Dear Officer Al....

We had the pleasure of visiting with Officer Al, and meeting his family, friends, and fans last Saturday at his Retirement Party! What a wonderful event!
A few months ago, we asked everyone to write a little something about Officer Al.  We realize that this task was more difficult than it sounded, as it is difficult to sum up a favorite 'Officer Al' experience or memory in a paragraph or two! It is understandable that we did not get a big response to this gift idea, however, we would like to thank those of you who were able to share your memories with us, and your kind sentiments for Officer Al.  We will be sure he receives them.
We learned that Officer Al will be featured in the Campbell Elementary 2012-2013 Yearbook, and thought that we would take this opportunity to present him with a gift that represents many of the children in our community, and their families.
Thanks Campbell Elementary Yearbook Committee! We are proud to be a part of this tribute to a great man, and his dedication to our community! You can be a part of it too!  If you have any photos to share, or Officer Al with a Campbell Cougar Kiddos, please share! You can upload them to the Jostens Website, or send them to us at herochallenge2012@gmail.com.  We will get them to the right person!

Below is the letter we presented to Officer Al-

  Dear Officer Al,

Congratulations to you, on your Retirement!

Thank you so much for your service, and for going above and beyond your professional responsibilities.

Over the years, you have taken a personal interest in our families. You have been a positive role model for us, and helped to create a safe and peaceful place where our children can feel free to play, learn and grow.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.

On behalf of your Campbell Elementary Family, ‘The Hero Challenge’ would like to present you with a 2012-2013 Campbell Elementary Yearbook.  Your copy will arrive at the end of the LCISD School Year, in June 2013.

Please keep it as a reminder of how loved you are, and how much you are appreciated.  We hope when you look through it, it will remind you of your great accomplishments, the lives you have touched, and the life long friendships you have made.

You are a Hero to us all!

Sincerely,

Campbell Elementary, &‘The Hero Challenge’ Team!

Hero Firefighters

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of Richmond's Hero Firefighters yesterday.  When I made the appointment I had no idea of the significance the date.  I can't wait to go through my notes and write his story.
I was watching a cable channel yesterday that aired their actual coverage on that day.  When I turned to this station the news reporter was at the scene, in New York, before the buildings collapsed.  Behind him were many firefighters sitting on the curb waiting for the "command" to go in.  As this reporter was speaking, all the firefighters behind him got up at once and put on their gear.  I heard myself talking to the t.v. saying, "Don't go in!".  But, of course, firefighters go in to danger when everyone is running out.
Here is a beautiful Firefighters prayer:

When I'm called to duty God

wherever flames may rage

give me strength to save a life

whatever be its age

Help me to embrace a little child

before it is too late

or save an older person from

the horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert

to hear the weakest shout

and quickly and efficiently

to put the fire out

I want to fill my calling and

to give the best in me

to guard my neighbor and

protect his property

And if according to your will

I have to lose my life

bless with your protecting hand

my children and my wife.

God bless our First Responders!

DML

No Pouting, No Doubting

So, I was “stalking” on Facebook a few weeks ago and I saw that a Facebook friend and gradeschool buddy had “friended” a mutual classmate from my beloved St. Michael's School.   So I did what most probably do (or maybe it’s just me) I checked out her profile and pictures.  The prevalent color on her page was “pink” and one of her profile pictures was a stick figure girl that had a very curious caption that said, “No Pouting, No Doubting”. Click here to see it.  Well maybe it wasn’t so curious.  I knew exactly what this meant; it meant that most likely my childhood friend was fighting breast cancer.

I have been struggling with writing this post for several weeks now because I want to do it justice.  I want to capture what she wants it to and to be honest, I’m not sure if I can do it but I’ll try.

So, I’m happy to say, after I pursued Jenny on facebook, she “friended” me.  I began to find out a little more  and even went to her blog at http://www.breastcancerbuttkickin.blogspot.com I learned a little more about her, her family and her struggle.  I learned that Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2009. But with a blessing of an army of friends, and angels surrounding her, a blog and many fundraisers were started for Jenny to help fight this battle.  You can tell by the title of the blog that she has warriors on her team! 

