVnmZ87M7B1-LB-SioEIpAySaUOKGyVkc_Ve_sRy8Ic2Tl6fv18VBL27jYir3hp9OdSh00Gu8vxDDFmI/s1600/DSCN0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDv9Z6d8uqwtab8Kg0PB7sLlX6dyooV4Ao4Uv73q3Ptx5OwftqQ6G1GHzfCN-eVnmZ87M7B1-LB-SioEIpAySaUOKGyVkc_Ve_sRy8Ic2Tl6fv18VBL27jYir3hp9OdSh00Gu8vxDDFmI/s400/DSCN0273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS-ja5GlqkYfVx_-ClkUieP-rSYkWLjiZtfx0thxTFhhGlL0pbG0Fpc6d6e67N29um7mcl27Hunj7-G0I2VhGiq3M5sPRqRsiol0nMSiUXz_dhHchyxfDvZT_w4eWF1fNsB1HdAp8908/s1600/this+is+how+i+roll+hg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS-ja5GlqkYfVx_-ClkUieP-rSYkWLjiZtfx0thxTFhhGlL0pbG0Fpc6d6e67N29um7mcl27Hunj7-G0I2VhGiq3M5sPRqRsiol0nMSiUXz_dhHchyxfDvZT_w4eWF1fNsB1HdAp8908/s400/this+is+how+i+roll+hg.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We reached out to Aaron Fotheringham who came to our house to visit our boy.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHXbPqGazB4sEW2KR2nVvEV2aI_yqD9GkuxISS5LDx7Qazm60SCWofT-qEAHzV3WmxMS7mIpu9sjm06RW3tBmDcZFx5YAfkMUzXLl6tNOQFbTWAfJAUpfx5F-WQ3WMZGLAuND_wrSpsg/s1600/DSCN0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHXbPqGazB4sEW2KR2nVvEV2aI_yqD9GkuxISS5LDx7Qazm60SCWofT-qEAHzV3WmxMS7mIpu9sjm06RW3tBmDcZFx5YAfkMUzXLl6tNOQFbTWAfJAUpfx5F-WQ3WMZGLAuND_wrSpsg/s400/DSCN0305.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Aaron told his friend Christiaan Otter Bailey about Kumaka, and they met that summer.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpTzP0f7q5nvuF6ZDwTOHHCijErBObhFF7ZukDRFy_7fqvEusqZU_Q0Lnq53oQYd9B_dz3aPGxMyw5849A6vH5CMiccj6BPciPbzh32SvjMLu9mxw6YaPLV-XYcKVUxd_8JswD7LzVkM/s1600/christiaan+and+k.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpTzP0f7q5nvuF6ZDwTOHHCijErBObhFF7ZukDRFy_7fqvEusqZU_Q0Lnq53oQYd9B_dz3aPGxMyw5849A6vH5CMiccj6BPciPbzh32SvjMLu9mxw6YaPLV-XYcKVUxd_8JswD7LzVkM/s400/christiaan+and+k.jpeg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Christiaan saw the big heavy chair Kumaka was in and said that wasn't going to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He asked Mike Box if Kumaka could borrow a Mini Box chair to see what he would do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What wouldn't he do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Over the next four years, Kumaka would ride the skate parks, surfing waves, shooting at the basketball courts, wheeling 5K's, sliding down the slopes on a monoski, riding a bike with his brothers, even playing soccer. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQN2sFfV5d7VoNCblRkPA6nux-ATDQS8nIuJASUSuEFVyDBqIsU82XhEIPfn8DgDQB1eXp-EcWxz4Hqx3qpH7LEbrmA5sygSx7nJUM-AT5q6UsrGwtnu5yHWQcFEOIEwtS2Uyya6aW2g/s1600/basketball+2013+282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQN2sFfV5d7VoNCblRkPA6nux-ATDQS8nIuJASUSuEFVyDBqIsU82XhEIPfn8DgDQB1eXp-EcWxz4Hqx3qpH7LEbrmA5sygSx7nJUM-AT5q6UsrGwtnu5yHWQcFEOIEwtS2Uyya6aW2g/s400/basketball+2013+282.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has become an athlete, a doer, a go-getter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He tries everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He is brave, fearless, and JOYFUL.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How does he do all of these things?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because people believe in him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">People like his mentor Christiaan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">People like Mike Box.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwKerPc3VAqVqEQjj-dQqdnayBV7f3k8Wnvz1FgQTCBrzYlz7BqGeQdKMy5b2aT5gJvuPGQ6HO8g7WqwDy3yBVwz3PWsrUwEFm9drubXGuB4YCA-Hx-A_1SUV4FLOXZ5MoOtw1xOq-G4/s1600/11078082_10206360649717405_6328070850320962433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwKerPc3VAqVqEQjj-dQqdnayBV7f3k8Wnvz1FgQTCBrzYlz7BqGeQdKMy5b2aT5gJvuPGQ6HO8g7WqwDy3yBVwz3PWsrUwEFm9drubXGuB4YCA-Hx-A_1SUV4FLOXZ5MoOtw1xOq-G4/s320/11078082_10206360649717405_6328070850320962433_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Organizations like Challenged Athletes Foundation. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This October, Kumaka is wheeling the running leg of the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathalon. Daniel, a Marine Veteran and an amazing surfer and monoskier is swimming on his team, and Tracie, a wonderful athlete and teacher is doing the bike. Their team has set a lofty goal....to raise $10,000 for Challenged Athletes Foundation. WHY SO MUCH? Because they grant dreams. They allow kids that are in wheelchairs, kids that have prosthetics, Veterans that have come home after tragedies, to be athletes...TO BELIEVE THEY CAN DO ANYTHING. There is NOTHING more valuable in life than that. Below you will find the link to Kumaka's page. ANY AMOUNT YOU CAN DONATE will grant DREAMS. #TeamCAF</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://support.challengedathletes.org/site/TR/2016CrossEvents/SDTC-Teams?team_id=3101&pg=team&fr_id=1190" target="_blank">SUPPORT TEAM ROCKIN' WHEELIES for CHALLENGED ATHLETES</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be a life changer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Grant dreams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">We were told all the things Kumaka <b>couldn't do.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">We were never told the <b><i>possibilities. </i></b></span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-73121913237038303282016-06-02T10:27:00.002-07:002016-06-02T10:27:34.894-07:00All We Need is LOVE<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I read the headlines, I get increasingly sad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Watching students get shot at schools, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Seeing terrorist attacks all over the world,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Reading hateful comments people write about various topics,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am SAD.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It seems that the world is getting increasingly more scary,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">More hateful,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">More mean,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">EVERY SINGLE DAY.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It seems like people want to blame,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">People want to judge,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">People want to voice their opinion on everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We need action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This WORLD needs action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm not talking about more guns, more violence, more hate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm talking about LOVE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We need to love each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love our families.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love our friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love our neighbors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sYp3YBkBhm8rZXT7V0W5Zy1zULrKre0mY_PY3cxX1daiBZv6Fk9ra6dBy3MSKBYOKPJ478kc95nO7xkMhbf7ZG-3TWDvf2FY5aNNfMBWP0_E5KAS_xZSMsRwG5qZf_nIxT1OnFtFY7o/s1600/IMG_8034.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqEGT9GklBZihXjv067Pt9iJSLp6pMoCPFTxp-0Whc1HiaIz6Fkno7BuIpIjB9qhqdAxophQtbLnNee-sGiyKAJyAyU6hiSWllepJqyieGMV4k1lrc4UDY4VvP6IJMzZVIW3mrFNm2m4/s1600/IMG_8033.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqEGT9GklBZihXjv067Pt9iJSLp6pMoCPFTxp-0Whc1HiaIz6Fkno7BuIpIjB9qhqdAxophQtbLnNee-sGiyKAJyAyU6hiSWllepJqyieGMV4k1lrc4UDY4VvP6IJMzZVIW3mrFNm2m4/s640/IMG_8033.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Teach our children to accept differences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To value the act of kindness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Teach them to treat everyone around them with LOVE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As the young generation learns to love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To be educated instead of judgemental,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They will become the generation that makes a difference in this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love has to win.