A Prescription for Inscription

I just got back from the Midwest Division Young Life Student Staff Weekend in Chicago. Check out #YLshakinupchicago to catch up on the trending take-aways from the 260 college leaders who came to share, learn, worship, and adventure.

One part of my job with YL is to help coordinate the trip for 4 big college areas in our region. This year, two borrowed conversion vans from Lincoln, NE, a cozy mini-van from Lawrence KS (7 people in 7 seats!), a 12 passenger van from St. Louis, and a Chevy Suburban from St. Joseph carried our crew to the Windy (but a pleasant 72 degrees) City. I was in the rented 2014 Suburban with 6 great folks from St. Joe. Their leader is my dear friend and first YL girl, Sara Hare.

Sara and me

I was excited to spend the weekend with this group but was packing some regret and stress alongside my black puffy vest and skinny jeans. Lots of me wanted to stay home and pack up our house, hang with my kids while Drew worked tax craziness all weekend, and go to a wedding of good friends at the gym.  All good things, one busy weekend.

Bringing back some goods for my kiddos

The conference was grand. We packed back up in the Suburban to leave the Chicago burbs around 11:30am yesterday which was to put us back in KC around 7pm. All was well as we lumbered down the road until the radio cut out.

I was driving and came to notice the radio cut off also included the entire electrical system. We had a fully functional car but no information. All gauge needles rested at zero. How much gas I had left or what speed at which I was traveling, became a mystery and a guessing game.  The cruise control, gas pedal, brakes and steering worked fine. The turning signals and automatic windows were moot. We drove to a gas station and shut the car off at the pump. I erroneously assumed the car would restart and the electricl system would resume normal function- like an iphone or computer might do. Instead, there was no engine function and a dead battery when we tried to turn the key. We were on the phone with roadside assistance shortly and were told we would have a new car brought within 120 minutes.

The St Joe crew

At this point, the 5 college leaders, hunkered down. They flexed. They wandered from the car to the inside of the gas station. They dabbled with their phones and conversed with each other. They bought donuts and ice cream and shared snacks. They wrestled in the back of the stalled Suburban and they NEVER EVER COMPLAINED.

I called to check on the status at the 2 hour wait mark, and was told there was now no car as promised at the replacement pick-up location. We were told it would be another 2 hours. I relayed the news to my passengers who once again, swallowed the information- thinking of their chemistry test due at midnight and their 45 minute solo drive back to school after we dropped them off at the meeting point now a whole 4 hours later that previously assumed- and they smiled bewildered smiles. They started scanning the horizon and making a plan to find this little town’s main street to stretch their legs. No one threw a fit, no one cried.

Note the smiles and good cheer

We decided to push the car out of the pump stall before we walked off to town. I tossed the keys to one of the guys and asked him to put it in neutral. When he casually turned the keys, the car started! The engine fired up and full electrical function returned. We were shocked and elated! We were on our way!!!

As we drove, we celebrated. I thanked them for their attitudes and patience. I could not imagine being in such a circumstance with many other people I know who would have handled it so well. I loved the extra time to talk to Sara and her team. I felt no pressure or anxiety from these people relying on me to make phone calls to get us back on track. I love my family, but I don’t think it would have gone as well if I had been with the very people I’m related to by blood.

Today, I’m celebrating those people I don’t have to like, but do. I didn’t know the St Joe student staff leaders very well, or at all, but can now say I truly enjoy and appreciate them as ministers of the gospel and my friends. I work with them because it’s my job, but I’d hang out with them even if it wasn’t.

I am fortunate to have relationships with quite a few people who make ordinary life transactions enjoyable. 

1. My Hyvee ladies. I love my neighborhood HyVee. More than the layout or selection of items, I appreciate my friends in the check-out lanes: Leslie, Andrea, and Deanna. They have watched my kids grow up, listened to my life, commented on my produce selection, and hit on my husband…well, just one of them who is married and 60 something…truly, her comments serve only to flatter us both.

2. My phlebotomists Cynthia and Jana. (Come to think of it, these ladies also fall into a Drew-swooning category). When we go to give blood, Drew and I are among friends. They follow our life through stories. They knew about Oakley’s ear injury and checked up on us and him the next time we were in. They are great to talk to and hear from.