 We can only assume a fraction of what she felt at this time, I’m sure it was devastating. Jenny puts it best,

 “I have felt confident in my decisions. I have felt the hand of the Lord in my life and have no doubt that His Spirit has given me guidance. I am humbled by the love I have felt from Him, and the knowledge that He is mindful of little me. Nearly every morning there is temptation to fear, to be discouraged, but I choose not to listen to that voice. I am happier than I have ever been. And I know I will win this fight.”

Jenny is a fighter and proactive, so she began to lay out a plan of how she was going to fight this.  Unfortunately the first obstacle to overcome was getting a double mastectomy.  She was on the path the doctors had laid out for her, which included chemo and radiation. But after getting conflicting reports from doctors regarding her prognosis, with much prayer and with a blessing from her husband and support from her two children, Jenny decided to go the naturalistic route than the one initially prescribed (chemo/ radiation).  Jenny encourages everyone to micromanage their health care from the beginning to determine the right path for them.

For specifics of her prescribed care, I encourage you to take a look at her blog.

During the course of her treatment there have been some ups and downs but the fight continues. Jenny describes her feelings like this,

” I had a brief moment or two of grief, but otherwise have felt completely peaceful and calm. I know that cancer is my refining fire. It is my companion now, and I don’t have to be afraid of it .  It brings me to my knees . . . and that is when I can stand tallest “.  I have definitely gained more perspective than I ever dreamed of. The most powerful thing which has changed me for good has been practicing gratitude. I had a cancer survivor suggest to me that I take “gratitude walks” as often as I could—to use as prayer if desired—and to think of nothing I want, but only focus on the things I am thankful for. It is a powerful, life-changing practice, I can tell you that. I am grateful for my cancer journey, as I believe it has helped me become a better person. As I say (in my book-in-progress), Cancer does not define me, but it refines me.”

With friends and family in her corner (her army of angels), Jenny was able to make a small dent in the funds needed to fight this battle. But the fight isn’t over even though the battle will be won. Go to Jenny's blog site to donate here .

or check out Jenny’s shirts  http://www.foreverisbetter.com/  and support Jenny in her fight against breast cancer.

I look forward to reading Jenny’s, soon to be published,  book entitled…you guessed it…”No Pouting, No Doubting”. 

DML

What? Officer Al is Retiring?

Officer Al is Retiring?

Yes, it's true...our dear Officer Al is retiring this year, and we want to wish him the best as he enters this next stage of his life.  We would love to honor him with a collection of thoughts, stories, and best wishes, from the community he loves, and has served for over a decade.

He has some great stories about his experiences in Greatwood, and we bet you do too! So, please share, and be as creative as you like! You can write about the first time you met Officer Al, share a funny story, or a profound experience.  Write about a time he made you smile, or laugh out loud! Write him a special note from you and your family, or just a sentence of two about what you think of him, and his dedicated service to our community!  Let's let him know how much he has impacted our lives, and how much we appreciate him!

We will make a compilation of your posts, and present it to him in November 2012.

To share your story, thoughts, and appreciation, please email us at herochallenge2012@gmail.com and share your 'Officer Al Experience' before October 1, 2012.
We welcome your photos too!

Thank you all, in advance, for making this a gift that he will cherish and enjoy, for many years to come!  

*Please feel free to email us with any questions you may have!  All posts will be edited for spelling and grammar, and profanity will be omitted. So please, keep it clean! Submissions will be credited to the sender's given name.  If you do not wish to be credited for your post, please let us know and we will name you 'anonymous'.       

                                                                                                                                                                                               JMK

C-Different for 140.6 Miles

Imagine training 20 plus hours a week for months while maintaining a full time job leaving little time for yourself and family for an event that involves a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run.  Suppose you run this race but your efforts are not recorded and if someone were to search for you as a participant, it’s as if you weren’t there.  Well who and what I am describing is our next hero Justin Sternberg and the Ironman Triathlon.