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love has to be the answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is not always a reason for a tragedy, there is not always blame to be placed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Educate. Love. Kindness. Be the light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sYp3YBkBhm8rZXT7V0W5Zy1zULrKre0mY_PY3cxX1daiBZv6Fk9ra6dBy3MSKBYOKPJ478kc95nO7xkMhbf7ZG-3TWDvf2FY5aNNfMBWP0_E5KAS_xZSMsRwG5qZf_nIxT1OnFtFY7o/s1600/IMG_8034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sYp3YBkBhm8rZXT7V0W5Zy1zULrKre0mY_PY3cxX1daiBZv6Fk9ra6dBy3MSKBYOKPJ478kc95nO7xkMhbf7ZG-3TWDvf2FY5aNNfMBWP0_E5KAS_xZSMsRwG5qZf_nIxT1OnFtFY7o/s400/IMG_8034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-28639309665367578192016-05-23T08:00:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:00:05.762-07:00How did I get HERE?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am going to share a personal journey with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">LIKE I'VE NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you know me, or have seen a picture of me, you know that my weight has been a challenge for many, many years.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdXcr-8gz-CBDPJULf1YvW76x8yJFPUlIOUOcRBETEqSAZ4WT6KivDEU59kLYUZg0Il4ED7V_6AWn5bnDCIt6u_n7yb8FobkhkpkAYEUfoXl6msf6MgO3ZYpgwmQvF1jlP8XGWKkJ8U8/s1600/IMG_7335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdXcr-8gz-CBDPJULf1YvW76x8yJFPUlIOUOcRBETEqSAZ4WT6KivDEU59kLYUZg0Il4ED7V_6AWn5bnDCIt6u_n7yb8FobkhkpkAYEUfoXl6msf6MgO3ZYpgwmQvF1jlP8XGWKkJ8U8/s400/IMG_7335.JPG" width="382" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I feel like I have gained 20 pounds yearly! I was afraid when I got pregnant with Kumaka that I would get to 300 pounds. I got higher than that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I topped off at 314 pounds!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">WHAT? HOW? NOW WHAT!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I never had to worry about my weight until I had children. At first the weight gain was a few pounds, and then 20 pounds, until I ballooned so high that walking was hard, sleeping was uncomfortable, and no clothes fit me. I am going to be brutally honest here.....I stopped measuring myself for clothing sizes; opting for leggings and t shirts. So the largest size I purchased was 26, but I really think I was a 28 but refusing to admit it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Working out was impossible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My bladder became affected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My legs rubbed together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I felt ugly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I noticed that many times people wouldn't look at my face when I was talking to them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I tried to pretend that I was proud of who I was regardless of my weight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But last year, I had to be honest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My health was being affected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was afraid of diabetes, heart issues, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What was I teaching my children?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXk5sz3J8B_Uc-frsmCo1aqsjsclDp7KNvR6xU8474jURVm4yEGb5yzTn92kN6chyOjn8YRuK8S2jdhYd6lsO_soNC-tf0_pVpsUjiJrbuArzPY-jGE2uZmGews2yHdXaYLieagj4fm0/s1600/IMG_6824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXk5sz3J8B_Uc-frsmCo1aqsjsclDp7KNvR6xU8474jURVm4yEGb5yzTn92kN6chyOjn8YRuK8S2jdhYd6lsO_soNC-tf0_pVpsUjiJrbuArzPY-jGE2uZmGews2yHdXaYLieagj4fm0/s640/IMG_6824.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I reached out to my dear friend Liz.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She had been talking to be about Herbalife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For awhile I said I couldn't afford it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I finally knew, I couldn't afford to not do it.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMIilHUFGUI0rnF8bmF7oVTISH2LRV1ATwtrK7wfzE8cSmLOoUuqpfDXzT1aFNCKvMdk6yNOYe_ihRUgSYL__UE_rdBPWA1kni9xLaxXURhRKU35VZY-qoBm2iwcZHlF9TRjrplkWDhI/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMIilHUFGUI0rnF8bmF7oVTISH2LRV1ATwtrK7wfzE8cSmLOoUuqpfDXzT1aFNCKvMdk6yNOYe_ihRUgSYL__UE_rdBPWA1kni9xLaxXURhRKU35VZY-qoBm2iwcZHlF9TRjrplkWDhI/s640/IMG_4649.JPG" width="606" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first thing I did was stop drinking soda. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">THAT WAS A HUGE ONE!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had been drinking soda since I was 17 years old.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I started drinking only water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After two weeks, I didn't miss it anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To be continued....</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-21431193459544332282016-05-20T11:07:00.000-07:002016-05-20T11:07:03.316-07:00My warrior<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our family has been dealing with mental health concerns for four years.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Over time, the concerns have gotten increasingly worse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last fall, everything came to a head.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our boy was lost, his mind sort of splintered.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He started showing signs of psychosis.....seeing and hearing things that did not exist.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our family was devastated as we watched our boy hurting so much.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There was nothing we could do to change what he was going through.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He couldn't go to school.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He couldn't play basketball.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He couldn't leave the house.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Luckily, our boy had a team.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A large team of people that cared about him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They all circled around him even though he was not present to realize they were there.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Coaches.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A team.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">School support.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Church support.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His therapist.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His team.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Slowly he lifted his head.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Slowly he started responding.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He would take a few steps forward....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And a few steps back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He started taking more steps forward </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And less steps back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He still has work to do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He still has a team behind him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And he is learning to muscle through the hard days.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today marks 15 days of school in a row. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A couple of the days were rough.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But he pushed through.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He's been to practice and weights everyday.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He's playing basketball.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIS HARD WORK.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is a warrior.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is my hero.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mental Health Awareness matters.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Be kind.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Be aware of others.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Be a friend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love can conquer anything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#ItTakesATeam</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-21659365678999300862016-03-28T23:14:00.000-07:002016-03-28T23:14:37.560-07:00Family<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am so very very thankful that I have a family, that I am surrounded by family, that I have friends that are family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am so blessed to have five amazing boys and one beautiful princess to care for on this earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am beyond blessed to have this man with a heart of gold, with the patience of Job, and the strength of a thousand men as my eternal companion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He and I have been through many things in our almost 22 years of marriage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Through all of it all, our children have stuck together through thick and thin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Through the example of my dear Jensen Ohana, my mother in law and father in law, my kids have learned that family is EVERYTHING.