I have just put Micheala's JDRF Walk for the Cure video on youtube. Most of you have watched it already and have been directed to this website to find out more on how you can help. It's pretty easy and there are many ways that you can help.
1. Share this video with everyone that you can. Direct them to the youtube and have them search for "Born to be Somebody Walk to Cure". This should bring our video up. If not, here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jPF7LfZvP4
2. Donations of any size or kind will really help. You can make a donation on;line by going to http://www2.jdrf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage. Then enter Pump Princess for team name and Iowa for state. Click on a walker that you would like to donate to and the rest is up to you. You can also send checks or drop off cash at Walker State Bank in Walker, Iowa. Make checks to Pump Princess.
3. Donate silent auction items for our Winn'ter Kickball Tournament and Silent Auction. The event is January 28, 2012 at Winn's Alley in Walker, Iowa. Co-ed Kickball Tournament followed by Silent Auction and music entertainment. If interested in entering a team, please contact Winn's Alley in Walker, Iowa for details. If interested in donating silent auction items, contact me. This is a great way to advertise for your business.
4. Join the Pump Princess Walk to Cure team on February 27, 2012 in Westdale Mall. This event is fun for the whole family. I will have t-shirts ready for ordering here in the next few weeks. Come show your support. More details to come.
We only have 2 months left and we have a lot of work to do to raise funds for this walk. Any donation size or type matters. I encourage all of you to become art of the cure, whether it's with team Pump Princess or another JDRF walk team. Understand that you are making the difference and that none of this can be made possible without your help. Thank you and lets knock it out of the park again this year.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Secret....
I am excited to write today's blog because i have a secret to share with everybody. First I have to provide the build up, so please be patient, it will be worth it.
I spent a majority of my life accepting the fact that I was an average kid that would occasionally do something above average, but never was consistently fantastic. I was an average athlete (at best), I got average grades in school (B's and C's), I was an average friend, I came from an average town and well, you get the point by now. I was okay with being average. It allowed me to hide when I needed to hide and never stressed me out with overwhelming expectations to be great.
As an adult, I continued forward with the average life style. I had average relationships, did average work, lived in an average house and so on and so forth. The problem with the average lifestyle as an adult is that average started to turn into below average and then eventually to poor. I also was facing the fact that I had two kids and a wife that were looking to me to be the leader, father and husband that they deserved. Their problem was that all they knew was average, so they only expected the average effort from me....which then led to below average and eventually hitting poor.
I got disgusted and was unsatisfied with being poor at life.
That;s when I heard this secret. Now it may not seem like a secret, but it is only a secret because people don't share this with others and people don't exercise this secret very often. What is the secret?
If there is something in your world that you don't like, YOU can change it!
WHAT?!?!?!? You mean little ole me has an opportunity to change something that I don't like? No way! That can't be true.
Let me pose this question/challenge to you. What is it in your world/life that you don't like? Now think of the EXCUSES for why you haven't done anything about it. Now go through that list of excuses and cross them off as you come up with reasons to make those excuses invalid. Here is an example:
MY DISLIKE IN MY WORLD: I don't like that my daughter and many other children have to deal with Juvenile Diabetes.
MY EXCUSES: I am one person from a small town and what I do doesn't make a difference. I am not a medical scientists so I can't create a cure. I don't have the time to do anything for Juvenile Diabetes. Everybody will think that I am crazy.
MY EXCUSE ERASERS: I can get people to help me and form a committee. I do make a difference because my daughters are watching the good things I am trying to do. I can raise money for the medical scientist so they have funding to find a cure. I can schedule time in the evenings to work on facilitating different fund raising ideas and work on other types of media outlets. I feel very strong about my purpose and don't care what others say, besides some of those people may join me.
So there it is, the secret....You can change the things that you don't like, but it's up to you. Do you make excuses or do you find a way? Do you accept ordinary or would you rather be extraordinary?
Whether it be bills, your health, your attitude or your job.....you can change it.
Stop making excuses for yourself and start making goals. Make a difference today.
I spent a majority of my life accepting the fact that I was an average kid that would occasionally do something above average, but never was consistently fantastic. I was an average athlete (at best), I got average grades in school (B's and C's), I was an average friend, I came from an average town and well, you get the point by now. I was okay with being average. It allowed me to hide when I needed to hide and never stressed me out with overwhelming expectations to be great.
As an adult, I continued forward with the average life style. I had average relationships, did average work, lived in an average house and so on and so forth. The problem with the average lifestyle as an adult is that average started to turn into below average and then eventually to poor. I also was facing the fact that I had two kids and a wife that were looking to me to be the leader, father and husband that they deserved. Their problem was that all they knew was average, so they only expected the average effort from me....which then led to below average and eventually hitting poor.
I got disgusted and was unsatisfied with being poor at life.
That;s when I heard this secret. Now it may not seem like a secret, but it is only a secret because people don't share this with others and people don't exercise this secret very often. What is the secret?
If there is something in your world that you don't like, YOU can change it!
WHAT?!?!?!? You mean little ole me has an opportunity to change something that I don't like? No way! That can't be true.
Let me pose this question/challenge to you. What is it in your world/life that you don't like? Now think of the EXCUSES for why you haven't done anything about it. Now go through that list of excuses and cross them off as you come up with reasons to make those excuses invalid. Here is an example:
MY DISLIKE IN MY WORLD: I don't like that my daughter and many other children have to deal with Juvenile Diabetes.
MY EXCUSES: I am one person from a small town and what I do doesn't make a difference. I am not a medical scientists so I can't create a cure. I don't have the time to do anything for Juvenile Diabetes. Everybody will think that I am crazy.
MY EXCUSE ERASERS: I can get people to help me and form a committee. I do make a difference because my daughters are watching the good things I am trying to do. I can raise money for the medical scientist so they have funding to find a cure. I can schedule time in the evenings to work on facilitating different fund raising ideas and work on other types of media outlets. I feel very strong about my purpose and don't care what others say, besides some of those people may join me.
So there it is, the secret....You can change the things that you don't like, but it's up to you. Do you make excuses or do you find a way? Do you accept ordinary or would you rather be extraordinary?
Whether it be bills, your health, your attitude or your job.....you can change it.
Stop making excuses for yourself and start making goals. Make a difference today.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
God Bless The Broken Road
I have mentioned this in a post in the past but I couldn't help but revisit the topic. I just had a phone call with the Director of Eastern Iowa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on Thursday and she told me that there was 8 new kids diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes this past week. Disgusted.
When I hear this, I immediately go back to that day 20 years ago that I was diagnosed. How scared I was, how scared my parents were and the changes that happened in my life from that day forward. I think about the day that Micheala was diagnosed. The fact that I now had experienced a Juvenile Diabetes diagnosis myself and as a parent. I think about how scared I was on that day and the constant fear I have when Micheala is not within arms reach of Heather or myself.
The fear will never go away.
However as I have mentioned before, we have chosen to embrace our diabetes and have set out to change the world that we, and millions of other Americans live in.
Our pastor talked last Sunday about how things in life don't always go the way that you want them to. In our case, we never wanted diabetes and the continuous flow of medical related bills that go along with diabetes. He talked about how your plans are not your plans, they are Gods plans. He talked about how God chooses you to carry out his plans and it is up to us to embrace them and succeed. Gods plan for us involves advocating for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
I have mentioned before how I had gone through a period of time, when things were bad, that I questioned faith and why God was punishing me and my family. I searched for answers and tried to remember what it was that I had done in my life to deserve such punishment. I got depressed. I didn't know how I could ever muster up enough courage to get up everyday and watch my wife battle through thyroid issues, Micheala battle diabetes, Chiari malformation and thyroid issues, my own diabetes and Dylanne growing up in the shadow of everyone's illnesses. But I did.
One day it came to me that I our family was called on by a higher power to do something great. We gave up our plans and started living according to Gods plan.
This has led us to the beginning of great things happening and great things to come. I have been able to advocate for Juvenile Diabetes research at a level that I never would have imagined. I have met new friends through a company that trains people to be leaders and help others. We have been placed in peoples lives to help them achieve their goals. Our kids are now living a life in which they understand that People are more important than stuff. Our lives have been filled with confidence, spiritual fulfillment and happiness, just to name a few. We have direction and we are running forward...full steam ahead.
So today I think about those 8 families that had their world rocked this week with the diagnosis of diabetes. It will be hard. You will cry. You will worry. You will be stressed. Remember that this is part of Gods plan. You were chosen to fight this fight with us. Embrace it! We are in this together and will be until there is a cure. We will overcome and your child will someday have a "normal" life.
I will admit that I had lost faith, but now I say God bless the broken road because through all the hurt, there came an incredible sense of peace and purpose.
I am always available to talk. I am always available to listen. I am always available because I care and that will never change.
You have a decision to make today.......You can change the world in which you live in but it's up to you to embrace it. That is the decision that I make and I make that choice every morning.
My thoughts and prayers are with those 8 families. We will overcome!
When I hear this, I immediately go back to that day 20 years ago that I was diagnosed. How scared I was, how scared my parents were and the changes that happened in my life from that day forward. I think about the day that Micheala was diagnosed. The fact that I now had experienced a Juvenile Diabetes diagnosis myself and as a parent. I think about how scared I was on that day and the constant fear I have when Micheala is not within arms reach of Heather or myself.
The fear will never go away.