You see Justin’s full time job is as a TV producer with Channel 13.  Before he ever trained for an event he was out in the cold covering the Houston Marathon.  If you are not running the marathon, which is held in January, most likely you are shivering while watching it.  Justin’s job was to relay the leaders times back to our experts on the set.  This is when Justin first considered running the marathon.  He thought in order to “get out” of covering the Houston Marathon as a producer for Channel 13, he would have to run it.  Well, I don’t know about you but I think most people might ignore this thought and think it was a delusion.  Isn’t this how it can be when we get a dream for our lives, we brush it off;  but this story about Justin hopefully will teach us not to discount it but to fulfill it?

Justin first began training for the ½ marathon, which is 13.1 miles. After completing it, Justin would describe his time as “horrendous”.  But he was now on a quest to go for the full marathon and improve his time. In 2010 he qualified for the Boston Marathon with a time of 3 hr. and 11 minutes knocking 1 ½ hours off of previous times.

During this time Justin began producing all of the Houston marathon’s post marathon stories.  One that inspired Justin was a story of Charlie Plaskon, a visually impaired, 75 yr. old grandfather that was “guided” through the Ironman Triathlon.  He was so inspired that he began training for the Ironman and became involved with the C-Different Foundation.  C-Different was founded to inspire visually impaired people around the world to lead active and healthy lives. By connecting them with sighted guides and involving communities to support their endeavors.  Additionally, CDF seeks to inspire and educate others through the telling of the stories and circumstances of their athletes and their guides.

Justin had the opportunity to guide Charlie through a 30K after meeting Matt Miller, the founder of C-Different.  Then in 2011 a week and a half out from the first ever Ironman Texas out in The Woodlands, he was asked to guide Charlie through his 7th full Ironman.  While tethered to Charlie, as Justin explains it, it was Charlie that inspired him to complete his first Ironman!  But if you look for Justin’s name, you won’t find it, because he is solely Charlie's guide.  Justin and other guides like him, are encouraged and inspired by the applauding crowds during these events; yet find their satisfaction of helping someone like Charlie achieve his dreams, all the while sacrificing their own personal efforts.  You will, however, find Charlie’s name, as he completed his 7th Ironman.

Justin is such an inspiration, to me, he defines self-sacrifice and encourages each of us to reach deeper and give just a little more of ourselves.  Justin explains that, as a guide, you start to see obstacles on the road that you normally would ignore but they become a hazard for the visually impaired.  It reminds me of how life is and once you start to C-Different you want to guide others to do the same.  So I encourage you to get involved in this wonderful foundation either financially or as a guide and support Justin’s efforts in his next Ironman https://my.reason2race.com/JustinSternberg as he will be competing to raise awareness and funds for the C-Different organization. If you click on the link you can see a picture of Charlie and Justin during the Ironman Texas 2011.  Go Justin!

We're 'Awestruck' on Twitter!

The Hero Challenge is now on Twitter! Check us out and Follow us @heroholla


Twitter...what a world of inspiration! On August 7, 2012, Maria Shriver shared a great story from her Blog, 'Architects of Change'. We want to share it with you!

"Awestruck

By Maria Shriver

When we're busy and stressed out -- rushing around and reacting to the hectic nature of modern life -- the everyday moments of awe often slip by us unnoticed.

Life is so very precious and short. Every day we have on this earth is a miraculous gift. And yet this stress and anxiety is affecting our ability to appreciate the small moments of our lives that make up a life.

We're all looking for a balanced, meaningful and satisfying life, and I've been thinking that the best way to experience this is to look for awe in the seemingly minor moments -- to make the minor moments matter more.

The last couple of months have been filled with huge, awe-inspiring moments. Just in the last month, we safely landed a vehicle on the surface of Mars and discovered the "God particle".

An athlete with prosthetic legs ran in the Olympics. World and Olympic records have been falling every day and Michael Phelps was crowned the greatest Olympian of all time. For the first time, women outnumbered men on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.