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When we sent our Kekoa off to serve a 2 year mission for our church, we knew he would learn and grow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We didn't know he would be teaching us at home, and giving his brother wise advice from afar as he battles mental health struggles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every week, Kekoa has sent an email encouraging our tall one, teaching him, and believing in him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This week, we received a letter that he is struggling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And my tall one wrote a letter back to him, telling him that last week he wanted to give up, but that mom talked him through. He told him they could get it through it together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As each of them struggle in very different ways, they grow closer to each other, and closer to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am so thankful that I have these boys who are teaching me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am thankful for my family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am thankful for the love of a Heavenly Father and our Savior.</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-75313827066388901382016-03-23T17:43:00.000-07:002016-03-23T17:43:26.953-07:00Spina Bifida....a boy just being a boy<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I haven't posted much about Kumaka and his life with Spina Bifida.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The reason?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spina Bifida has not reared it's head in quite awhile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has been so healthy, so happy, and growing and learning and doing his thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has been going to the skatepark regularly, surfing, and he even went skiing for the first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPx0GjyAmj7FOFQnFnGZ1-EqBnCxFVGyppnW9ECHhgWpwNXmnPHGg6AZo31PBclZQ3uckWPIA6Gr5lC5cszcWxwnW7CAQ6yTIg-nSXUOqXRfypw9hwtnvGZZQg0Jqz2az0iREoCvX0bAk/s1600/CAF+Sheckler+Foundation+Group+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPx0GjyAmj7FOFQnFnGZ1-EqBnCxFVGyppnW9ECHhgWpwNXmnPHGg6AZo31PBclZQ3uckWPIA6Gr5lC5cszcWxwnW7CAQ6yTIg-nSXUOqXRfypw9hwtnvGZZQg0Jqz2az0iREoCvX0bAk/s640/CAF+Sheckler+Foundation+Group+Shot.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTikazvlTbc_R-rZHZT-SbjbKBI347NelOt9ChmYzqseQBwkH8Z4z7-Cm28LHs_UXwiQA6BkFWOIfr43hRcmwIkGepIYlLORwC1RZOexPIkkHQzLbCNJgpwUonsiBxMjWPtyoGQSxD1eo/s1600/Kumaka+Drop+In+Big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTikazvlTbc_R-rZHZT-SbjbKBI347NelOt9ChmYzqseQBwkH8Z4z7-Cm28LHs_UXwiQA6BkFWOIfr43hRcmwIkGepIYlLORwC1RZOexPIkkHQzLbCNJgpwUonsiBxMjWPtyoGQSxD1eo/s640/Kumaka+Drop+In+Big.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He is training for a ten mile "run" for his relay part of the Challenged Athletes Foundation triathalon in San Diego.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijehtwS8E1Xcm_xsRej1vcerea2136HwhpXpoD0Cam15ZbpWzw6XTjSyzC-BS0P5suKg6jz6ES2QLHEkfxz4Bq0dOIlvZL3rH3zpZMOQs7co6DrCgv69CYNLNueRZ5FnWgPE2NTGqXCSc/s1600/12496078_10208539517187730_5867921055805810396_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijehtwS8E1Xcm_xsRej1vcerea2136HwhpXpoD0Cam15ZbpWzw6XTjSyzC-BS0P5suKg6jz6ES2QLHEkfxz4Bq0dOIlvZL3rH3zpZMOQs7co6DrCgv69CYNLNueRZ5FnWgPE2NTGqXCSc/s640/12496078_10208539517187730_5867921055805810396_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyodJ3C8PYAiNE5zPNiATxP5dTzjI_nKdmcuefYs5W2tJ8OdZ6fCvqawuRwn4BGueb6tgmd7L-APNxqDRIFsswl1hnna_Vi52IWyexNL2YhqneYu4mIZbF48lW9wojdBdnJ44TzYstC8/s640/12553038_1081149955268701_4395364648611088360_n.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In short, he is being a kid.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaxl9GPmevGMuM37zl6GKsIT8bJLGU4BW2iv0KUNJjhbBYTZTlYgENdSR5S95PGdVnKL96QlloH1pHie25hMK7Rb8umu4GE1mmPwPNVmA35zfvaXAU1fxcyLqi19m5AvYSzDCNw7YUBY/s1600/12191193_10154608041929815_4414464244392257726_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaxl9GPmevGMuM37zl6GKsIT8bJLGU4BW2iv0KUNJjhbBYTZTlYgENdSR5S95PGdVnKL96QlloH1pHie25hMK7Rb8umu4GE1mmPwPNVmA35zfvaXAU1fxcyLqi19m5AvYSzDCNw7YUBY/s640/12191193_10154608041929815_4414464244392257726_o.jpg" width="426" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He was so blessed last November to go to Costa Rica with his dad, his brother, as well as his BFF Hunter and his family and his other friend Joey and his family. Ocean's Healing Group is an amazing organization that takes a few families per trip to the Shaka Surf Camp in Costa Rica. The families surf every day, they ride quads, the zip line, and Kumaka had a blast. Ricochet the Surf Dog helped raise money for the flights. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho799ptdJInrgOwYPnCDNTO7K6ckq36yewzaDLy_6f76OVEQV8i9o7IC670gnQN_oLgSDinb7BxMzy0QU5uQKl6E4kP-3i7s9-e-n0ds5Fe8Qh8eNOo6bamAsz4YoT15wWDRWYGIq8s8E/s1600/12183692_10154606755049815_6081608108273018393_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho799ptdJInrgOwYPnCDNTO7K6ckq36yewzaDLy_6f76OVEQV8i9o7IC670gnQN_oLgSDinb7BxMzy0QU5uQKl6E4kP-3i7s9-e-n0ds5Fe8Qh8eNOo6bamAsz4YoT15wWDRWYGIq8s8E/s640/12183692_10154606755049815_6081608108273018393_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedV1ICcro6s8gtsR3a3IZmSSSS7MhZ5cUrsmnspMUBfFrKxKWkzT6O6glQmqnZR4oV-uHDlb48ntctrjy4IJQa2LRjgg3uSiiOycVkw4Q7wzKcWFz7EW315vIXQ9cTXcvGrLILNiqF5E/s1600/12191284_10154608045634815_945513426752176763_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedV1ICcro6s8gtsR3a3IZmSSSS7MhZ5cUrsmnspMUBfFrKxKWkzT6O6glQmqnZR4oV-uHDlb48ntctrjy4IJQa2LRjgg3uSiiOycVkw4Q7wzKcWFz7EW315vIXQ9cTXcvGrLILNiqF5E/s640/12191284_10154608045634815_945513426752176763_o.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We never imagined in a million years that we would go years without really worrying about Spina Bifida. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We never imagined such a life for him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are so grateful for every day we have, and every healthy day we have. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are so grateful for the many friends we have made that also travel the Spina Bifida journey.</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-2200057018631603692016-03-18T13:24:00.000-07:002016-03-18T13:24:24.656-07:00Be the Team<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I have written about my tall one's battle with anxiety, depression and schizophrenia, I have thought long and hard about how very blessed we are to have the people we have on his side. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He has a multiple faceted team that works to help him in various aspects....a county program specializing in young people dealing with the beginning stages of schizophrenia (that is where he gets amazing therapists and psychiatrists who know go beyond what other mental health professionals have done...like when he can't get out of the car because his anxiety is to high, they come to him); a school program that has smaller classrooms and teachers that are well versed in dealing with anxiety and depression and have ways of being creative so that students can eventually move towards full day attendance; a basketball program that cares deeply about our boy as a person, and has believed in him from the beginning; and church leaders that have never judged him for not going to church; instead they have come to our home and just LOVED him and taught him. Put those four programs together with the love of a family, parents who seriously had to fight hard to keep him home during the hardest of times, brothers who stayed by his side, other family members who understood his need to sometimes be in quiet rooms during family gatherings; that is how our boy is coming thru this battle. It has been the hardest of battles, and we have had to be patient when we didn't have patience left. We have had to believe in him when he didn't believe in himself and when we didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Every group on his team has fought hard, fought for him, next to him, and sometimes with him to get him in a place where he is finally moving forward. It was and still is a daily battle. Any day he could have a setback. We have to prepare and always believe in him. Believe that his life is worth saving, that his life is worth living, and that his life is worth it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Other people deal with mental health issues. It is not always as easy as it looks, and not everyone has the amount of support that others do. EVERY LIFE IS WORTH LIVING. It is so important that people understand the need for mental health awareness; that people learn tolerance; that people educate themselves about the various disorders; that people learn to love others regardless.