However as I have mentioned before, we have chosen to embrace our diabetes and have set out to change the world that we, and millions of other Americans live in.
Our pastor talked last Sunday about how things in life don't always go the way that you want them to. In our case, we never wanted diabetes and the continuous flow of medical related bills that go along with diabetes. He talked about how your plans are not your plans, they are Gods plans. He talked about how God chooses you to carry out his plans and it is up to us to embrace them and succeed. Gods plan for us involves advocating for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
I have mentioned before how I had gone through a period of time, when things were bad, that I questioned faith and why God was punishing me and my family. I searched for answers and tried to remember what it was that I had done in my life to deserve such punishment. I got depressed. I didn't know how I could ever muster up enough courage to get up everyday and watch my wife battle through thyroid issues, Micheala battle diabetes, Chiari malformation and thyroid issues, my own diabetes and Dylanne growing up in the shadow of everyone's illnesses. But I did.
One day it came to me that I our family was called on by a higher power to do something great. We gave up our plans and started living according to Gods plan.
This has led us to the beginning of great things happening and great things to come. I have been able to advocate for Juvenile Diabetes research at a level that I never would have imagined. I have met new friends through a company that trains people to be leaders and help others. We have been placed in peoples lives to help them achieve their goals. Our kids are now living a life in which they understand that People are more important than stuff. Our lives have been filled with confidence, spiritual fulfillment and happiness, just to name a few. We have direction and we are running forward...full steam ahead.
So today I think about those 8 families that had their world rocked this week with the diagnosis of diabetes. It will be hard. You will cry. You will worry. You will be stressed. Remember that this is part of Gods plan. You were chosen to fight this fight with us. Embrace it! We are in this together and will be until there is a cure. We will overcome and your child will someday have a "normal" life.
I will admit that I had lost faith, but now I say God bless the broken road because through all the hurt, there came an incredible sense of peace and purpose.
I am always available to talk. I am always available to listen. I am always available because I care and that will never change.
You have a decision to make today.......You can change the world in which you live in but it's up to you to embrace it. That is the decision that I make and I make that choice every morning.
My thoughts and prayers are with those 8 families. We will overcome!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Proud
I am sorry that I have not written any blogs lately. I have been tied up with work things and just haven't been able to muster up the time to write down some thoughts.
Things haven't changed on my behalf. I am working non-stop, but I know that the minor sacrifices I make now will have a major impact on the individuals in which my agency serves in the future. So I am okay with the long hours and working after hours at home. I know that I am working at the place and in the position that God intended for me at this point in my life. Who am I to interfere with God's plan? However, I have been worried about how this has effected my family.
Heather has been very understanding; more understanding than I would even have expected. I know that she would rather be spending time with me in the evening, but instead, I sit in my office at home and work on a computer. She already takes care of a majority of the day-to-day things in the Schrock family, but lately she has taken on more responsibilities. There are no needs that go unmet. More importantly, she has endured the worst of me throughout the last 4 weeks. She has understood that I am not directing any frustration at her, yet continues o listen to me as I talk through frustrations. She knows that when I get through this stretch, that it will then be "Heather time". I am very thankful for her patience and continuous support.
You know that you have been working a lot when your kids come downstairs to your office and sit down to watch you work. This has been the standard of my two gals lately, especially Dylanne. I love the fact that she asks me questions about what I am doing because this allows me to explain to her the importance of what I am doing and why. The other night, she sat down at my computer and started typing a story. When I asked her what she was doing she replied, "I'm working just like you Daddy".
The girls will come down to my office area and play with their Barbies. I think it is just the idea of me being visual to them that puts them at ease. I don't really mind because I love seeing hem and I am able to stay focused on my work while they play. A win-win for everyone, although I would rather be playing with them and not working around them.
I am proud that my girls have started to really embrace faith. They are always eager to share what they have learned on Sunday and reference their Sunday education throughout the week. Heather and I never wanted to force religion and faith on them, however we wanted to give them opportunities to explore their faith. They have really started to mature spiritually and it is awesome to witness.
I am very proud of those people hat I call my friends. I am proud of their achievements and their decisions to change their lives. I am truly inspired by those that are not afraid to stand alone, don't care what others say about them, dream big and continue to work to better themselves and their families. Keep charging my friends.
Finally........I am proud of myself.
I am proud of the things that I am doing today to create a better tomorrow for myself and those around me. I am proud that I have tackled many of my fears over the past year and discovering that those fears didn't kill me, like I once assumed. I am proud of the fact that I live with 3 wonderful young ladies that love and care about me. Most importantly, I am proud that I haven't quit on anything. Temptations to do so have been very strong, but all it takes is a look in the mirror and into the faces of the 3 ladies that count on me each and every day to make me realize that quiting is no longer an option.
I embrace the opportunities/challenges that come my way because I know that those things give me an opportunity to be victorious.
We are all meant to be victorious...embrace your challenges and knock them out of the park. Make yourself Proud.
Things haven't changed on my behalf. I am working non-stop, but I know that the minor sacrifices I make now will have a major impact on the individuals in which my agency serves in the future. So I am okay with the long hours and working after hours at home. I know that I am working at the place and in the position that God intended for me at this point in my life. Who am I to interfere with God's plan? However, I have been worried about how this has effected my family.
Heather has been very understanding; more understanding than I would even have expected. I know that she would rather be spending time with me in the evening, but instead, I sit in my office at home and work on a computer. She already takes care of a majority of the day-to-day things in the Schrock family, but lately she has taken on more responsibilities. There are no needs that go unmet. More importantly, she has endured the worst of me throughout the last 4 weeks. She has understood that I am not directing any frustration at her, yet continues o listen to me as I talk through frustrations. She knows that when I get through this stretch, that it will then be "Heather time". I am very thankful for her patience and continuous support.
You know that you have been working a lot when your kids come downstairs to your office and sit down to watch you work. This has been the standard of my two gals lately, especially Dylanne. I love the fact that she asks me questions about what I am doing because this allows me to explain to her the importance of what I am doing and why. The other night, she sat down at my computer and started typing a story. When I asked her what she was doing she replied, "I'm working just like you Daddy".
The girls will come down to my office area and play with their Barbies. I think it is just the idea of me being visual to them that puts them at ease. I don't really mind because I love seeing hem and I am able to stay focused on my work while they play. A win-win for everyone, although I would rather be playing with them and not working around them.
I am proud that my girls have started to really embrace faith. They are always eager to share what they have learned on Sunday and reference their Sunday education throughout the week. Heather and I never wanted to force religion and faith on them, however we wanted to give them opportunities to explore their faith. They have really started to mature spiritually and it is awesome to witness.
I am very proud of those people hat I call my friends. I am proud of their achievements and their decisions to change their lives. I am truly inspired by those that are not afraid to stand alone, don't care what others say about them, dream big and continue to work to better themselves and their families. Keep charging my friends.
Finally........I am proud of myself.
I am proud of the things that I am doing today to create a better tomorrow for myself and those around me. I am proud that I have tackled many of my fears over the past year and discovering that those fears didn't kill me, like I once assumed. I am proud of the fact that I live with 3 wonderful young ladies that love and care about me. Most importantly, I am proud that I haven't quit on anything. Temptations to do so have been very strong, but all it takes is a look in the mirror and into the faces of the 3 ladies that count on me each and every day to make me realize that quiting is no longer an option.
I embrace the opportunities/challenges that come my way because I know that those things give me an opportunity to be victorious.
We are all meant to be victorious...embrace your challenges and knock them out of the park. Make yourself Proud.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
It Matters To Them....It Matters To Me
I am part of the majority that probably spends too much time worrying about work and too little time enjoying the things that really matter in life. This is something that I am working through and trying to fix. I guess I got tired of missing things in regards to my wife and my children. Whether it be school concerts, softball and soccer games or even just playing outside in the summer time; I just got fed up.
My kids are now 6 and 8 years old. I have recently decided to make this change in my life, but I can't help but think about what I have already missed. Things that I missed out on because I was so focused on MY career and MY hobbies.
I have missed a lot of Dylanne's softball games over the past few years. Whether it was because I was volunteer coaching a baseball team or work, it just wasn't right. I was absolutely blessed with the opportunity to coach young men in our community. I took coaching very serious as I wanted them to not only develop into fine baseball players, but fine young men as well. I took great pride in watching these young men succeed, but I was ignoring Dylanne, even when she said it was alright. It wasn't alright. I remember thinking some years back that I would really be tickled if Dylanne would enjoy playing softball since baseball is my favorite sport. She started playing and I wasn't there all of the time to watch her play. My wish had come true and I ignored it, who's fault is that?
In regards to extracirricular activities, Micheala is still young enough that she really hasn't started a whole lot of things, so I have a chance to attend those things of hers that I missed with Dylanne. I can't help but think of the opportunities that I missed to just play outside. Time flies by pretty fast.
It's too late to apologize, but there's still time to break the cycle. My job and personal interests are still important to me, but not as important as the two little girls that call me Dad and that very special woman that calls me her husband. I have made the committment to be at the activities and to not be a spectator in my girls' lives.
Finally, my wife. We have been married for 10 years. We often joke with each other that it doesn't seem that long. As I thought about it, we really haven't spent 10 years together. Up until 2 years ago, we worked opposite shifts, so when I worked, she was at home with the girls. When she worked, I was at home with the girls. Our "quality time" was when we passed each other coming in and out of the house. There are times that I, regretfully admit, put my career before my wife. She never deserved that. Through all of this, she continued to love me for who I was and who I wanted to be.
