Every 15 Minutes... The Finale.

When I went to bed last night, I didn't get much sleep.  As you can imagine, the activities of the day's events were still burning in my brain... like a video playing over and over, unable to stop its revolution.  

As I woke today, my heart was heavy knowing that I would, soon, be headed out to attend the funeral of several students where my daughter attends high school... including my precious Sydney.

When we arrived at the high school we checked in, and were escorted to one of the classrooms where were given a letter written to us by our child.  Sydney had written one for each of us (this was part of the retreat they attended last night).  

(*As a side note, I will not be posting her letters to us, as they are personal to her, and I do not wish to break her trust, or put her out there in such a real and personal way.  At the point she is ready to share her words, I will have her do so here.  Thank you for understanding this, as she is still at teenager, and somewhat desires her privacy.)

As the parents waited in the classroom and read their letters, the juniors and seniors were filed into the auditorium where they would also witness the laying to rest of their classmates.  As we (the parents) entered the room, several of Sydney's friends called out my name, looked at me with great sadness in their eyes, and blew me kisses.  I simply adore Syd's friends, and know they were affected by the events of the last few days.  As this is the part of the purpose of this campaign, I was happy to have had them get my attention.  

As we entered the room, there was a slideshow playing of all of the students... those in the accident in front of the school yesterday, as well as those who portrayed the walking dead.  Each student had submitted 6-8 photos of themselves growing up, and as they were viewed a song played.  Upon the stage sat two caskets with memorabilia from the two casualties yesterday.  It was a very difficult sight to see.  Also on the stage, were photos and memorabilia of those who were considered the walking dead.  

There were 57 students represented at this funeral.  Fifty-seven. 

There were several speakers, including a Mom who had lost her son to a drug and alcohol overdose.  Her recollection of the events that surrounded her son's death were heart wrenching, and I could tell, struck a cord with all there.  As I sat listening, I could hear lots of sniffles, sighs, and cries... and not just from the parents in attendance.  

Siblings, students, and parents read letters they had prepared for their loved ones.  It was so encouraging to see the amount of support that was given to these precious students as they head into PROM weekend.

Below you will find a video created by the kiddos who were a part of this experience.  I ask that you take a moment and view it... with your teenagers, if possible.  And, again, I want to encourage you... If you live in an area where this campaign is not yet active, please, please speak with your counselors at your school, and get it going.  It is one of the most remarkable programs I have ever had the honor of being a part of.  And I'm so proud of the BHS students who feel so very strongly about this, and have taken action to educate their peers.

(Please scroll to the bottom of the page and mute the running music player, so you will be able to hear the sound of this most important video.)

Every 15 minutes someone dies in an alcohol related crash...

(If you wish to view the first installment of this most important campaign, please click here.)

cw

The Campaign... The Beginning.

Every 15 minutes someone dies in an alcohol related crash.  Today you died...

This is how it began... how I had to commence writing THE most difficult letter I have ever written... and it was addressed to my daughter, Sydney.

I put it off until the very last minute.  I should have, probably, had it written and sent back into the school prior to this point, but I just couldn't bring myself to do so.  Not that I thought it unimportant, and not that I wanted to dismiss this task, but rather I didn't want to allow myself to feel the emotions that would accompany such an assignment.  And, for the record... the emotions were all kinds of overwhelming!

(Let me just take a minute, and allow you to grab a tissue or two.  Go ahead... you will thank me later.  The images you are about to see are very specific to this particular 'education', and may cause some tears.  The letters you will read will definitely bring them on... this is just a warning.  Proceed with caution.)

Today started the way another day would.  Crawl slowly out of bed.  Take meds, reluctantly.  Wake Max... twice.  Turn Syd's fan off... she is cold by the time the morning comes.  

Eat.  Take Max to school.  Come home.  See Syd.  Hug her while tearing up... to which she responds, "Mom... stop crying.  This is supposed to be like every other day."  But it's not.  And, then, I remember seeing the fire truck heading toward the school on my way home from dropping Max off.  

And so... it begins.