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Being on someone's team is sometimes as easy as caring, calling, checking in, not allowing that person to feel alone. It's when you're alone you sink to the lowest of lows. Everyone deserves a chance to LIVE. No one wants to live with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bi polar disorder, or any of the other mental health disorders there are. Think outside of your comfort zone, because no one living with these disorders is comfortable either! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#ItTakesATeam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#EndTheStigma</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#LoveOneAnother</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-6768449620823442932016-03-17T11:01:00.001-07:002016-03-17T11:01:07.251-07:00Rejoice<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4Vk4mZZ6aFqo3DW6r6813qOeIpEQmKmUMFiRdHX_slZxs8gdjEnVCrAwgg5vz1D-KkVCNtrxRoFIWTE16k9gcQbZweaP7h2GkcKr9rJ-nFkJClxeF96rODTngFSMn41ucqPyG6zRCAg/s1600/12493557_10208583466766442_8839168133810523015_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4Vk4mZZ6aFqo3DW6r6813qOeIpEQmKmUMFiRdHX_slZxs8gdjEnVCrAwgg5vz1D-KkVCNtrxRoFIWTE16k9gcQbZweaP7h2GkcKr9rJ-nFkJClxeF96rODTngFSMn41ucqPyG6zRCAg/s400/12493557_10208583466766442_8839168133810523015_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want to share progress my tall one has made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would love for all of you that have read about his heartbreaking diagnosis, those of you that have kept him in your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes, to be able to REJOICE with us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">August is when things started going south in a bad way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His anxiety was at an all time high, and he started to become extremely depressed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He wouldn't leave the house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">October we found out about the psychosis episodes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That was three months of pure hell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He was not even able to communicate to the therapist or psychiatrist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">School was not happening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Basketball was not happening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His life seemed like it was falling apart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In reality, it was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we read about his diagnosis in the beginning, we felt like we would never get our boy back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were scared he would never come back to us fully.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were scared he would never find joy again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">6 months later, and a LOT of HARD HARD work by many many people, and we have our boy back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is on the proper medications (finally).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is now at school FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He works out with his basketball team every day (at the gym and on the court).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He had his first basketball game last weekend (since the summer time) and did great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is eating healthier, going to sleep at a good time, and is generally happier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His anxiety level is now at a 2. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A TWO people!!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We never gave up on him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We never sent him away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We just loved him hard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We loved him unconditionally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">WE NEVER GAVE UP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">HIS TEAM NEVER GAVE UP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even when he told us he wanted to give up (because the fight was SOOOOO dang hard) we pushed him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We encouraged him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We gave him goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now he has goals again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And he's working his tail off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are rejoicing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We understand that his fight is ongoing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But we are finally seeing progress. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And it's huge.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#IAmNotAshamed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#ItTakesATeam</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#EndTheStigma</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-55204769999831988622016-03-08T13:23:00.002-08:002016-03-08T13:23:40.447-08:00Grateful <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For many, many things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for my family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For the gospel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For my son that made a tremendous sacrifice to serve God for two years in Kentucky, a state he has never been in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For friends that are family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For coaches that are more than coaches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For teachers that are more than teachers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful that Kumaka has so many mentors, amazing wheelie friends, and wonderful opportunities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful that sweet Sofi is in our family, and has blossomed into such an amazing bright light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful that we are seeing amazing changes in our tall one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for bad circumstances that have turned into miraculous results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for new days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for health.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are so many things for us to be grateful for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Look around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Look in your home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Look in your heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Being grateful allows you to deal with almost anything. </span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-46349227643277039062016-03-02T15:32:00.001-08:002016-03-02T15:32:50.457-08:00Rebound<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In August last year, we started seeing subtle changes in our tall one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His anxiety was THROUGH THE ROOF.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He couldn't even play basketball. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His anxiety would literally paralyze him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He then started to show signs of depression. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He wouldn't leave the house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He wanted to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But he couldn't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We didn't understand exactly how serious his situation was until he told me about the guy he was seeing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The guy that didn't really exist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our world fell apart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Literally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had no idea what any of it meant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We didn't understand WHY.