So as I work to break the cycle, I encourage everyone to learn from me. Don't make the mistakes that I did. Life moves fast, so you have to stop and take a look around. Tell the people that you love, "I love you", better yet, show them you love them. Be at your daughter's softball games, even if they slow in pace non competitive...it matters to her. When your home, be at home. Be there to play with your daughter on the swingset...it matters to her. Take the time to embrace your marriage. Hold your wife and get lost in her soul...it matters to her.
It matters to them....It matters to me.
My kids are now 6 and 8 years old. I have recently decided to make this change in my life, but I can't help but think about what I have already missed. Things that I missed out on because I was so focused on MY career and MY hobbies.
I have missed a lot of Dylanne's softball games over the past few years. Whether it was because I was volunteer coaching a baseball team or work, it just wasn't right. I was absolutely blessed with the opportunity to coach young men in our community. I took coaching very serious as I wanted them to not only develop into fine baseball players, but fine young men as well. I took great pride in watching these young men succeed, but I was ignoring Dylanne, even when she said it was alright. It wasn't alright. I remember thinking some years back that I would really be tickled if Dylanne would enjoy playing softball since baseball is my favorite sport. She started playing and I wasn't there all of the time to watch her play. My wish had come true and I ignored it, who's fault is that?
In regards to extracirricular activities, Micheala is still young enough that she really hasn't started a whole lot of things, so I have a chance to attend those things of hers that I missed with Dylanne. I can't help but think of the opportunities that I missed to just play outside. Time flies by pretty fast.
It's too late to apologize, but there's still time to break the cycle. My job and personal interests are still important to me, but not as important as the two little girls that call me Dad and that very special woman that calls me her husband. I have made the committment to be at the activities and to not be a spectator in my girls' lives.
Finally, my wife. We have been married for 10 years. We often joke with each other that it doesn't seem that long. As I thought about it, we really haven't spent 10 years together. Up until 2 years ago, we worked opposite shifts, so when I worked, she was at home with the girls. When she worked, I was at home with the girls. Our "quality time" was when we passed each other coming in and out of the house. There are times that I, regretfully admit, put my career before my wife. She never deserved that. Through all of this, she continued to love me for who I was and who I wanted to be.
So as I work to break the cycle, I encourage everyone to learn from me. Don't make the mistakes that I did. Life moves fast, so you have to stop and take a look around. Tell the people that you love, "I love you", better yet, show them you love them. Be at your daughter's softball games, even if they slow in pace non competitive...it matters to her. When your home, be at home. Be there to play with your daughter on the swingset...it matters to her. Take the time to embrace your marriage. Hold your wife and get lost in her soul...it matters to her.
It matters to them....It matters to me.
Monday, December 5, 2011
People Are More Important Than Stuff
Yesterday, we were invited by some freinds to try a new church. So we did and we loved it! I have no ill feelings towards my old church, but I didn't think the girls were learning anything and started to not like going on Sundays.
We changed it up yesterday and attended a church in which the kids have their own service while the adults have service. It was great to be able and sit and worship with just my wife. No breaking up fights between the girls or making numerous trips to the restroom. The kids were in another area of the church having service that was geared towards their age level.
Our service was awesome! Very uplifting and a great message given by a Pastor that is very insightful. We were welcomed into the church with open arms and greated by many of the members.
Our girls said that they enjoyed their service as well. They said that they learned a lot and cannot wait to return next Sunday. I have never seen my girls so excited for church...it was great!
Later in the evening, I was scolding K'la for not following directions. I had told her numerous times to do something, yet she refused to listen to me. I finally had to raise my voice to her and this caused her to run off and start crying. Dylanne perks up and chases K'la down to comfort her. As she walks away, Dylanne says to me, "Dad, we learned in church today that people are more important than stuff."
Wow.
In my mind, it doesn't excuse K'la's complete disregard to my direction, yet I was so proud that my girls had retained and applied a lesson that they learned at church. People are more important than stuff.
I thought about this the remainder of the evening. People are more important than stuff. The day before, I had been stressing over being able to buy my kids all that they wanted for Christmas. It had put me in a sour mood and I just couldn't break it. There is nothing more that I would love to do than spoil my kids for Christmas, but I realized that I was missing the point. Sure, I could put in numerous hours of overtime to be able to afford every toy in the world, but I would be missing out on spending time with them. People are more important than stuff.
Once again, a lesson learned from my kids. One that I should have known a long time ago. People are more important than stuff.
We changed it up yesterday and attended a church in which the kids have their own service while the adults have service. It was great to be able and sit and worship with just my wife. No breaking up fights between the girls or making numerous trips to the restroom. The kids were in another area of the church having service that was geared towards their age level.
Our service was awesome! Very uplifting and a great message given by a Pastor that is very insightful. We were welcomed into the church with open arms and greated by many of the members.
Our girls said that they enjoyed their service as well. They said that they learned a lot and cannot wait to return next Sunday. I have never seen my girls so excited for church...it was great!
Later in the evening, I was scolding K'la for not following directions. I had told her numerous times to do something, yet she refused to listen to me. I finally had to raise my voice to her and this caused her to run off and start crying. Dylanne perks up and chases K'la down to comfort her. As she walks away, Dylanne says to me, "Dad, we learned in church today that people are more important than stuff."
Wow.
In my mind, it doesn't excuse K'la's complete disregard to my direction, yet I was so proud that my girls had retained and applied a lesson that they learned at church. People are more important than stuff.
I thought about this the remainder of the evening. People are more important than stuff. The day before, I had been stressing over being able to buy my kids all that they wanted for Christmas. It had put me in a sour mood and I just couldn't break it. There is nothing more that I would love to do than spoil my kids for Christmas, but I realized that I was missing the point. Sure, I could put in numerous hours of overtime to be able to afford every toy in the world, but I would be missing out on spending time with them. People are more important than stuff.
Once again, a lesson learned from my kids. One that I should have known a long time ago. People are more important than stuff.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Look Into My Eyes
I ran into one of my "doubters" the this morning. I must say that I was proud of myself for standing up to this "dream killer". One thing that I have learned and improved on in my life over the past year is to stand up to those that tell me "I can't" or "I won't".
I was confronted by this person and listen to their defeating thoughts. Being polite, I heard them out. I didn't lash out or become rude. I collected my thoughts and composure. I smiled and was ready to respond.
I looked at this person and said to them:
"Look into my eyes and tell me that I can't.
I will then show you how I did.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I won't.
I will then show that I did.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I shouldn't.
I will they show you why I should.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I should never.
I will then prove to you why I will always.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I am no good.
I will then show you why I will be the best.
Look into my eyes and tell me why I am a loser.
I will then show you why I am a winner.
Look into my eyes and tell me why I will never achieve.
I will then remember you once I am on top.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I will never reach my goals.
I will reach them and set new ones.
Look into my eyes and tell me I am not.
I will then show you that I am."
Feeling a large burden had just been lifted off my shoulders, I stared into their eyes for a few seconds longer. I believe this person got my point. They knew from the get go that I was all of these things that I said I was or am going to be.
I was finished with this person. So I walked away from the mirror.
This morning I was reminded that our biggest critics/doubters/dream killers in life are ourselves. It is hard for those around you to believe in you if you don't believe in yourself. Sure, life throws you curve balls, puts hurdles in your path or even builds a brick wall in your way. Every problem has a solution, one that God has intended for you to work through to make you stronger.
My thoughts on the way to work this morning were about those who stop believing in themselves. Times get tough and they fold. Such challenges are put into our lives to help us develop into the strong leaders and believers that God intended us to be.
Don't doubt your ability to be great.
I was confronted by this person and listen to their defeating thoughts. Being polite, I heard them out. I didn't lash out or become rude. I collected my thoughts and composure. I smiled and was ready to respond.
I looked at this person and said to them:
"Look into my eyes and tell me that I can't.
I will then show you how I did.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I won't.
I will then show that I did.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I shouldn't.
I will they show you why I should.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I should never.
I will then prove to you why I will always.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I am no good.
I will then show you why I will be the best.
Look into my eyes and tell me why I am a loser.
I will then show you why I am a winner.
Look into my eyes and tell me why I will never achieve.
I will then remember you once I am on top.
Look into my eyes and tell me that I will never reach my goals.
I will reach them and set new ones.
Look into my eyes and tell me I am not.
I will then show you that I am."
Feeling a large burden had just been lifted off my shoulders, I stared into their eyes for a few seconds longer. I believe this person got my point. They knew from the get go that I was all of these things that I said I was or am going to be.
I was finished with this person. So I walked away from the mirror.
This morning I was reminded that our biggest critics/doubters/dream killers in life are ourselves. It is hard for those around you to believe in you if you don't believe in yourself. Sure, life throws you curve balls, puts hurdles in your path or even builds a brick wall in your way. Every problem has a solution, one that God has intended for you to work through to make you stronger.
My thoughts on the way to work this morning were about those who stop believing in themselves. Times get tough and they fold. Such challenges are put into our lives to help us develop into the strong leaders and believers that God intended us to be.
Don't doubt your ability to be great.
Monday, November 28, 2011
This Picture
This picture hangs in my office at work.
I look at this picture everyday.
This picture inspires and motivates me everyday.
I am very fortunate to know the two people in this picture. I will not name them, but there are many of you reading this today that know who they are.