I wish my baby girl a blessed day, and crawl back into bed to catch a few more winks before it's really time to begin the day.  And when I wake again... and have a cup of coffee... and sit down to teach Nic... I get the following:

There has been a terrible accident in front of the high school... an alcohol related accident.  There were several severe injuries...

One taken in an ambulance to a local hospital... and one life-flighted out.

And then... there remains...

one fatality.

The driver of the 'other' car wasn't injured, and he is the one who had been drinking.

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Praise the Lord that this was all dramatized and staged for educational purposes.  Thank God we did not have to really witness the ending of these students' lives.  

But the lesson is not yet over...

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You see, while the accident is being contained, and viewed by the student body, parents have been notified.  They are on the scene, and having to watch as the paramedics work on their children.  And the young man who was driving while impaired... he went to jail.  

Also on sight, were the walking dead.  These students represent the number of people who are killed in an alcohol-related accident EVERY 15 MINUTES.

The clearing of the accident off of the road was definitely not the end of the campaign.  Every 15 Minutes the Grim Reaper went into a classroom and pulled out its next victim.  

During this time... Sydney died.  And she became part of the walking dead.  She attended her classes... silently, without a response to anything that was said to her, or done.  She was there as a physical reminder of what Every 15 Minutes truly means.

And these students were affected by this.  They sent me texts today, and posted on social networks how terrible their lives would be without their friends in it.  They were truly saddened by it all!  

And you think this would be enough... but no, no, friends. 

Once the school day was over, the walking dead headed over to a local facility for a retreat.  Through the duration, they will not have any contact with anybody.  Dead people don't text/tweet/message/facebook/skype/facetime, so that's out.  Cut off from all friends and family, these students will learn how their parents feel about their untimely deaths... through letters written directly to them.  (It's hanky time, folks.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Sydney,

Every 15 minutes someone dies in a drunk driving crash.  Today you died! 

I just wanted you to know how much I am going to miss you so I decided to write you a letter.  I just realized this is only the second letter I’ve written to you. I’m sure you remember the first one, I wrote it when you were five months old so that you could read it when you got older and would know how proud I was to be your dad and how blessed we were that God would choose to give us such a wonderful gift.  I promised you I would be there for you every step of the way so that if you ever needed to talk I would listen, if you ever needed to cry you could use my shoulder, but I never dreamed I would be here when you died.  I’m so sad, my heart is broken and I will miss you so much!  I want you to know you turned out to be all I had been dreaming of when I wrote you that letter almost 17 years ago.  I’m very proud of you!  I’m proud of the beautiful young lady you became and what a kind and giving person you were.   I will always cherish the time we spent together and I will never forget you!  I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you when you needed me most.  Today I plan to cry.  Tomorrow I plan to smile!  I will be smiling knowing you have gone home to be with God to walk the streets of gold and take on your new role.  You see the only way I can imagine you being taken from me would have to be because God really needed a “Leading Angel”.  An angel that would be able to do his work, go to places with the most need, and touch the lives of people as you have touched mine and all those who were so lucky to have known you.  I will be speaking to you every night before I go to bed so if you have a chance look in on us every once in a while.  I promise I will take care of your mom, Max, and Nic so don’t worry about them.  I love you so much!  Many hugs and kisses!

Love,

Dad

                                                                       

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Dear Sydney,

Every 15 minutes, someone dies in a drunk driving crash.  Today you died… a victim of someone else’s choice… and two days before your 17^th birthday.  How in the world am I supposed to go on without you?! 

You are the one that made me a ‘Momma’, which was your first word, by the way.  You came into this world so very loved…  I cannot even begin to describe to you the joy you have brought to my heart.  I am so very honored to have been given the chance to be your Mom.  And I have to tell you… this is THE hardest thing I have ever had to do.

The first time I heard you cry, my heart melted.  At your first word, I rejoiced.  And the first time I heard you laugh… well, that was just it!  There was no better sound in all of the land!  I can hear it now… and see your little chubby cheeks puff up… and the way your face would just light up with a good belly laugh.  I can think of nothing better!