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We mourned his former self.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">DAILY.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His dreams and goals disappeared.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He told me he would never leave the house again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He felt so very alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And as his parents WE felt alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Alone in literal hell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How do you help someone deal with voices and people that only he can see and hear?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had to fight for his very existence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Because he was not able to go to school, the recommendation was to send him to a facility out of the county that could help him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were completely against sending him away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His biggest fear was just that.....us sending him away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How could we, his parents, his family, the people he trusts the most do that?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(There are cases that it's very appropriate to do that.....we just didn't feel like that was the correct choice for our family)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So we fought.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We fought what felt like everything and everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We even had to fight him sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had to fight him to continue to fight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had to fight this unseen assailant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We had to learn about a different kind of illness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thankfully, our boy was accepted into a special program that deals specifically with his type of illness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has a psychiatrist to help him navigate his medicine;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has a therapist to help him learn how to deal with situations appropriately;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has us to love him;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has school support to guide him educationally;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And he has his coaches who have given him hope when we couldn't give him hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We have learned to give him small goals, sometimes daily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has learned to trust us and in turn trust himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is learning that he CAN.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is learning to not give up.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In basketball, when you make a shot and miss, it's super important to try to get the rebound. </span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw">re·bound</span><sup class="lr_dct_ent_hi" style="font-size: small; position: relative; top: -8px;">1</sup></div>
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<span class="lr_dct_ph"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">rəˈbound,ˈrēˌbound/</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">bounce back through the air after hitting a hard surface or object.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our boy has hit a seriously hard surface. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fallen flat on face, sometimes literally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today, he rebounded...and in a huge way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today he went to school all day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For the first time in over a year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He called the shots, his goal was smaller than that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But he asked to stay all day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And now he's at basketball practice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm sure he will have more hard days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He will not sail through this without rough patches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But he will get through those rough patches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He will may have some scratches, bumps and bruises.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He will also have learned and grown and stretched.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He will have experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He will know that he can do it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He can get the rebound....and he can make the basket.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-33473490266551411882016-02-22T12:53:00.001-08:002016-02-22T12:53:37.105-08:00Why?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Why do I go to church on Sunday? Why is sacrament meeting, sunday school, and Relief Society so important? Isn't there something I could be doing more important?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I go to church because I am a follower of Christ, and I am trying to do everything I can to be like him. I attend three meetings that are one hour each for the same reason. And today I was given a huge confirmation that there is NOTHING more important than those three hours on Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our stake president challenged us to <span style="background-color: white;">make Sacrament Meeting a personal uplifting and spiritual experience by going to church earlier, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">focus upon reverence and worship instead of conducting business and visiting</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> As we arrived and sat down, I literally felt the spirit so strong just sitting there. Everyone was quiet, the organist was playing hymns, and I was able to really reflect on the Jesus Christ, and what sacrament means. I felt so peaceful, and really took in all of the moments during that hour. It was amazing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">The lesson in Relief Society was about Adversity. The lesson was from the Teachings of Howard. W. Hunter. You can read the lesson <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-howard-w-hunter/chapter-3-adversity-part-of-gods-plan-for-our-eternal-progress?lang=eng" target="_blank">here</a>. It's a really good lesson. When I think about adversity, I think "I'm cool, I don't need any thing else to worry about". Unfortunately, that is not how things work.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">"<i>We see many joys and sorrows in the world, many changed plans and new directions, many blessings that do not always look or feel like blessings, and much that humbles us and improves our patience and faith. We have all had those experiences from time to time, and I suppose we always will...</i>" </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was really moved by the lesson. The last few months has been really a daily struggle with the beast of adversity. Dealing with Kalani's mental health issues is hard hard work...daily. He's learning a new normal, and we are learning how to support him and guide him even when he has hard days. Today was a hard day. Mondays aren't easy. For ANYONE! But for people who deal day in and day out with anxiety and depression it's the beginning of the week of expectations. You are expected to go to school, practice, work, etc. Except thinking about everything you are supposed to do puts you in a tailspin. And you don't understand WHY it's still hard. WHY you're not better yet. WHY you have to fight every day. Mondays are typically the days my boy is mad. And wants to give up. Which means I have to fight harder for him. And sometimes that means against him. Because he can't sit at home, he HAS to get out and live life. So....today was one of THOSE days. And I got mad too. Not at Kalani, just at having to fight. At adversity. It really is not very fun at all! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then I thought of the lesson yesterday. I felt a degree of comfort and the anger dissipated a little. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">"<i>For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness, nor misery, neither good nor bad". (2 Nephi 2:11)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then I received a letter from my missionary. He had his ups and downs last week for sure. And instead of me comforting him, he gave me advice. His wisdom in his 18 years is amazing. He sent me this picture. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4VqObx05BYGhaW9JQc1HwPZfp8RZZXYIFaWweEV5tZSu66rVbGSqbxOnklORLHY88-qKmjxbw1KHRVFrdOAc4oPa8PiHdgNuj0zu-7NLXHTu4cuZS4dLYAB6UfMTD9KBGTpt_OmJvHE/s1600/image3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4VqObx05BYGhaW9JQc1HwPZfp8RZZXYIFaWweEV5tZSu66rVbGSqbxOnklORLHY88-qKmjxbw1KHRVFrdOAc4oPa8PiHdgNuj0zu-7NLXHTu4cuZS4dLYAB6UfMTD9KBGTpt_OmJvHE/s640/image3.PNG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">In the last two days I have been bombarded with this lesson. Ok God, I get it. Adversity is necessary. And I can choose to be mad, sad, or whatever, or I can learn from it and move forward. Move forward I will. And so will my boy. We will overcome this challenge. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I need these lessons, I need to be fortified so that when my day goes south, I can pull up my pants and move forward. I love this gospel. I love Jesus Christ, and I know that through His sacrifice my son's mind will be whole again. </span></span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-44632324091433270182016-01-28T11:00:00.000-08:002016-01-28T11:00:27.216-08:00#ItTakesATeam<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do you ever think about the people you rely on?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You know, the people that you think of right away to call, text, or write as soon as something is going on in your life?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Every one has a group, a circle, a TEAM of people around them that loves them, supports them, laughs with them, and cries with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But what if you feel alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You don't know who is on your team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You are going through something so big, so monstrous that you can't really think about it, much less share it with someone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">THAT is when you need a team behind you the most. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we found out that our tall one was dealing with such a heavy issue, something we as his parents couldn't even put our brains around, we felt like we were in an isolation tower. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We didn't understand what was going on, HE didn't know what was going on, and we had no idea how to help him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The word? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Schizophrenia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">WHAT?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">WHAT IS THAT?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">WHY DOES MY SON HAVE TO BATTLE IT?<br />HOW DO WE HELP HIM?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first thing we did was education ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Schizophrenia</b> is a chronic, severe, and disabiling brain disorder that has affected people throughout history. People with the disorder may hear voices others don't hear or see people that others don't see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then we cried. For days. Months even.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we cried, we made sure that he was safe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He was never alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We talked to him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His coaches continually checked on him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They texted him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They came over to see him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We got him in an amazing program, that included a therapist, a psychiatrist, and education for him and us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He started medication.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He started seeing his therapist and doctor weekly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It took time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Months even.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Slowly, he started to come back to us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has a long way to go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's an every day battle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He's learning to be courageous, to fight, to not be afraid to be who he is, to be honest with himself and others, and he's learning to not be ashamed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He's learning that there are things he HAS to do, and others he doesn't. He's learning limits. He's learning that he will always have worth, that he will always achieve his goals, and that his dreams are always attainable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He's also learning about his team. The valuable adults in his life that go to bat for him daily. The team of people that have his back, that get creative, that rejoice in his successes and go back to the drawing boards when he backslides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has two parents who ADORE him and believe in him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has a basketball coaching staff that have stepped up, and seen his value as a person, and are teaching him the value of himself and his team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has a school team of educators that are supportive, give attainable goals, and are patient when he struggles. They hear us and him and plan his schedules accordingly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has a therapist that is the coolest guy ever, and a psychiatrist that is always keeping tabs on his medications to make sure they are adequate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He has a church leader that visits him, encourages him, and reminds him that God loves him and is mindful of him always.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That is the very inner circle, the daily circle of teammates that help lift our boy up. This team is how he has come out of his shell, come out of his personal hell, and found some successes. He has so much more to go, but he is seeing successes that he hasn't seen in years. Without his team, we would never be where we are now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Everyone needs a team. Who's on your team? #ItTakesATeam</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-90231126998259416522016-01-27T11:09:00.000-08:002016-01-27T11:09:27.723-08:00Doubt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy2nFXZu7s2yB1Gwzj4xRQMNDkZmoInIyGMdrRqSHLJ6balPhrWSfL0NGTntltg-i3PBmLUbmDVJ9EiS-zFwoWbe-dza7BzWSJXazm2oHlFWLZY2D4VDMTh5UfIA2n_utzhV7OcI-4kA/s1600/12493557_10208583466766442_8839168133810523015_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy2nFXZu7s2yB1Gwzj4xRQMNDkZmoInIyGMdrRqSHLJ6balPhrWSfL0NGTntltg-i3PBmLUbmDVJ9EiS-zFwoWbe-dza7BzWSJXazm2oHlFWLZY2D4VDMTh5UfIA2n_utzhV7OcI-4kA/s400/12493557_10208583466766442_8839168133810523015_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">DOUBT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doubt is a thief. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doubt makes you question, makes you afraid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doubt takes away ability.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doubt can ruin a life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When dealing with mental illness, your own brain is a robber.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your own brain puts doubt in your head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your own brain is making you doubt yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When your own brain is making you doubt yourself, you become paralyzed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are supposed to go to school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are supposed to go to practice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are supposed to go to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can't, because you doubt yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your brain says you can't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your brain says you're not good enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your brain says you're weak.