Without question, these major milestones have lifted our collective spirits. But what about the moments of awe in our individuals lives that don't get registered in history books but can be recorded in our hearts?

We don't have to be Michael Phelps or NASA scientists to make awe in the world. There are opportunities to find and create awe all around us.

There is awe in simply sitting at a table with your family, everyone laughing and making memories that will last a lifetime.

There is awe in holding the door open for a stranger or giving someone an unexpected compliment.

There is awe in being there when a child takes their first step or when a loved takes their last breath.

There is awe in letting someone cry on your shoulder and there is awe in someone telling you they love you out of the blue.

The gold medal performance of a world-class Olympian like Gabby Douglas can certainly inspire awe in us. And we can also be in awe of her mother's quiet resolve to let her daughter move away so that her gifts could flourish and be presented to the world. That is awesome devotion.

There is awe everywhere we look, if we look with wonder. There are people creating it and experiencing it in their everyday lives through love and sacrifice, commitment and compassion, patience and passion, creativity and integrity.

I bet we'll see a whole lot more of it if we slow down enough to bear witness to it.

I'm trying to be awestruck in my life and by my life -- and bring awe to the lives of others."


Maria asked her readers to share their stories, and we would love to hear them too!

Talk to us on Twitter   Talk to us on Facebook


Warmest Regards,
The Hero Challenge Team

credits:
www.twitter.com/mariashriver
http://mariashriver.com/blog/2012/08/awestruck-maria-shriver

Turn Trauma into Triumph and Purpose

The Hero Challenge is honored to feature our next hero. This is a story of trauma, survival, perseverance and faith; this is a story of Amy Cummins, Sugar Land Police Officer; Victim Service Coordinator.

When we think of our childhood, not all have happy memories but most have been given, at the least, comfort, provision, guidance, the necessities of life and above all else protection. This did not describe Amy’s childhood. Unfortunately, during Amy’s childhood the words to describe it would be fear, starvation, pain, and trauma through the age of 16.

Amy’s mother sent her to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins, as a young child, until she was able to provide for her. The events that happened during this time can be characterized as traumatic and violent as Amy was molested numerous times by baby sitters and the landlord. One can only surmise what Amy went through. At ten years old, Amy believed the worst was behind her as she moved back in with her mother; what she didn’t know is that it was just ahead of her 6 years later as she was raped twice more with one being a gang rape at gun point.

After such inconceivable events, one would think that Amy’s life would be aimless and bitter. But in her 20’s Amy would find out that she was actually conceived from a rape of her mother. Instead of thinking that she came out of something horrible, she felt God’s guidance and presence that would give her fight, determination, faith and that He had a plan for her. Even though it took years to realize, she feels that she was conceived for a greater purpose.

This fight, and determination, Amy believes, is in each of us and feels that even if other's may have been born in the same way, it can be turned around for the positive. Amy’s ability to share her inner most feelings to complete strangers and then getting that in return is a result of her experiences. She is now in school to become a sexual assault counselor and with the SLPD has helped countless people, through her crises counseling role, with understanding and without judgment. Amy has a “never give up” attitude and has turned her trauma into purpose.

Amy’s story is so inspiring, she not only survived, she thrived. Thank you, Amy, for being willing to share your amazing story. Amy’s charity is http://fortbendwomenscenter.org/ Please help this wonderful charity.

Johnny's Story of Heroism

As I have been advertising 'The Hero Challenge' blog,  especially as I look for heroes, I feel a change taking place 'within' as I look 'out'.   I feel hopeful and inspired!  There are so many ordinary people around us who have done extraordinary things, and I am excited to provide a place to share their stories with the world.  But, I have been a little disappointed,  to tell you the truth, because very few have come forth. This journey is not as easy as I had thought it would be, and already I have learned so much.  

As I began to talk with others, I realized that 'Heroes' are reluctant.  They don’t actually think of themselves as 'Heroes',  so it makes sense that few would present themselves as such.  I sought after the Hydo’s , our neighbors, to share their amazing story of courage, perseverance and legacy because I knew their story.  I pursued Johnny, and asked him about this next story, because I heard his. 