When Max was born… oh how you loved him.  You held his little, tiny body, and patted him on the head like a dog.  It was so cute.  You were so proud to be a big sister.  And then Nic came… and you were so mad that he was a boy.  You so desperately wanted to have a little sister.  Even at that, you loved them… and loved them dearly.

My precious Foof…

You have made my life so much sweeter, and I have been blessed by you every single day of my life.  I’m having a hard time believing I’m not going to be able to see you hit that milestone birthday… 18.  No graduation.  No heading off to college. 

I had envisioned you walking down the isle ... being in love, and starting a new life all your own.  And having children… oh, Syd, you would have been a phenomenal Momma.  Your heart is as big as the universe!  Your love for others is beyond anything that could be imagined, and you care so deeply for those around you. 

My heart is saddened today.  It’s a pain I cannot even begin to describe.  Please know that I loved, and still love you with all of my heart and soul.  I am very proud of the young woman you had become, and could not have asked for anything better in my life. 

I love you, baby… to the moon and back.

Love,

Mom

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To round out the program, Chris and I, along with the other parents, and student body will attend a funeral for the victims of alcohol-related accidents.  Yes... you read that right.  

We are going to our daughters funeral tomorrow morning.  

What a somber day it will be. 

*****

* Photo props to BG, PM, and BC

* My hope and prayer is that this program, the Every 15 Minutes Campaign, will encourage, inspire, and make knowledgeable those who bear witness to its cause.  What a remarkable program, set forth by a great sponsor, and implemented so very well by the students of BHS.  Every other school year, Bixby has the honor of hosting this campaign for its student body, and it is done so the week leading up to the PROM.  

I want to encourage you today... If you are interested, or would like more information, please visit this website for more information.  You will be doing your students, parents, and community a great justice in bringing this campaign to your area.

* Check back tomorrow for the final Every 15 Minutes blog post... the Funeral.

(You can now view part two... the Finale... here.)

cw

To Pin Or Not To Pin.

I have a Pinterest board named 'Beard Porn'.  

It's a copy-cat board from a friend.  

I just added this pic to my blog so I could pin it.

Is this bad?

cw

Adrenal Insufficiency 101.

One year of working with doctors, and I have a diagnosis (as of September 27, 2012).

Adrenal Insufficiency.

Ever heard of it?  Probably not.  I had never heard of it either.  It is a very rare condition.

Here's the short version:

The adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys, and control things such as blood pressure and cardiovascular function, the body's ability to fight infection, energy, metabolism, and your ability to fight stressors (physical, mental, and emotional).

My symptoms were similar to other disorders, and included extreme fatigue (and when I say extreme, I mean EXTREME), muscle weakness and wasting, joint pain, weight loss, and nausea.  It wasn't until I mentioned 'feeling shaky inside' that the doctor ordered a specific blood test to check my hormone levels.

Once I was diagnosed, I was placed on hormone (steroid) replacement therapy that I will take forever... and forever.  I've been taught how to stress dose, and give myself a shot, in the event of accident or injury.  I am also sporting a Medic Alert bracelet... I chose a leather one.  I'm vain that way.

For those interested, I will be going more in depth with this, as it is something I will be living with on a daily basis.  I don't feel the Lord gives us things intending that we keep secret that which may help or enlighten someone else.  If you're the praying kind, I ask that you pray specifically for guidance, wisdom, strength, and research.

This disease deals with the least studied part of the body... the adrenals.  It is different for every person affected, and there is not a textbook standard to follow.  More study is definitely needed.

It is a new day... a different day.  And at the end of the day, the Glory remains... EXACTLY THE SAME... gracious, merciful, and full of Love.

Be blessed, my friends.



cw

2012-2013 Curriculum Choices.

Oh my gracious!  I already feel like this school year is going by so fast.  Nic has started this year with great confidence and a bit of 'tude'... attitude, that is.  I'm thinking it's the 10.5 year old in him... and a little bit of a button-pushing gene... not really sure where that came from;)

Fifth grade has proven, thus far, to be pretty good... and relaxed.  We are in our third year of home schooling, and I think we're finding our groove.  It feels good to KNOW that you're doing the absolute best for your kiddos.  They all learn differently, and we must adjust accordingly.  That being said, I still have two in the public school system, and Nic at home.  We will continue this way until it doesn't work anymore... or the Lord calls for a change.