A few years ago, when Heather and I started to get involved with the Eastern Iowa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, I happened to come across this picture. I remember the day that I found this picture. I was captivated by it. I instantly started to get that "lumpy feeling in my throat. My eyes started to tear up. My nose started to run. What was it about this picture that sparked such an emotion? At the time I wasn't sure, but I learned the back story, which has since made the picture even more meaningful.
What I knew prior to asking about the picture is that 1) this was a mother/daughter photo 2) the girl in this photo is a type 1 diabetic and 3) the mother just finished the JDRF Ride for the Cure. I tracked down the mother in this photo and told her that I have it hanging in my office for inspiration. That is when she told me the story behind the photo.
She began to tell me that she rode the JDRF Ride for the Cure for her daughter. It was her way to combine 2 things that she was very passionate about; funding a cure for her daughter and riding her bike. She went on to tell me that after she crossed the finish line, she was met by her daughter. They tried to sneak away to have their moment; which one can only imagine was very emotional and full of tears. Little did this duo know that a photographer had noticed them stepping away and managed to capture their moment in this image. An image that has no caption, but speaks volumes to those of us parents who wish nothing more than for a cure for their diabetic children.
There are no words for this photo. I try to imagine the mother as she pushed through a long and exhausting bike ride. Putting her body through pain so that her daughter may someday hurt no more. I imagine what her daughter must feel as she watches her mother endure this journey all for her. What a great example this mother is providing for her daughter. The thought, that we as parents, would take on anything for our children. The determination of the mother to do everything she can to defeat the monster that we call juvenile diabetes.
Diabetes or not, this picture speaks loud and clear. On this day, despite the large amount of money raised for Juvenile Diabetes research, there was no cure. However, this picture indicates that there was indeed a victory. A victory in the relationship between the mother and the daughter. A victory within the mother that she can accomplish anything as long as she looks past her fears and doubts. A victory for juvenile diabetics everywhere knowing that there are people who do care and will do anything to help them be cured.
I look at this picture everyday. I look at this picture and have visions of the two people in this picture being Micheala and myself. I look at this picture, with visions of this being Micheala and myself, and insert our story into the picture. I look at this picture, with visions of this being Micheala and myself, insert our story, and know that we must continue to fight.
It's been said that "a picture is worth a thousand words"; in this case, it is worth much, much more.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Giving Thanks To Misfortune
Well, our holiday of stuffing our faces is tomorrow. Tomorrow we will all, more than likely, feed on a table full of food and snacks until we eventually pass out in front of the TV. As we do this with our family and friends, it's important to remember why we are all together...to give thanks.
Being thankful for all of the good things in life is real easy to do and easy to remember. Most people are thankful for their families, health, and so on. I am thankful for all of these as well. But as I think about Thanksgiving and giving thanks, I can't help but remember the events that have happened in our lives that eventually led us to the people we are today.
I have been Diabetic for as long as Heather has known me. Diabetes was just something I had and dealt, or didn't deal with, on a day-to-day basis. A month after Heather and I were married, she was sitting at my bedside in the Intensive Care Unit as I battled through complications with my diabetes. I can't imagine what it was like for her to sit by my bedside, especially a month after we vowed to be together forever. In that moment, our relationship grew stronger.
Our first child, Dylanne was born. She required a minor surgery months later to cut open an opening that females are suppose to have. It was a minor surgery, but scary for us because it was our only child under the knife. We worried in the waiting room until we heard from the doctor that everything was successful and that Dylanne would be fine from here on out. We worried, but our relationship with each other and Dylanne grew stronger.
Our second child, Micheala was born. We noticed that she would stop breathing while she slept; sometimes turning blue. We were frustrated and stressed as we traveled from hospital to hospital looking for answers. Finaly a Chiari Malformationi of the Brain diagnosis at the University of Iowa hospital. She required decompression surgery on our wedding anniversary. We sat in the hospital waiting room on a day in which we were suppose to celebrate, but felt nothing but anxiety. Micheala made it through surgery and our road to recovery began. We grew stronger as a family.
Heather went through thyroid cancer, in which she did treatments and had her thyroid removed. I watched and worried while my wife battled this day-to-day. She is cancer free as of now and feels better than ever. I was worried because throughout this process, I witnessed my wife's spirit disappear. We grew stronger as a family.
Heather was the first to arrive on the scene of her mother's apartment fire. She witnessed the firemen trying to revive her mother on the lawn in front of her apartment. At the hospital we were face with the difficult decision to let her be with God. It is still tough to this date, but we are working through it. We grew stronger as a family.
on Mother's Day 2009, Micheala was diagnosed with diabetes. A day in which I thought my life could not get any worse. A disease she got from me and would have to battle the rest of her life. I still struggle with the fact that she is now a diabetic and the everyday care that Heather and I have to give her becomes stressful at times. We grew stronger as a family.
So these are a few of the events that have happened in our lives since we've been married and started our own family. We went through a period of asking God, "Why us?". We lost faith and didn't feel as if we had much to be excited about or live for anymore.
Our lives are different now.
We look back at all of these things and realize that we have conquered them all. We have not only managed to get through all of these things, but we have grow as a family because of them.
So this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all of the misfortunes that we've gone through in our life. I am thankful for those misfortunes because they have made us a stronger family, more confident and happier. These misfortunes have turned into fortunes for us. So, I thank God for challenging the Schrock family. I thank the Lord for being our sheppard. I thank those who didn't feel sorrow for us during these times and encourgaed us to push forward. I thank those who believed in us when we didn't believe in us. Finally, I thank those who choose to stand beside us, achieve with us, believe with us and better their own lives through us.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Being thankful for all of the good things in life is real easy to do and easy to remember. Most people are thankful for their families, health, and so on. I am thankful for all of these as well. But as I think about Thanksgiving and giving thanks, I can't help but remember the events that have happened in our lives that eventually led us to the people we are today.
I have been Diabetic for as long as Heather has known me. Diabetes was just something I had and dealt, or didn't deal with, on a day-to-day basis. A month after Heather and I were married, she was sitting at my bedside in the Intensive Care Unit as I battled through complications with my diabetes. I can't imagine what it was like for her to sit by my bedside, especially a month after we vowed to be together forever. In that moment, our relationship grew stronger.
Our first child, Dylanne was born. She required a minor surgery months later to cut open an opening that females are suppose to have. It was a minor surgery, but scary for us because it was our only child under the knife. We worried in the waiting room until we heard from the doctor that everything was successful and that Dylanne would be fine from here on out. We worried, but our relationship with each other and Dylanne grew stronger.
Our second child, Micheala was born. We noticed that she would stop breathing while she slept; sometimes turning blue. We were frustrated and stressed as we traveled from hospital to hospital looking for answers. Finaly a Chiari Malformationi of the Brain diagnosis at the University of Iowa hospital. She required decompression surgery on our wedding anniversary. We sat in the hospital waiting room on a day in which we were suppose to celebrate, but felt nothing but anxiety. Micheala made it through surgery and our road to recovery began. We grew stronger as a family.
Heather went through thyroid cancer, in which she did treatments and had her thyroid removed. I watched and worried while my wife battled this day-to-day. She is cancer free as of now and feels better than ever. I was worried because throughout this process, I witnessed my wife's spirit disappear. We grew stronger as a family.
Heather was the first to arrive on the scene of her mother's apartment fire. She witnessed the firemen trying to revive her mother on the lawn in front of her apartment. At the hospital we were face with the difficult decision to let her be with God. It is still tough to this date, but we are working through it. We grew stronger as a family.
on Mother's Day 2009, Micheala was diagnosed with diabetes. A day in which I thought my life could not get any worse. A disease she got from me and would have to battle the rest of her life. I still struggle with the fact that she is now a diabetic and the everyday care that Heather and I have to give her becomes stressful at times. We grew stronger as a family.
So these are a few of the events that have happened in our lives since we've been married and started our own family. We went through a period of asking God, "Why us?". We lost faith and didn't feel as if we had much to be excited about or live for anymore.
Our lives are different now.
We look back at all of these things and realize that we have conquered them all. We have not only managed to get through all of these things, but we have grow as a family because of them.
So this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all of the misfortunes that we've gone through in our life. I am thankful for those misfortunes because they have made us a stronger family, more confident and happier. These misfortunes have turned into fortunes for us. So, I thank God for challenging the Schrock family. I thank the Lord for being our sheppard. I thank those who didn't feel sorrow for us during these times and encourgaed us to push forward. I thank those who believed in us when we didn't believe in us. Finally, I thank those who choose to stand beside us, achieve with us, believe with us and better their own lives through us.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
To Fly (for my wife)
"I came to win
To fight,
To conquer,
To thrive,
I came to win,
To survive,
To prosper
To rise,
To fly,to fly" -Nicki Minaj "Fly"
This morning I dedicate this blog to my wife, Heather, who spread her wings on Saturday to fly.
On Saturday, Heather and I were asked to tell our story in front of 290 people at an Advocare event. I have been no stranger to the stage in front of crowds of this size, however, Heather is more of a behind the scenes player. She doesn't enjoy the spotlight all that much. It was also a moment of truth, as we had to discuss some of the bad things that had happened in our lives.
A week before this event, it was decided that I would do all of the speaking, however, I know Heather's story and wanted her to tell it. As the week progressed, we eventually decided that Heather must speak.