Johnny’s story took place about 20 years ago as he was driving down the freeway in Houston and witnessed a terrible accident.   A young woman had lost control of her vehicle, and her vehicle ended up over a guard rail.  The impact of the crash must have ripped open the gas tank.  Within seconds, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, with two girls trapped inside.  

  

Johnny pulled over then jumped over the rail, ran over to the burning car and yelled at the girls to get out of the car.  One girl followed his direction, but the other could not get out.  Her hair was tangled in the wreckage, and she was pinned inside by her hair.  At that moment Johnny dove into the inferno, yanked the girl’s hair free, allowing her to escape.  After she escaped,  Johnny explained that they (the sisters) huddled up, crying apparently happy to be alive. 

I asked Johnny if when he saw the burning car, it was an automatic response to go into danger.  He replied that when he saw the car burning and could actually feel the heat from the car that he did pause for a moment and did not want to go in.  But at that moment he thought about Jesus’ sacrifice and that it was up to Jesus not up to him.  At that time he then went to the car.

I also asked Johnny if this event changed him in any way or if there was a defining moment.  Johnny told me that the defining moment was that he "actually "got into the burning car.  He feels that this is the way he, himself would want to go…saving someone’s life and this event confirmed that to him that he could face fears unto death.

I know that Johnny doesn't consider himself a hero, but I think that anyone reading or hearing this story would realize that he is, he disregarded his own life to save another.  Lives were changed, saved and continued because of Johnny.  Thank you.


As I heard Johnny's story, it forces me to look within and wonder if I would have that same courage.  The courage to save a life despite the circumstances, the courage to do something extraordinary!  How about you, do you know someone who has experienced something extraordinary ...I would love to hear from you!

With 4th of July just passing,  I think of our service men and women who serve our country,  and those who have given their lives for it.  We thank you!   In honor of them, please click on the link, to learn more about our Country's Heroes, and please consider becoming a Hero to them, and donate to the 'Wounded Warriors Project'. www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Also, the charity that is closest to Johnny's heart is Child Advocates,because he has strong emotions whenever a child or weaker/innocent person is abused or exploited in any way.…..please click here to donate. www.cafb.org

DML

Get a little drunk off the Love!

  Saint Arnold Brewing Company, of Houston Texas, is doing great things for a great organization!  They have re-created a treasured brew, and proudly named it ‘Homefront IPA’.   Homefront IPA is a golden amber, with layers of flavor, “a big citrusy nose….” and a crisp finish.  

  This ‘Special Brew’ is truly hand crafted, and steeped in benevolence.  From the raw ingredients, to the distribution, many came together to support the creation of this beer.  Even the oranges, (responsible for the flavor’s ‘slight orange notes’) were zested by like-minded volunteers in the Houston area!  

  

  All proceeds from sales benefit ‘Operation Homefront’, which is a network offering financial aid, and much needed resources for our Military Service Men and Women, Wounded Warriors, and their families. To date, Saint Arnold has donated  $100000.00 to this worthy cause. 

  This beer is only offered for a limited time. So, look to pick up some Saint Arnold’s ‘Homefront IPA’ soon, and raise a glass to our Heroes, the businesses that give back, and to you…for supporting a wonderful cause. CHEERS!  

   To learn more, please visit,  http://www.operationhomefront.net   and

  

http://www.saintarnold.com/beers/homefront.html

Credits:

Fox 26 News-Morning News Edition, Friday July 6, 2012                                                                                                         JMK

http://www.saintarnold.com

http://www.operationhomefront.net

Cynicism & Kirk Gibson

Cynicism & Kirk Gibson

  I am always trying to find the inspiration in any story.  For a while, it was even “American Idol”.  I was looking at these kids and wondering how in the world they were doing this.  Some of them have never performed in front of a huge audience.  How did they overcome their fear, their lack of skill, maybe even overcoming criticism to achieve their goal?
  I also find inspiration in sports stories; where the player comes up to bat with 2 outs, and it's the 9th inning.  Does anyone remember Kirk Gibson in the 1988 World Series? (Totally dating myself!)   Gibson found himself in this same situation in the 1988 World Series against the Oakland Athletics.  Not only was he in this situation but he wasn’t supposed to play because he had injured both legs (a pulled left hamstring and swollen right knee) and was suffering from a stomach virus.  But Tommy Lasorda put him in and he hobbled to the plate.  I always wonder what is going on in the mind of someone that is put in a position like this, in which it seems, the odds are against them.  Did he completely relax and just leave it up to fate?  Or did he use all his knowledge to perform at his peak?  How did he overcome his anxiety and the pressure of the situation? If you remember, Gibson hit a home run then pumped his fist as his teammates stormed the field. The Dodgers won the game, 5–4, and would go on to win the World Series, four games to one.

  I just love these types of stories.  Against the odds, Kirk Gibson found a way to win the game.  Despite his struggle, despite his injuries and illness, he triumphed!

  Maybe, I wanted to start this blog to inspire me!  Because of some hurtful situations in the last couple of years, I think I began to develop a mistrust of people and their intentions.  I began to question others and myself as I saw posts that were just flat out negative, rude and crude.  This may be one of the reasons this blog was started; I want to focus on the positive, and incorporate it into my own life.  I want to share stories that motivate, inspire and show the best in people.  I want to develop a trust in people again; To believe, be hopeful, and trust again.  This is why I remind myself of Kirk Gibson's story.  It helps me to have faith that against all odds, beyond all the skepticism., there is still hope and people can still overcome.
I want to focus on stories in which people are motivated, with the purest of intentions.  Is this possible?  Do you know others that are selfless?  Have you, yourself, faced challenges, negativism, cynicism, but now have overcome your feelings, and now pursue a life of hopefulness?  I would love to hear your story.
DML

'Stand for Something or Fall for Anything'....

    The following post is an email from one of our blog followers.  We would love to hear your feedback and comments.  What do you think?

"The Principal of 'Edna Cohen School' (PS 90) of Brooklyn NY has banned the song, 'Proud to Be an American' from their Kindergarten End of Year Ceremony. The Principal, Greta Hawkins, made the decision after considering that it may be "offensive" to students of other cultures and their families.  Her decision "came as a shock" to teachers and many parents, who had looked forward to the Kinder Grad ceremony, and had invested time and energy to teaching and rehearsing the song with their students.
 
More than anything, I think that this is just sad. What is the message here, to this generation of young students in this Public School?  Most of them ARE American.  Should they not be proud of that? And, for those who are not American, shouldn't it be ok for them to be proud to be IN America?

   I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that the USA is the only country who has tried to shake away from its own foundation, to appease the 'rest of the world'.  It's amazing to me.

     It is reported that Greta Hawkins practices a religion that forbids her to engage in patriotic activity.  Her decision was backed by the NYC School Board Administrators.  Some blog sites that wrote on this news have suggested that she is pushing her own agendas.  After reading the 'Mission Statement' of the school I have to wonder if they are right. It states,
"The Edna Cohen School, a partnership of educators, staff, students, parents, and community is committed to teach, motivate, and challenge all students, including Special Education, Limited English Proficiency students and hight achieving students to high standards.  Our commitment is to fulfill our students' high intellectual, emotional, aesthetic, and physical potential.  We strive to help them apply their knowledge and skills to become contributing, responsible, and respectful citizens [of the USA] in a rapidly changing, diverse, and global community."
http://schools.nyc.gov/SchoolPortals/21/K090/AboutUs/Overview/Our+Mission.htm

   I think that cultural, and religious tolerance, and respect for diversity is an essential element for a peaceful and productive nation.  But when does tolerance become intolerable to its own roots?  And what becomes of a nation of people who are stripped of their right to be proud of where they come from?  This country was built on values and beliefs that Americans have fought to protect and immigrants have fought to be able to enjoy.  Shouldn't the cultural history of this great country be learned and celebrated? Have Americans forgotten where they come from?