I wanted to share the things we will be using this school year.  I will try to add links where they are available.  Just motion over the name of the curriculum, and it should highlight.  Click, and it will direct you to the appropriate website.

Bible:  At the beginning of the school year Nic chose the above bible verse for our 'school motto'.  I gave him several to choose from, and this is the one that spoke to him.  In addition to our daily reading, we also discuss a Psalm and a Proverb per day.  I think it's important for kiddos to learn what the Lord says in regards to knowledge, and gaining wisdom; as well as how to live daily for Him.  Next week, we will begin a weekly memory verse, and prayer lists.  This will be compiled into a notebook that he can reference as desired.

Spelling:  This is our third year to use Natural Speller.  I really enjoy the flexibility of this program.  The words are grouped together in lists according to (you guessed it...) spelling.  For those who like to change things up from week to week, this is an awesome, flexible way to 'do spelling'.  And to be honest... we need free-choice and a variety of activities for some subjects.  Keeps it from getting old.

Grammar:  We don't spend a lot of workbook time on this.  We generally play games, and do hands-on activities (games and such).  When we feel workbooky (is that even a word?) we do Easy Grammar 5.  This program teaches grammar by learning prepositions, and removing them from sentences before picking out other verbiage.

Handwriting:  This is the year for cursive. ~sigh~ I'm procrastinating a bit with this one, but plan to use Handwriting Without Tears... beginning Monday.  So far, he can sign his name.  THIS, I consider progress.

Vocabulary:  I have always been under the impression that vocab can, and should, be taken from daily reading.  With that being said, Nic is having a great time journaling the 'Word of the Day'... on a semi-regular basis.  He frequently asks what words mean, and is curious about word origin.  I have purchased, but have yet to start Wordly Wise.  I'll let ya know if I decide to use this.  I don't want there to be a vocab-overkill.

Reading:  This happens daily and has, thus far, been on-level, Nic's choice.  Beginning soon, I will be choosing literature for him (shhhh... keep this our lil secret).  In addition to structured reading, he will have multiple opportunities daily for silent reading.

Math:  Saxon Math has been our friend for the past three years, and we are currently in the 6/5 book.  The beginning of this book is review... a lot of review, so I will be sitting down sometime soon to get to the challenging math.  The math that is calling to be worked... the new to Nic math.  Once I get that settled, then I will form a plan that we will follow weekly.  This plan will include several days from the main textbook, a day or two of Living Math, and logic.  

Geography:  I know the local school system is learning something at this time of year.  I'm good with this.  Nic has been asking about the geography of the states.  Where are they located?  What is the capital?  Shape of the state?  We have played some games while working into a program that, I think, I will write myself.  Very exciting!  Post more on the later.

Science:  Oh Science, how we love you.  This may be one of the favorite things in our day.  We are using Sonlight Science for 5th grade, and so far, so good :).  This year we will be learning about health, medicine, and human anatomy.  And i have been known to throw an experiment or two in there, as well.

Writing:  I want to give Nic an easy transition into writing, or composition, as some say.  With keeping that in mind I chose a curriculum that fit our family and the way we work and learn.  Writing Strands has been a great fit so far.  And until it shows itself in a different light, we will continue to use it.

History:  History, in our home, is taught by unit studies.  We will begin with Story of the World Vol. 1 Ancient Civilization... also next week.  Cannot wait to jump right into this.  We will only be using this as a spine, and will pull other activities from other sources such as, Mystery of History.  Notebooking will be a large part of learning our history material.  As soon as our units on the ancients in complete, we will move on to Greek Mythology, and wrap it up with American History (1607-1800).

Artist study/picture study, art, and nature study will be implemented within the next few weeks.  These things will be done on Fridays, and will be a great way to wrap up the week.

If you should have any questions, or comments, please feel free to ask.  

Next in line... scheduling. 

cw