Nervous as all hell, we drove to the event on Saturday. We decided that we just wanted to offer hope to one person in the room, plus we wanted to be inspired by others. We didn't rehearse what we were going to say; we just stepped on stage and spoke from the heart. Heather spoke first.
Heather started speaking and I got lost. I was so captivated in the moment, I really had no idea what I would say. She shined like a star on the stage. She inspired. She inspired me. She told her story and had the full attention of the crowd. I was so proud of her in that moment. Not so much for what she has accomplished in Advocare, but how she put her own fears aside in order to help others. She got uncomfortable for other people in the room.
It was the first time Heather and I had shared a stage together, but will not be the last. I don't even know what I said because I was so blown away by my wife. I am married to a leader.
Heather grew quite a bit on Saturday and will continue to grow. I am excited for this. It will be fun to watch her continue to inspire others, including me.
Great job Heather! You are a difference maker. Continue to fly.
To fight,
To conquer,
To thrive,
I came to win,
To survive,
To prosper
To rise,
To fly,to fly" -Nicki Minaj "Fly"
This morning I dedicate this blog to my wife, Heather, who spread her wings on Saturday to fly.
On Saturday, Heather and I were asked to tell our story in front of 290 people at an Advocare event. I have been no stranger to the stage in front of crowds of this size, however, Heather is more of a behind the scenes player. She doesn't enjoy the spotlight all that much. It was also a moment of truth, as we had to discuss some of the bad things that had happened in our lives.
A week before this event, it was decided that I would do all of the speaking, however, I know Heather's story and wanted her to tell it. As the week progressed, we eventually decided that Heather must speak.
Nervous as all hell, we drove to the event on Saturday. We decided that we just wanted to offer hope to one person in the room, plus we wanted to be inspired by others. We didn't rehearse what we were going to say; we just stepped on stage and spoke from the heart. Heather spoke first.
Heather started speaking and I got lost. I was so captivated in the moment, I really had no idea what I would say. She shined like a star on the stage. She inspired. She inspired me. She told her story and had the full attention of the crowd. I was so proud of her in that moment. Not so much for what she has accomplished in Advocare, but how she put her own fears aside in order to help others. She got uncomfortable for other people in the room.
It was the first time Heather and I had shared a stage together, but will not be the last. I don't even know what I said because I was so blown away by my wife. I am married to a leader.
Heather grew quite a bit on Saturday and will continue to grow. I am excited for this. It will be fun to watch her continue to inspire others, including me.
Great job Heather! You are a difference maker. Continue to fly.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Little Love Note
A couple weeks ago, I brought Dylanne to work with me because she didn't have school. Plus it was a great way for us to spend some one-on-one time together, or so I thought.
I was extremely busy at work that day and actually worked about 10 hours. Dylanne kept herself busy, as I tend to keep a few toys in my office. I was a bit bummed that I was so focused on work and not so much on having a little fun at the work place with her.
Recently I have been working a lot and have been really work focused. I have a 6 foot dry erase board in my office that I have full of notes and things to do. I bring work home with me, mentally and have been a little checked out from my family. There has been a disconnect and it was starting to wear on me.
Yesterday, I was standing at my huge dry erase board writing down more notes when something caught my eye. Next to my dry erase board, I have a little cork board in which I have pictures of my girls, wife and family. I noticed the smallest post-it note that you can buy stuck to the board above a picture of Dylanne. In Dylanne's handwriting, the note read: I Love Daddy.
My world stopped as I sat in my chair and just smiled. What an awesome surprise. What was even better is when I returned home from work last night, I said to Dylanne, "I found a little love note in my office today...." and she instantly started to smile. Her note/plan worked perfectly and she knew it.
As much as my kids tend to drive me insane, I love the death out of both of them.
That note will forever be stuck to that board; in the same place because I now know where it is at. I will look at it everyday to help me keep my priorities straight. Work is very important to me, but not more important than the 2 little girls that love me. It's the little things done by my little ones that make a huge impact on me and my life.
I was extremely busy at work that day and actually worked about 10 hours. Dylanne kept herself busy, as I tend to keep a few toys in my office. I was a bit bummed that I was so focused on work and not so much on having a little fun at the work place with her.
Recently I have been working a lot and have been really work focused. I have a 6 foot dry erase board in my office that I have full of notes and things to do. I bring work home with me, mentally and have been a little checked out from my family. There has been a disconnect and it was starting to wear on me.
Yesterday, I was standing at my huge dry erase board writing down more notes when something caught my eye. Next to my dry erase board, I have a little cork board in which I have pictures of my girls, wife and family. I noticed the smallest post-it note that you can buy stuck to the board above a picture of Dylanne. In Dylanne's handwriting, the note read: I Love Daddy.
My world stopped as I sat in my chair and just smiled. What an awesome surprise. What was even better is when I returned home from work last night, I said to Dylanne, "I found a little love note in my office today...." and she instantly started to smile. Her note/plan worked perfectly and she knew it.
As much as my kids tend to drive me insane, I love the death out of both of them.
That note will forever be stuck to that board; in the same place because I now know where it is at. I will look at it everyday to help me keep my priorities straight. Work is very important to me, but not more important than the 2 little girls that love me. It's the little things done by my little ones that make a huge impact on me and my life.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Make The Best Of Your Todays
How many times in your life had you said, "I'll do it tomorrow"? I'll admit, I was a procrastinator and used that phrase quite a bit. Matter of fact, I often used it many times in a row which eventually led to not doing "it" ever. I have learned through my own mistakes that it's often too late for yesterday and that tomorrow never comes.
In the pursuit of my purpose, I have many regrets that I didn't take care of myself and advocate for juvenile diabetes at a much earlier time in my life. I wish that at the age of 15, that I would have become involved, in any way, with JDRF. It's too late for that now. I wish that I would have taken better care of myself throughout the past 19 years, but it's too late for that now. I wish I would have attended Diabetic camp more times, but it's too late for that now. It's too late to do the things that I should have done yesterday.
Moving forward, I cannot let my today be clouded with thoughts of what I should have done yesterday. I must move forward and do things today. The things I can do today will change what I can do or how long I can do things the next day. So my focus must be on today. What can I do today to work towards my purpose? What can I do today so that in the future my daughter doesn't have to battle juvenile diabetes? How can I change the world today?
Tomorrow is a date that never seems to appear on any one's schedule. At 12am, tomorrow becomes today and a new tomorrow is created. So don't put things off until tomorrow because tomorrow just doesn't exist. Nothing gets done tomorrow. Things get done today.
In my own life, I have said that I was going to do things tomorrow and of course, since tomorrow never comes, the things don't get done. I started to apply to my purpose. If I choose to advocate for juvenile diabetes tomorrow, I'll never do it. If I choose to start taking care of myself tomorrow, I'll never do it. A cure will not be found on tomorrow. When a cure is found it will be announced that "a cure was found today".
I know that you may be thinking that this is just a word play. No, it's a mindset. Train yourself to think about accomplishing today, doing today and living today. Tell yourself that today is the day you (fill in the blank). Today's are full of possibilities and tomorrows are just uncertainties.
Make the best of your todays.
In the pursuit of my purpose, I have many regrets that I didn't take care of myself and advocate for juvenile diabetes at a much earlier time in my life. I wish that at the age of 15, that I would have become involved, in any way, with JDRF. It's too late for that now. I wish that I would have taken better care of myself throughout the past 19 years, but it's too late for that now. I wish I would have attended Diabetic camp more times, but it's too late for that now. It's too late to do the things that I should have done yesterday.
Moving forward, I cannot let my today be clouded with thoughts of what I should have done yesterday. I must move forward and do things today. The things I can do today will change what I can do or how long I can do things the next day. So my focus must be on today. What can I do today to work towards my purpose? What can I do today so that in the future my daughter doesn't have to battle juvenile diabetes? How can I change the world today?
Tomorrow is a date that never seems to appear on any one's schedule. At 12am, tomorrow becomes today and a new tomorrow is created. So don't put things off until tomorrow because tomorrow just doesn't exist. Nothing gets done tomorrow. Things get done today.
In my own life, I have said that I was going to do things tomorrow and of course, since tomorrow never comes, the things don't get done. I started to apply to my purpose. If I choose to advocate for juvenile diabetes tomorrow, I'll never do it. If I choose to start taking care of myself tomorrow, I'll never do it. A cure will not be found on tomorrow. When a cure is found it will be announced that "a cure was found today".
I know that you may be thinking that this is just a word play. No, it's a mindset. Train yourself to think about accomplishing today, doing today and living today. Tell yourself that today is the day you (fill in the blank). Today's are full of possibilities and tomorrows are just uncertainties.
Make the best of your todays.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Over Thinking and Losing Focus
It's nice to have somebody in your life that you can refer to as your "go to" person. Michael Roberts, this one is for you.
I have been blessed with incredible opportunities this past year. I had opportunities to speak in front of crowds of people regarding my purpose. I took advantage of these opportunities to to educate and advocate for a juvenile diabetes cure. I also had opportunities to share with people the transformation that my life has taken over the past year. I took advantage of these opportunities to motivate others to do the same. With both of these types of opportunities, I tend to over think the presentation. I over think to the point where I stress myself out about the opportunity and lose focus on the opportunity itself.
Michael Roberts and I talk about this quite a bit. He always has a way to bring me back to the purpose of the opportunity. I find myself so tied up in the presentation, that I forget that the things that I speak about are part of my everyday life. Which brings up the question, "Do I need to write out a script to share my everyday life?" The only script I need is burried inside my heart, so I have to speak from the heart.