   I am writing from the perspective of an outsider looking in.  My family and I have enjoyed building a life here in the US for 12 years now.  Our story of what brought us here is not as dramatic as some other 'immigrant's' stories, but I can tell you our decision to be here in the US was deliberate, and not easy.  We 'fought' for it and are proud to be here.  There will never be a time in my life when I won't stand for the National Anthem, or give respect and thanks for those who protect this great country and what it stands for.  Any American who doesn't understand this should travel abroad and learn why they call this place ..."the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave".                                          JMK "
 

Reference Links:
http://www.myfoxny.com/story/18750681/controversy-over-songs-at-kindergarten-graduation
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/school_silences_patriotic_song_xdunXcLPbE8S2rAEcZoUiP
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2157158/NYC-principal-bans-God-Bless-America-graduation-avoid-upsetting-cultural-sensitivities.html?ITO=1490
http://m.newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2012/06/10/nyc-principal-bans-god-bless-usa-kindergarten-graduation-allows-biebe
                                                                                                    

My friend, Mr. Know it All

I have a friend who literally defines the phrase, "Know it All".  His name is Karl*.  He is extremely intelligent, and I often teased him about being a 'well of useless information'.  He seems to know something about everything. Being an avid sportsman, Karl's interests included survival techniques.  Years before reality television, Karl was the 'go to' guy for answers on how to successfully survive a 'rogue' camel excursion, and tips on what not to eat if you find yourself stranded in the remote and frozen regions of Northern Belarus.  I have often wondered if he is one of the collaborating masterminds behind 'Survivor TV'.  But, being the private guy that he is, he would never say.  If asked, he would just laugh.
Yes, my friend Karl has lived a life full of adventures that would make rock stars, thrill seekers, and Prince Harry green with envy! To learn of his experiences, you have to either be with him at the time, or be the girl calling him on the phone, shortly afterward, for help with her homework.
I happened to fit into the latter category.  You see, I was writing a paper for a Summer course I was taking, and was looking for some 'intellectual feedback'.  I called him, and began our conversation by asking, "How are you?"
To my surprise, 'Mr Know it All', replied, "I'm not sure".
He said that he had the most unusual morning, and proceeded to tell me a story that changed someone's life.  And mine as well.
At the time, Karl was a University Student, who had taken a Summer job working for a computer gaming store.  He had worked 7 days in a row, and this day was suppose to be his day off.  He was looking forward to going climbing with a friend, but his manager had called him and asked him if he could fill in for an employee at a location across town.  My ever reliable friend reluctantly said he would.  He had decided to park 10 miles away from the store, and run to the location.  Making his way there, Karl witnessed a horrible accident. The driver of a brand new Mustang spun out of control, swerved around into an outbound lane, and hit a pole at a high rate of speed, right before his very eyes.
  Karl said he couldn't actually remember running to the vehicle, but it seemed like a second later, he was inside the hissing, steaming wreckage.  He found that a young man, probably a High School Senior, was the driver, and the only occupant of the vehicle.  He was breathing, but unconscious, and badly contorted about from behind his seatbelt. The young mans 's torso was the only part of his body that was in a natural position.  Nothing seemed to be where it was suppose to be.  Quickly and carefully, Karl positioned the driver to support neck, and discovered the most disturbing image of this mass 'luxation'.  The young man's eyeball had escaped from it's socket, and was hanging off his face by the optic nerve!  Karl quickly removed his shirt, wrapped his hands and replaced the young man's eye.  He stayed with him, bracing him until the EMTs arrived.  My 'Know it All' friend was able to put his 'well of useless information to use'. The result was the preservation of a precious sensory organ and perhaps even a young man's life.

  The story was on the news, in the papers the next day.  Upon request, Karl's identity was 'anonymous'.  He wanted no recognition for his heroic act, and was rewarded with the knowledge that he made a choice that greatly benefitted another person's life.