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your brain says you're worthless.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eventually you can't even hear those around you telling you that you can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can't hear the words I love you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can't hear anything but doubt and you can't feel anything but fear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can't see any of your victories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's a daily struggle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The voice can whisper, the voice can shout.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's always there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doubt is a liar, and a thief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mental Health is real. It's serious. We all need to be aware. It's all around us. It's our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends. It's silent. But we all need to talk about it. Share your stories. And know #ItTakesATeam</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgxu95cxkDBhRfItNNQtyk1WtsU9SewyD39TR6dY7T73-LvrNfMV1RseH7zx2ormGyisJMgvT9d5zAJ0BfHBHw5jkXWzMBTthyphenhyphenKGFdFWNclkTDFkZD0baYyZid4vAZF38t-V67g6u4ow/s1600/12573937_10208611046815926_8176163314103506610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgxu95cxkDBhRfItNNQtyk1WtsU9SewyD39TR6dY7T73-LvrNfMV1RseH7zx2ormGyisJMgvT9d5zAJ0BfHBHw5jkXWzMBTthyphenhyphenKGFdFWNclkTDFkZD0baYyZid4vAZF38t-V67g6u4ow/s400/12573937_10208611046815926_8176163314103506610_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our son battles mental illness daily. Last week he triumphed. This week doubt is stealing his ability. Every day his team reminds him of their love, gives him small goals, and praises him. It's one of the hardest battles he will face in his life. But he is not alone. And he is not ashamed to share his story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And we are so proud of our tall one and his courageous battle. </span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-74698556357799829612016-01-14T17:01:00.000-08:002016-01-14T17:01:26.434-08:00Three Things Thursday/ January 14 <span style="font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love <a href="http://thefoleyfam.com/" target="_blank">Kristine from The Foley Fam Unedited</a> and when I saw she was doing this fun linkup I decided I wanted to participate! So here it goes.....I am going to talk about three things on my mind today:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These days getting a smile from this sweet boy is not so easy. He has been battling a huge battle: debilitating anxiety, depression, and psychosis </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Psychosis is a serious mental disorder characterized by thinking and emotions that are so impaired, that they indicate that the person experiencing them has lost contact with reality. </i></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px;">People who are psychotic have false thoughts (delusions) and/or see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations). These are referred to as “positive” symptoms; “negative” symptoms like loss of motivation and social withdrawal can also occur.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This has caused our boy huge amounts of stress, and the inability to do the things he should be enjoying and participating in. Even his very favorite thing, basketball, has been impaired. It has been a horrible thing to watch, as we are helpless to do much but love him and encourage him. We are incredibly proud of him. He fights this battle daily. It's the hardest thing I have ever witnessed. Going to watch basketball games with him is our way of getting him out and trying to encourage him. This photo was last night, watching our varsity basketball team playing a game. Does anyone else have had to deal with this horrible mental illness? Wishing I could snap my fingers and make it go away. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our little princess has officially been ours for exactly 2 years!! I can't believe it's already been that long. When she came home, she was weeks from her fourth birthday, and she weighed all of 20 pounds. Now she weighs 35 pounds and has almost grown out of her 5T clothes! It's been amazing to watch her growth. She is so more alert and aware. She plays with her toys and purposefully will touch our arms or hands. Her smiles melt us....they are like rays straight from heaven. We are so blessed to have in our family!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These two are training for the running portion of the <a href="http://www.challengedathletes.org/site/c.4nJHJQPqEiKUE/b.6449023/k.BD6D/Home.htm" target="_blank">Challenged Athletes Foundation</a> triathalon in October. Kumaka is the actual "runner" and Kalani will be his helper. They run everyday and are enjoying spending this time together. Yesterday they ran 2.8 miles in 22 minutes!!! So proud of them and their hard work. The Triathalon is a fundraiser for CAF. Their mission is: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>Established in 1997, the Challenged Athletes Foundation recognizes the athletic greatness inherent in all people with physical challenges and supports their athletic endeavors by providing unparalleled sports opportunities that lead to success in sports — and in life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kumaka has been so blessed by this organization and we are so very proud that he wants to help raise money and give back! Look for more from #TeamRockinWheelies throughout the year! </span></span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-7510888906341107622015-12-15T14:12:00.000-08:002015-12-15T14:12:49.709-08:002nd period<span style="font-size: large;">Dear life,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My tall one has made incredible strides.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">INCREDIBLE.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He has finally started going to school again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The first day he got out of the car....and then he went right back in.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day he took about 15 steps, spoke to the guidance counselor, and then went home. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day, his brother left for his mission and he was so sad. But he still went to school.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He didn't get out of the car that day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But he spoke to his coach and the guidance counselor followed by a visit with his therapist. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The following two days he spent about 25 minutes each in school.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This may seem like not much to most.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But to a child with his disorders, it was a huge push forward; one that he was unable to make for months. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated every minute he pushed himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Because we know how very challenging it is just to be in school.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That weekend he set even bigger goals for himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He decided to attend algebra class in his coach's class.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Monday he got dressed (and looked quite handsome) and with a little bit of nerves went to class.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And stayed the whole time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One class isn't much to most.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But to him it was a victory.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And all of last week he spent each 2nd period in Algebra. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He got more and more comfortable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He laughed with the other kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And then Friday happened.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Friday he had a really bad night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The voices came back and told him he couldn't do it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And he became fearful again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The whole weekend threw him for a loop.