In the past, I have gone over different presentations in my head prior to speaking opportunities. I have written speeches out in full and I have even written them in outline form, but they never seem to have the impact that I hoped they would on the audiance. Last Wednesday, I decided to abandon this method and go to the podium with no paper. Just my heart and my daughter standing next to me. I poured out my heart for 15 minutes and walked away with the confidence that someone in the crowd was inspired.
So with another opportunity to share my life and purpose approaching, I found myself going back to my old habits. What kind of props or cool analogies can I use to get my message relayed to the audiance? I have practiced various presentations at home and in my car on the way to and from work. Not being satisfied with any of them, I start getting into panic mode. A great friend, Michael Roberts calls me last night. Listens to me as I ramble on about my presentation, then points out to me that I am over thinking and losing focus of what's important. He was right. So now, I know that all I have to do is be in the room and speak from the heart. The words, passion and know how are all stored in my heart.
So why do we over think the things that we over think? Do we get ourselves so self involved in trying to look good in front of others? Does our message really get relayed to others with the passion and honesty that it should by over thinking? Why do we try to alter what our heart is telling us to say? Are we afraid of the truth that lies within our hearts?
I was blessed with a fantastic email this morning from someone who works for me. I have been watching this employee for a while now and noticed that she was struggling in some area of her life, but was uncertain of that area. I brought this employee in to my office a while back, not to pry into this person's life, but to let this employee know that I was available if needed. They chose not to share any personal information at that time, which was fine, because that was not my purpose of bring this person in. This employee left and I gave them my copy of Rhinoceros Success to read in hopes that this would motivate them and help them through their struggles. They returned the book with a note stating how much the book made sense to them and how much they appreciated the opportunity to read the book.
I took the time a day ago to comment on the progress that this employee has made since the day she completed the book. This employee has become a leader at work, but has also taken charge of their life and is moving in a positive direction. After our conversationi, I sent a follow-up email to this employee, again pointing out all of the positive changes and encourgaing them to conitnue forward. This morning I recieved an email from this person that thanked me for taking the time to care about them. This person then poured their heart out in a full page email. It made coming to work this morning very exciting knowing that I have helped one person better their life.
It all came down to this employee over thinking and losing focus on what was important in their heart.
I try to learn something new everyday, however, this lesson is something that I have been learning for quite sometime. Listen to your heart. Don't ignore the words or feelings that your heart is telling you. Finally, lead with your heart. It is the only "prop" you need.
Thank you Michael Roberts for leading us with your heart.
I have been blessed with incredible opportunities this past year. I had opportunities to speak in front of crowds of people regarding my purpose. I took advantage of these opportunities to to educate and advocate for a juvenile diabetes cure. I also had opportunities to share with people the transformation that my life has taken over the past year. I took advantage of these opportunities to motivate others to do the same. With both of these types of opportunities, I tend to over think the presentation. I over think to the point where I stress myself out about the opportunity and lose focus on the opportunity itself.
Michael Roberts and I talk about this quite a bit. He always has a way to bring me back to the purpose of the opportunity. I find myself so tied up in the presentation, that I forget that the things that I speak about are part of my everyday life. Which brings up the question, "Do I need to write out a script to share my everyday life?" The only script I need is burried inside my heart, so I have to speak from the heart.
In the past, I have gone over different presentations in my head prior to speaking opportunities. I have written speeches out in full and I have even written them in outline form, but they never seem to have the impact that I hoped they would on the audiance. Last Wednesday, I decided to abandon this method and go to the podium with no paper. Just my heart and my daughter standing next to me. I poured out my heart for 15 minutes and walked away with the confidence that someone in the crowd was inspired.
So with another opportunity to share my life and purpose approaching, I found myself going back to my old habits. What kind of props or cool analogies can I use to get my message relayed to the audiance? I have practiced various presentations at home and in my car on the way to and from work. Not being satisfied with any of them, I start getting into panic mode. A great friend, Michael Roberts calls me last night. Listens to me as I ramble on about my presentation, then points out to me that I am over thinking and losing focus of what's important. He was right. So now, I know that all I have to do is be in the room and speak from the heart. The words, passion and know how are all stored in my heart.
So why do we over think the things that we over think? Do we get ourselves so self involved in trying to look good in front of others? Does our message really get relayed to others with the passion and honesty that it should by over thinking? Why do we try to alter what our heart is telling us to say? Are we afraid of the truth that lies within our hearts?
I was blessed with a fantastic email this morning from someone who works for me. I have been watching this employee for a while now and noticed that she was struggling in some area of her life, but was uncertain of that area. I brought this employee in to my office a while back, not to pry into this person's life, but to let this employee know that I was available if needed. They chose not to share any personal information at that time, which was fine, because that was not my purpose of bring this person in. This employee left and I gave them my copy of Rhinoceros Success to read in hopes that this would motivate them and help them through their struggles. They returned the book with a note stating how much the book made sense to them and how much they appreciated the opportunity to read the book.
I took the time a day ago to comment on the progress that this employee has made since the day she completed the book. This employee has become a leader at work, but has also taken charge of their life and is moving in a positive direction. After our conversationi, I sent a follow-up email to this employee, again pointing out all of the positive changes and encourgaing them to conitnue forward. This morning I recieved an email from this person that thanked me for taking the time to care about them. This person then poured their heart out in a full page email. It made coming to work this morning very exciting knowing that I have helped one person better their life.
It all came down to this employee over thinking and losing focus on what was important in their heart.
I try to learn something new everyday, however, this lesson is something that I have been learning for quite sometime. Listen to your heart. Don't ignore the words or feelings that your heart is telling you. Finally, lead with your heart. It is the only "prop" you need.
Thank you Michael Roberts for leading us with your heart.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Union Football: More Than Just A Game
Last night, I got together with a few buddies and we traveled to the UNI-Dome to support our friend, Joe Hadachek and his Union Knights High School Football team in their playoff game. I put on my red fleece and met up with my friends and had no idea what I was about to witness.
Union packed the stands with fans. Parents, Grandparents, siblings, relatives and members from the community all came dressed in red. Those who were not wearing red were wearing some sort of Union Football shirt. The Union boys and coaches were victorious and will play in the State Finals on Saturday, but it was my observations during the game that really warmed my heart.
The Union fans were very inviting. Very kind in making room for this outsider to sit and watch, as well as kind in conversation. During the game they cheered on their boys. They didn't cheer against the other team, hassle the officials or even openly question the coaching done by the Union staff. They encouraged their players and didn't scold them from the stands. They never got down on the boys, yet screamed for them to play hard. They didn't place blame on anyone for the opposing teams' success throughout the game. They were loud...they were proud!
I watched the Union coaches as they would pull individual boys aside and coach them on a play that just occurred. There was no scolding; all teaching. Coaches gave a lot of high fives and helmet slaps for jobs well done opposed to tongue lashings and temper tantrum fits. There was a theme of positivity from the sidelines that was dictated by the coaching staff and it had made it's way into the mentality of the players.
Throughout the game, there was missed tackles and some blown coverages. A few missed blocks here or there and even some penalties, but the players didn't place blame on each other. It was encouraging to see them pick each other up and keep pushing forward.
Finally, after the game was won by Union, the boys stood in respect for the opposing team as they received their trophy. They shook hands with them and then headed to their sideline to celebrate with the Union fans. It was clear that this victory as not just for the team, but for the whole community. The players jumped and celebrated, but not to be out shined by the celebration of the extremely proud coaches.
Before leaving the field, the team huddled close for a prayer. The crowd was silent during this time and a feeling of God's grace overcame the entire Union community. A special moment in the Union community for sure and a special moment for an outsider such as myself to witness.
I had a feeling on my way home from that game that Union Football was more than 1st downs and touchdowns. It was about giving your best. It was about community. It was about pride. It was about love. It was about playing like a champion and living like one too. To the community of Union, you have a special thing going on. Something special that I think most communities would love to have in their possession. I don't believe it came from high school teams being successful this fall; it started long before that. It started with supportive individuals stepping up and mentoring the younger generation on how to get the most out of themselves. Champions are raised by Champions.
Go Knights and Good Luck on Saturday!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Somewhere, Somebody
No work today, yet I am still up at 4am. Crazy, I know, but lately I just feel that when I wake up in the morning, I feel like its time to tackle the day. I turn on the TV and start watching the news. The news triggers my thinking about other people in this world.
I start thinking about what other people are doing at this same moment. I start thinking about what other people are going to do with their day. More directed towards my purpose, I start thinking about what diabetics will go through today.
Somewhere,somebody is checking their blood sugar and etting ready for breakfast. Somewhere, somebody is counting carbs and adjusting insulin for their next meal. Somewhere, somebody is tired because they were up all night monitoring their child's blood sugars. Somewhere, somebody slept on an uncomfortable hospital chair because their child was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last night. Somewhere, somebody woke up sore because they had a night of high blood sugars. Somewhere, somebody is worried sick because their child is a freshman in college and now is monitoring their own diabetes which worries them sick. Somewhere, somebody is considering have children but is worried they will pass their diabetes on to their new born. Somewhere, somebody is scared because they were just diagnosed and think their life is over. Somewhere, somebody is crying because a loved one just lost their battle with diabetes.