3. My OB-GYN is one of the most genuine and kind people I know and I just plain really like her. She took such great care to advocate for me through my pregnancy and birthing plans with Oakley. I loved going to office visits and check-ups because seeing Lee was a time to be encouraged, heard, cared for, and often just really fun. I felt she really liked me and I absolutely return the feelings!

4. My neighbors. Beyond borrowing eggs, milk,  or teaspoons of nutmeg, my house-mates, Abbie and Delanie, are our friends. I like them as people and am in awe of their strength as a family. I appreciate their help in reminding me my garage door is ,but also like sharing conversations in our driveway and our cookie decorating Christmas tradition.

All these great people and now we are indeed moving. Our offer was accepted last week on the house we found and loved. We will close April 25th and move April 26th. The timing is amazing and we are blown away by the blessing of this gift of a home.

When we move, we won’t geographically connect as easily with our neighbors but can continue to be friends. There will be a loss in the change for both our families.

As we move in the next few weeks, I realize, we will be around new people. We don’t know the people on our new street at all, but if the story of my life continues in its current theme, I assume we will really enjoy at least some of them! Maybe my college friends from St. Joe will grow up and come live on my street!

Today is back to school and real life day for Eli, Andi, Oaks and me. I flew in this morning from a retreat in Chicago that stacked upon our return from 5 days in Colorado. Drew has been back to work for a whole week now. No rest for the tax weary!

Our time in Colorado this year was momentous and relaxing both.

Here are the sound bites: 

I’m sending you an email about two offers. – Judy, our Realtor on the phone Saturday. Indeed, when we came off the slopes, one week after we put the sign in our yard, we had an offer on our house! We would negotiate throughout the weekend and finalize and accept an offer by Monday! We couldn’t have asked for better timing as showings would end by the time we brought ourselves and our stuff back to Missouri!

Sold!!

Andi did you hear that… Someone wants to buy our house.- Eli. The kids processed together and with us. They are bravely moving forward. I wonder what they think and feel and hope to give space to their emotions, thoughts, fears, and dreams.

I have nothing to hide but admit I was avoiding hard conversations. -My dad. About the news that he is getting married March 29th. The transitions keep coming and we will rely on honesty, family connections, and trust in Christ’s presence moving forward.
That’s amazing! -And it looks so real! – Eli to Andi about her drawing of a farm. A super genuine compliment of her great drawing!

That was my first for real face plant. I was just on the lift and then, total face plant.  And, Mom- you can write about that on your blog.-  Eli describing his fall from the lift. He loaded with James but scooted too close to the chairs edge. He fell about 6 feet into deep snow shocking his family and the rest of the lift line. Both skis came off and Eli said his face has never been colder. Thank goodness for nimble and strong lift operators schooled in beginner lift rescues and for Eli’s toughness! Thanks for the permission to tell your story Eli!

I have diarrhea. -Everyone! Except Drew. Sickness ran through the house and family. Poor Oaks had it very severely with vomiting all day on Tuesday in Colorado. Poor brave baby!

I just threw up but it’s all in a trash can. Andi, during her sick day Tuesday afternoon.

Mom, can I have a piece of paper? –Eli to make a get well sign for Andi who had previously made one for both of her sick brothers. This was huge coming from Eli- he doesn’t slow down for art or handwriting hardly ever. He thought of her sick up in bed that afternoon and gave of himself in a way she would feel really loved!

It’s hard to get him to talking.  -Eli about us trying to get Oakley to say words. Oakley can say about 20 when he wants to!

I just love Chandler. Andi, who enjoys Maama’s house for many reasons but especially for the daily dog interactions!

This is the coldest craziest day of skiing!- My dad, who was absolutely correct! The sky changed from sun to sleet to blustery winds all day on Saturday

Wahooooo – Drew and I each after catching good lines and making epic mogul runs!

This is a handsome boy. -Andi handing me the DVD case for 8 Below.  I agree with her completely but didn’t break the news that Paul Walker has tragically died in the last year.

Okay, let’s go. -My mom who boldly loaded into the van with the kids and me to head back to Kansas City. Despite feeling ill herself, she cared for me and the kids and helped get us safely home. She then stayed to play and help while I left again and Drew worked! It was one of Andi’s highlights as she reported at school today about Spring Break, “I went to Colorado for 5 days and then my grandma, who is named Maama, came back with me for 3 days.”

Some favorite Chicago friends!

The weekend in Chicago was a wonderful time of connection, rest, and encouragement. I loved being with wonderful YL staff women and spending a day with the Hersmas!