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But somehow he pulled it out and went to 2nd period on Monday.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He took a test.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And he did a great job.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But that night, he was unable to practice basketball.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He couldn't shake the voices telling him he can't.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And today all he could do was go in the car and sit in the parking lot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We call that a small victory.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But his heart is heavy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He doesn't know how to manage this.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He doesn't want to have to worry that it's going to come back whenever it wants.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But that's the thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It will come back.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We don't know when...or why...or how to make it not happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We only know that with patience, love, and kindness he will get through.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have to teach him that there is always tomorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have to teach him to not give up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have to teach him that he has a future.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That he has a lot going for him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have to teach him to believe.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To believe in himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To believe in others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am incredibly proud of my warrior.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I am so grateful to the people in his life that stand next to him, fighting with him, believing in him, and giving him the strength to go another day.</span><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945096592242324349.post-6609372420401407162015-11-29T21:51:00.000-08:002015-11-29T21:51:36.944-08:00A Farewell Sunday<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Life,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Today is the last Sunday I will spend with Kekoa for two years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today is the last talk we will hear him speak for two years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Family and friends came to hear his words and spend time with him today.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGShChPZkk2Ng4PiMRhwVNy27wglaAIJO8-guhJV8n65utiXBQfS9v7XcWZguWp7Y-HT1AL2wutJd9_Eh6KldbYqIlhFu7dUctqZ6IF4VjAfn9l9f-vddkSgM1faWnV3p2wb7fsOakqI/s1600/group+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGShChPZkk2Ng4PiMRhwVNy27wglaAIJO8-guhJV8n65utiXBQfS9v7XcWZguWp7Y-HT1AL2wutJd9_Eh6KldbYqIlhFu7dUctqZ6IF4VjAfn9l9f-vddkSgM1faWnV3p2wb7fsOakqI/s640/group+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a beautiful, amazing morning sitting next to those we love listening to words from my son.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He spoke about the Plan of Salvation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He taught us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He shared special moments he experienced in Hawaii.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And of course I cried. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My baby is leaving, going to serve a two year mission for our church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He will be serving the people of the Kentucky Louisville mission. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am so very proud of him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He has such a beautiful spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A silly giggle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A heart that loves others.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He will be an amazing missionary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a great afternoon, full of amazing Hawaiian food made by my wonderful father in law and sister in law.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many of our dear family and friends came to spend time with Kekoa today, to give him a big hug and say "See you in two."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart is full, and I can't wait to hear all of the stories he will have for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Kekoa, as the first missionary in our family, you are a pioneer! You are a huge example!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am so thankful for Kekoa, proud of his choice to serve the Lord for two years. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am so thankful to our family who helped us prepare an amazing meal that Kekoa LOVED (Hawaiian food...just in case he doesn't have any in Kentucky!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am so thankful to everyone who came to spend time with him and see him off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What a beautiful day!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoWCQikPFq7LhKVxkl3i-bYMFIfPyO5ll2m8sn6KvRsDCr03C59DF567OSss8Oo9ZlYdzuWwg7yb8HXPxRjMeMy5fbtGzjkqW1nghSfQie34QYWohK_j5mmCt2QCostD54yr_lY_a4ko/s1600/Silly_Familiy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoWCQikPFq7LhKVxkl3i-bYMFIfPyO5ll2m8sn6KvRsDCr03C59DF567OSss8Oo9ZlYdzuWwg7yb8HXPxRjMeMy5fbtGzjkqW1nghSfQie34QYWohK_j5mmCt2QCostD54yr_lY_a4ko/s640/Silly_Familiy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this song...such a wonderful way to think about serving the Lord.</span><br />
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Lyrics</h3>
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1. Go forth with faith to tell the world</div>
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Of Jesus Christ, the Lord.</div>
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Bear witness he is God's own Son;</div>
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Proclaim his wondrous word.</div>
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Go forth with hope and courage strong</div>
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To spread the word abroad</div>
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That people of all nations</div>
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Are children of our God.</div>
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2. Go forth with love to tell the world</div>
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The joy of families--</div>
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That we may be with those we love</div>
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Thru all eternity.</div>
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Go forth to serve and do your best</div>
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With no thought of reward;</div>
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Then you shall know the boundless joy</div>
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Of serving Christ, the Lord.</div>
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3. Go forth with pow'r to tell the world</div>
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The gospel is restored,</div>
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That all may gain eternal life</div>
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Thru Jesus Christ, the Lord.</div>
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Go forth to preach his glorious truths</div>
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Of peace, of joy, and love,</div>
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That all who heed his holy word</div>
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May praise the Lord above.</div>
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Text: Ruth M. Gardner, 1927-1999. (c) 1985 IRI</div>
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Music: Lyall J. Gardner, b. 1926. (c) 1985 IRI</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVIa5IulKhYHUkaKvvjHTvMIZtC0KVKQTaOg7xcEutqN5kYIdd0XFEZh78NvaKhyphenhyphendAXs-p17hfJ3RfTxZEUld4alNMz8ve6xKbktJeLZQtOm5pj2kURxKYtmDRb-lUv7M4gmp9xhnnps/s262/MOB_signature.png" />Tracy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736976056572958127noreply@blogger.com0