Fact: By the time you finish reading today's blog, all of the above will happen. Diabetes diagnosis are spinning out of control. Diabetes is entering our lives every minute. It has no discrimination towards anyone, therefore making everyone a target. It may not be you who is diagnosed, but take a moment to think about who you know that has diabetes. Somewhere, its somebody.
Somewhere, somebody will be advocating for their 6 year old daughter who lives with Type 1 Diabetes. Somewhere, somebody will pray that their dauhter wakes up with good blood sugars. Somewhere, somebody will send their daughter to school and have to pass on her care to a school nurse. Somewhere, somebody will have to comfort his wife so that she doesn't worry about their daughter all day. Somewhere, somebody will fight his own battle with diabetes.
That somewhere is here; that somebody is us.
I hope that somewhere, somebody is putting on their lab coat and is working on a cure. I pray that somewhere, somebody makes advancements in diabetic care. Most importantly, I pray that somewhere, somebody reads this blog today and decides to join our purpose of finding a cure.
That somewhere could be in your seat; that someone could be you.
I start thinking about what other people are doing at this same moment. I start thinking about what other people are going to do with their day. More directed towards my purpose, I start thinking about what diabetics will go through today.
Somewhere,somebody is checking their blood sugar and etting ready for breakfast. Somewhere, somebody is counting carbs and adjusting insulin for their next meal. Somewhere, somebody is tired because they were up all night monitoring their child's blood sugars. Somewhere, somebody slept on an uncomfortable hospital chair because their child was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last night. Somewhere, somebody woke up sore because they had a night of high blood sugars. Somewhere, somebody is worried sick because their child is a freshman in college and now is monitoring their own diabetes which worries them sick. Somewhere, somebody is considering have children but is worried they will pass their diabetes on to their new born. Somewhere, somebody is scared because they were just diagnosed and think their life is over. Somewhere, somebody is crying because a loved one just lost their battle with diabetes.
Fact: By the time you finish reading today's blog, all of the above will happen. Diabetes diagnosis are spinning out of control. Diabetes is entering our lives every minute. It has no discrimination towards anyone, therefore making everyone a target. It may not be you who is diagnosed, but take a moment to think about who you know that has diabetes. Somewhere, its somebody.
Somewhere, somebody will be advocating for their 6 year old daughter who lives with Type 1 Diabetes. Somewhere, somebody will pray that their dauhter wakes up with good blood sugars. Somewhere, somebody will send their daughter to school and have to pass on her care to a school nurse. Somewhere, somebody will have to comfort his wife so that she doesn't worry about their daughter all day. Somewhere, somebody will fight his own battle with diabetes.
That somewhere is here; that somebody is us.
I hope that somewhere, somebody is putting on their lab coat and is working on a cure. I pray that somewhere, somebody makes advancements in diabetic care. Most importantly, I pray that somewhere, somebody reads this blog today and decides to join our purpose of finding a cure.
That somewhere could be in your seat; that someone could be you.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Your World Is My World; My Fight Is Your Fight
"What did you say?"
The question that I have been asked by many regarding the JDRF breakfast that I got to speak at yesterday. I really don't remember, because I didn't write anything down. I chose to put it in God's hands on Wednesday morning, and God didn't let me down.
I could attempt to summarize what was said, but I would rather focus on how it made me feel.
After my 10 minute discussion with the members at the breakfast, I walked away from that podium knowing that I had made a difference that morning. I could see it in everyones' faces, especially my wife's as she was starting to tear up. I was given great feedback after the breakfast from the audience. I had an absolutely awesome conversation with Tom Brands after the breakfast, which meant a lot to me.
Micheala's world is my world and my fight is Micheala's fight. That is what I thought of before I took the podium Wednesday morning. I guess that you could say that was my motivation. I know at one point I eluded to the fact that diabetes was like a wrestling dual (trying to draw Tom Brands in). It is up to the individual to win the match, but it takes the entire team to win the dual. Micheala and I are in a wrestling match with diabetes, but to defeat diabetes for good, it will take an entire team. Families with diabetic members know exactly what I am talking about. It's a team effort.
Finally, I want to share a conversation I had with Micheala this morning. I am sharing this because I want you to think about our conversation and apply it to your life.
Micheala was dressed and ready for school this morning. She was wearing sparkly pants, sparkly shoes and a neat little top to match. She says to me, "I am wearing all of mom's favorite things. I have sparkly shoes, pants and myself." I questioned, "you're wearing yourself?" "Yeah Dad. I wear myself everyday."
Did I put myself on today? I started thinking. I put a lot of effort into making sure that I was dressed appropriately for work, but did I forget to put myself on? So I checked myself.
Am I ready to make a difference today? Yes.
Do I have motivation to be the best that I can be today? Yes.
Am I in a good mood? Yes.
Am I ready to take on anything that comes my way? Yes.
I guess I am wearing myself today. From this day on, I will make sure that I do not forget to put myself on in the morning. Do the same. Society tells us that we need to clothe ourselves in certain situations because being nude is not appropriate. In regards to clothing yourself mentally; is it ever appropriate to be naked?
The question that I have been asked by many regarding the JDRF breakfast that I got to speak at yesterday. I really don't remember, because I didn't write anything down. I chose to put it in God's hands on Wednesday morning, and God didn't let me down.
I could attempt to summarize what was said, but I would rather focus on how it made me feel.
After my 10 minute discussion with the members at the breakfast, I walked away from that podium knowing that I had made a difference that morning. I could see it in everyones' faces, especially my wife's as she was starting to tear up. I was given great feedback after the breakfast from the audience. I had an absolutely awesome conversation with Tom Brands after the breakfast, which meant a lot to me.
Micheala's world is my world and my fight is Micheala's fight. That is what I thought of before I took the podium Wednesday morning. I guess that you could say that was my motivation. I know at one point I eluded to the fact that diabetes was like a wrestling dual (trying to draw Tom Brands in). It is up to the individual to win the match, but it takes the entire team to win the dual. Micheala and I are in a wrestling match with diabetes, but to defeat diabetes for good, it will take an entire team. Families with diabetic members know exactly what I am talking about. It's a team effort.
Finally, I want to share a conversation I had with Micheala this morning. I am sharing this because I want you to think about our conversation and apply it to your life.
Micheala was dressed and ready for school this morning. She was wearing sparkly pants, sparkly shoes and a neat little top to match. She says to me, "I am wearing all of mom's favorite things. I have sparkly shoes, pants and myself." I questioned, "you're wearing yourself?" "Yeah Dad. I wear myself everyday."
Did I put myself on today? I started thinking. I put a lot of effort into making sure that I was dressed appropriately for work, but did I forget to put myself on? So I checked myself.
Am I ready to make a difference today? Yes.
Do I have motivation to be the best that I can be today? Yes.
Am I in a good mood? Yes.
Am I ready to take on anything that comes my way? Yes.
I guess I am wearing myself today. From this day on, I will make sure that I do not forget to put myself on in the morning. Do the same. Society tells us that we need to clothe ourselves in certain situations because being nude is not appropriate. In regards to clothing yourself mentally; is it ever appropriate to be naked?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Determination
What a morning. Breakfast with Champions. I spoke at the Cedar Rapids Country Club this morning in front of corporate heads from Cedar Rapids. At my table sat JDRF staff, Tom Brands and my family.....a table of champions. We left the breakfast and I felt good. Good because I know that I did what I was suppose to do this morning. I told our story. I got people fired up to get involved with JDRF. I also got Tom Brands to sign a photo for our silent auction. It was signed, "Takedown Juvenile Diabetes - Make a difference - Tom Brands". Awesome! This will definately help is raise funds for the walk.
We took the girls to school afterwards and stopped in to talk to Micheala's teacher. Her teacher starts to tell us that one of her "challenge" spelling words for the week is the word determination.
Micheala, as part of her assignment, was to write a sentence using the word determination. Her sentence:
"I have determination for JDRF"
Blown away and so proud. Proud that she is gettin involved in the cause. Proud that it is on her mind. Proud that she has such a huge goal.
Today I spoke of how Micheala holds me accountable, not only in my own health, but in our "determination" to fulfill our purpose. This morning, she reminded us again that we need to keep after it.
I feel blessed everyday that we have such insightful children. I hope the future is full of more words like "determination" in our kids lives.
We took the girls to school afterwards and stopped in to talk to Micheala's teacher. Her teacher starts to tell us that one of her "challenge" spelling words for the week is the word determination.
Micheala, as part of her assignment, was to write a sentence using the word determination. Her sentence:
"I have determination for JDRF"
Blown away and so proud. Proud that she is gettin involved in the cause. Proud that it is on her mind. Proud that she has such a huge goal.
Today I spoke of how Micheala holds me accountable, not only in my own health, but in our "determination" to fulfill our purpose. This morning, she reminded us again that we need to keep after it.
I feel blessed everyday that we have such insightful children. I hope the future is full of more words like "determination" in our kids lives.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Dream A Little Dream For.......You
I usually write these blogs in the early morning or over my lunch break, but as I sit at home tonight, I felt inspired to write something before bedtime. I have a big morning tomorrow. I have many thoughts and ideas running through my head. Tomorrow morning I advocate for JDRF and a cure for Juvenile Diabetes in front of some of the biggest names in Cedar Rapids. What do I say and How do I say it?