So now we hunker down and house hunt. We will pack up our life at 5408 and move out and on in 30 days. Where? We have no idea!

Two weeks ago I attended a substance abuse prevention conference put on by the Northland Coalition. I left more informed, yet discouraged, shocked, inspired, and convinced there must be deliberate, communal, educated, and diversified efforts toward protecting children from the harms of substance abuse.

Last week, Missouri State Legislators entertained a bill proposing the legalization of marijuana in Missouri. Laura and her coworkers drove three hours to sit in on the committee hearing. Their side was out numbered in testimony air time, financial backing, and bodies in the seats, yet they spoke boldly on behalf of what they believe is best for the state, especially for the future members of Missouri’s adult community.

In response to a communal urging to write a Letter to the Editor of the newspaper, I submitted these 200 words to the KC Star:

As a parent, advocate for area teens, and Colorado native, Missouri’s consideration of a bill to legalize marijuana raises concerns. The “facts” come from many sides. There’s confusion and delusion around marijuana’s medical potential. Lay citizens encourage the comparison of marijuana to alcohol and the relaxation of control laws. The loudest voice comes from the propaganda of big pot lobbyists. “Big marijuana”  money has a loud voice and a list of lies. Purporting legalized pot will increase tax revenue and cut down on muddled drug legalization, are weak allegations with grave consequences for young people. The scientific data affirms danger and devastation for developing brains: losses in IQ, memory, attention span, and learning abilities, as well as increased risks for mental illnesses and heart attacks. Near my childhood home in Colorado, today’s marijuana, containing unprecedented concentrations of THC, is sold in strip malls, baked into brownies or laced in candy. Casual, inviting, and available, legal pot finds its way into the hands and heads of kids. Increased availability has led to increased illness, accidents, addictions, and deaths. We cannot afford to lose the heads of MO teens. Legalized pot will injure the development of our most precious resource: kids.

Despite my intentional attempt to sound off, I know very little of the facts. I’ve asked Laura to write with her most convincing evidence to clarify the confusion and encourage Missouri to move with wisdom and care for kids!

Here is Laura-

I’ve worked in the field of prevention for the past 5 years. Those who know me are familiar with my ongoing passion and desire to protect area kids from the unforeseen dangers of underage drinking and drug use.  Even with this intense passion, I used to shy away from conversations about marijuana, preferring to avoid the airing of strong opinions in heated arguments.  After spending the last 2 years digging in the research, hearing from national experts, and seeing the effects in national trends and data, I’ve crossed over from “l don’t want to  ruffle feathers” to “I need to tell everyone.”  Below I share three tenets of truth that highlight dangers of marijuana’s rapid mainstream movement.

·         The pro-marijuana movement is a multi-billion dollar business.  Marijuana investors and companies, through greed and commercialism, are swooping into communities and neighborhoods and making money off of an addictive and harmful substance.  In Denver, there are more marijuana dispensaries than Starbucks.  Cannabis food and candy, like “Ring Pots” and “Pot Tarts” are marketed to children and sold through vending machines.  A former Head of Strategy for Microsoft has said that he wants to “mint more millionaires than Microsoft” with marijuana.    I’m not concerned of simple pot possession or use, but I am concerned about a multi-billion dollar industry selling a dangerous product. 

·         Marijuana now is much more harmful than it was at Woodstock.  In the 60’s, THC (the chemical that makes you “high”) levels in marijuana were between 4-5%.  Now, marijuana found in Missouri is packed with 15%-30% THC…and it’s just getting stronger. As a result, 1 in 6 youth who use marijuana will become addicted, 1 in 10 adults will become addicted. Marijuana use has been shown to be significantly linked with mental illness, especially schizophrenia, psychosis, depression and anxiety.  Legalization laws don’t protect about potency either.  This winter, school resource officers have found marijuana they believe to be 90% pure THC (see dabbing)

·         More kids are using marijuana. While rates of underage drinking and tobacco use among high school youth is decreasing, marijuana use is increasing.  In a survey of high school students in Colorado in 2011,  22% used marijuana.  In Missouri only 8.6% of our kids use.  Because kids hear the messages that it’s not harmful (“it’s medicine”), along with increases in availability, use will and is going up among our kids. The price kids will pay in their brains and their futures is steep.

Thank you for listening in.