To this day, the young man has no idea of his hero's name, or what he looks like.  But he knows what happened, and hopefully he has, or will find a way to extend kindness and act selflessly for the benefit of someone else.
I did not get the 'intellectual feedback' I was looking for when I called Karl that day.  But, it no longer seemed so important. I think Karl was still working through the shock of it all, and needed to talk it out.  I felt privileged to be able to help him process his experience.  It has changed my life because it proved to me that there are people in this world who will 'rise to the occasion' simply because they can.  I believe that whether or not we realize it, our interests and experiences prepare us for miraculous things.  We may not all be 'Know it All's, but we all know something that has the potential to change, and benefit someone's life.  
* name was changed to continue to protect anonymity.                                                                                JMK

Have You Found Holland?

Have You Found Holland?

I’m not exactly sure how to start this blog except to say that I know that what “moves” me and what inspires me. It usually involves stories of people that overcome difficult circumstances and then thrive.  People that have lived a little, felt a little, (or a lot), and have learned from this life to achieve their dreams by overcoming obstacles. 

I find that people who have had some struggles in their life and now have overcome them are often driven to achieve amazing things; Things they would have never achieved by a ‘smooth ride’. These people serve others, in a way, because learning from their experiences can make for a very rich life.

That is what our struggles do... they shape us, if we let them. 

There is a wonderful poem, “Welcome to Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley.  It was written specifically about raising her child with special needs.  But, to me this poem speaks to anyone, in which, life hasn’t gone as you  planned, but has made the most and best of it.  So substitute your situation in the first 2 lines of the poem. Here it is:

"Welcome to Holland" 

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this: When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland." "Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy." But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very, very significant loss. But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland. - Emily Pearl Kingsley

So even though life hasn't gone as planned…how have you made it “your Holland”?
DML

Our Hero Neighbor

I am so excited that our first feature and post was submitted by our neighbors, The Hydo's.  Just think heroes are not just those we see featured in the news or on t.v....they may be your neighbors. Here is the short story of Paul Hydo through the eyes of his wife, Terry:

"I met my true hero 26 years ago as a junior at Clements High School. He was a junior at Elsik High School and could not think of anything but getting out of school and joining the Air Force! Most boys dream of becoming a lawyer, a doctor or an engineer, but Paul dreamed of serving his country and being the best airman he could be! That dream became an even bigger reality when after serving 13 years as an Airman and NCO, he graduated officer candidate school and became known as Lieutenant Hydo! He wanted to be an officer that put his men first and not his career. That became apparent to many of his soldiers after several deployments overseas, especially his last deployment when he helped a group of soldiers that had been wounded and he held a soldiers insides together all the way into the surgical room! We have 3 children now and our oldest is about to be a junior in high school and considering becoming an Air Force pilot once he graduates college. His hero has instilled those thoughts and beliefs of honor, valor, leadership and putting GOD and your country first in him and we could not be prouder of that! With that in mind and the need to be in a teenager’s life as much as possible, after 24 years of service, Paul decided that his children need him here fulltime and retired. He still has many nights of reliving those fights and sirens screaming, thus my gratefulness to, The Hero Challenge, for helping support the Wounded Warrior Organization . These men and women come home after giving up their time (and sometimes their life) and become disabled after defending our country! The least we can do is help them get back on their feet whether it be by giving them food to help feed their families, a ramp into their home for the wheelchair they are now bound to, or a new home completely that is paid off and they do not have to worry about how they will make that next mortgage payment. After serving as an active duty and guard duty wife so many years and experiencing the aches and pains of trying to make ends meet while Paul was gone, I totally understand where these young men and women on the home front are coming from. If you own your own business or work at a company that offers a military discount to consumers, thank you! If you do not offer one, please consider this option to help these families. Any amount that you offer as a discount is that much less that they have to worry about. So many of these men and woman can go into the “civilian” work force and make much more than they do working for the government, but they (like my hero) choose to dedicate their lives to you and I and allowing us to have the freedoms we have! GOD Bless America and GOD Bless our men and woman in uniform!"

God Bless The Hydo's and God Bless America!  If you want to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project please go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org
DML