I have practiced what I am going to say at least 30 times this week, with each of those times having a completely different message. I can honestly say that I have no idea what I will say tomorrow. I do know that whatever I say will be from the heart because my heart has never led me astray.
I will tell our story tomorrow. I will get emotional. I will get fired up. I will be motivated. I will do all this while having Micheala standing right next to me. I will not fail her.
So the question that I was asked, "what would a cure mean to you and your family?"
A cure is a dream right now. Fortunately, I am a dreamer.
I dream of the day that I don't have to watch my daughter test her blood sugars anymore. I dream of the day that my pharmacy bill is less than $1300 a month. I dream of the day that a common cold isn't so threatening to Micheala. I dream of the day that Dylanne doesn't feel left out because we focus so much on Micheala's health. I dream of the day that my wife can go to work and not spend the day worrying about Micheala at school. I dream of the day that I can wake up and not feel so guilt stricken about the fact that I am responsible for Micheala's Diabetes diagnosis. I dream that someday 24 million Americans will say that they HAD Diabetes.
To quote John Lennon, "You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
What are your dreams? Are you afraid to write them out or speak of them? Are you afraid that people will think you are foolish? Are you afraid that those dreams will never come true?
Dream a little dream for you tonight. Grab a hold of those dreams and dare yourself to believe. If we don't have dreams, then what do we have? If I didn't dream my dreams, I would be letting go of all hope that someday my daughter will be healthy. I can't and will not let her down.
Your dreams are your dreams. Your dreams are only foolish if you say so. Tonight, before you lay your head on your pillow, share your dreams with your loved one. Tell them why they are your dreams. Tell them you love them, then allow yourself to fall asleep and ..........dream.
Sweet dreams everyone and please pray that God gives me a passionate heart and the right words for tomorrow morning.
I have practiced what I am going to say at least 30 times this week, with each of those times having a completely different message. I can honestly say that I have no idea what I will say tomorrow. I do know that whatever I say will be from the heart because my heart has never led me astray.
I will tell our story tomorrow. I will get emotional. I will get fired up. I will be motivated. I will do all this while having Micheala standing right next to me. I will not fail her.
So the question that I was asked, "what would a cure mean to you and your family?"
A cure is a dream right now. Fortunately, I am a dreamer.
I dream of the day that I don't have to watch my daughter test her blood sugars anymore. I dream of the day that my pharmacy bill is less than $1300 a month. I dream of the day that a common cold isn't so threatening to Micheala. I dream of the day that Dylanne doesn't feel left out because we focus so much on Micheala's health. I dream of the day that my wife can go to work and not spend the day worrying about Micheala at school. I dream of the day that I can wake up and not feel so guilt stricken about the fact that I am responsible for Micheala's Diabetes diagnosis. I dream that someday 24 million Americans will say that they HAD Diabetes.
To quote John Lennon, "You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
What are your dreams? Are you afraid to write them out or speak of them? Are you afraid that people will think you are foolish? Are you afraid that those dreams will never come true?
Dream a little dream for you tonight. Grab a hold of those dreams and dare yourself to believe. If we don't have dreams, then what do we have? If I didn't dream my dreams, I would be letting go of all hope that someday my daughter will be healthy. I can't and will not let her down.
Your dreams are your dreams. Your dreams are only foolish if you say so. Tonight, before you lay your head on your pillow, share your dreams with your loved one. Tell them why they are your dreams. Tell them you love them, then allow yourself to fall asleep and ..........dream.
Sweet dreams everyone and please pray that God gives me a passionate heart and the right words for tomorrow morning.
"It Was A Good Try Dad"
This morning I battled with the girls over what they wanted for breakfast. The battle was, I wanted to feed the girls breakfast, but they couldn't decide what they wanted. After much debate and telling them "No" to chocolate donuts, they decided they wanted scrambled eggs.
So, I go into the kitchen and start scrambling up some eggs. Finished them and fed them to the girls. That's when I made the fatal mistake. I asked them both, "How are the eggs?"
They both stared at me with blank expressions on their faces.
Micheala pipes up and says, "They don't really taste like anything, so I don't want mine, but it was a good try Dad." Dylanne follows up by handing me her bowl and says, "Yeah Dad, good try."
Offended? Yes. Funny? Yes.
I wish disappointment was always that easy to handle. The girls were looking forward to eggs and I could not deliver. How many times have we tried in our lives and haven't been able to deliver the way we had wished? For me, it has been a lot, but never due to lack of effort. When that occurs, I usually expect an ass chewin of some sort, so for once, it was nice to have my efforts recognized and appreciated.
A little funny to brighten your day, I know it did mine.
So, I go into the kitchen and start scrambling up some eggs. Finished them and fed them to the girls. That's when I made the fatal mistake. I asked them both, "How are the eggs?"
They both stared at me with blank expressions on their faces.
Micheala pipes up and says, "They don't really taste like anything, so I don't want mine, but it was a good try Dad." Dylanne follows up by handing me her bowl and says, "Yeah Dad, good try."
Offended? Yes. Funny? Yes.
I wish disappointment was always that easy to handle. The girls were looking forward to eggs and I could not deliver. How many times have we tried in our lives and haven't been able to deliver the way we had wished? For me, it has been a lot, but never due to lack of effort. When that occurs, I usually expect an ass chewin of some sort, so for once, it was nice to have my efforts recognized and appreciated.
A little funny to brighten your day, I know it did mine.
Monday, November 7, 2011
There Was A Plan All Along
In past postings, I have talked about how I believe that there has been a plan/reason that Micheala and I are Type 1 diabetics. I believe that our illness has turned into our strength. Not only strength for us, but hopefully strength for others. This weekend, we were given another example of how this has been in God's plan for quite sometime; even longer than we originally recognized.
I love the the fact that people read this blog. I love it because the people that read this blog give me inspiring feedback about the blog. My favorite feedback is that people have made it part of their daily routine to read this blog because it "brightens their day". I also love the fact that these same people tell me that they share this blog with their friends, which brings me to today's topic.
It was noticed by someone that I have never even met. Someone that I have no idea who they are or what they do in life. All I know is that they read the blog and pray for my daughter, which is all that I really need to know. It was the observation of this person that shed some light on us this weekend.
This person heard of the blog through one of Heather's aunts in Illinois. Once she read the blog, she started thinking of Micheala and grew an interest in her well-being. She made the observation that right in the middle of Micheala's name was the word "heal". Heather's aunt passed this information off to us this weekend and I am not sure if she truly understands how powerful or what this means to us.
Before Micheala was born, heather and I went back and forth on naming her. We had al sorts of names picked out and Micheala was never one of them. We simply could not agree on a name, until a few days before Micheala's birth, Heather came up with Micheala. Micheala was named after me, Micheal. Yes the spelling is right. Micheal.
I have fought this battle all of my life, people constantly spelling my name wrong. The popular spelling of Micheal is MichAel. My mother had switched the E and the A around; for reasons I am not sure about to this date. I guess this is why I go with Mike, because I was tired of correcting people all of the time. Anyway, so when naming Micheala, Heather thought it would be appropriate to name her after me and keep the same spelling.
So now, with this new observation brought to my attention, I don't think it was an accident all along. I see that there was a reason that my mother switched the vowels in my full name.
It is now, and has been, in black-and-white for a long time. Mic"HEAL"a and Mic"HEAL". Our purpose had been spelled out to us all along, we just hadn't seen it yet. Now we see it. Coincidence? Accident? My faith tells me that it was not. Most of us have been told or have heard that God speaks to us "unusual" ways. I think on May 18, 1977, God spoke to my mother. I think that on April 19, 2005, God spoke to Heather. Our purpose in life had been mapped out for us since day one. It goes back to the saying, "The 2 most important days in your life are the day that you are born and the day that you realize WHY God put you on this earth".
So there was a plan all along. Since the day I was born and the day that Micheala was born, it was spelled out for us in our names. Who would have ever thought that our plans would have ever been so black-and-white? We certainly didn't. I guess that explains why I have been asking "WHY" for so long.
Our purpose is to heal. The "HOW" is up to us. Our purpose is strong, so the "How" becomes easier. Our family advocates, educates and fund raises. That is our "How". If being stressed out, uncomfortable, busy and putting my daughter's face everywhere possible is part of the "How", then we are all in, because we know our purpose is to heal. Our purpose is strong!
Lastly, with the Walk to Cure Diabetes starting to creep up (February), I encourage and invite all of you to join us in our purpose. There are many ways to become part of Team Pump Princess. You can make a donation, either money or an item to be placed in our silent auction. You can join our committee and help us advocate. You can talk to you friends about our cause and share the blog with them. You can join us in the Walk to Cure Diabetes at Westdale Mall in February. These are just a few ways that you can help. Juvenile Diabetes does not have to be a one-on-one battle, we can team up and fight this together. Will you stand beside us as we fight this monster? Will you make the decision to stand up for my daughter and the numerous other kids just like her? Are you will to help change the world as she knows it? A few dollars may not mean much to you in your everyday life, but to Juvenile Diabetes Research, it could mean a cure. Make the decision to be part of the cure.
Contact me to find out how you can get involved (319-361-1317) or go to http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR/Walk-IA/Chapter-EasternIowa4218?px=1724279&pg=personal&fr_id=1648 to make a donation.
Stay posted by looking at the "Upcoming Events" section to the right of this blog page.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Finding Your Hero
I must first apologize. I usually try to update this blog daily, but work and kids activities have kept me pretty busy. I know, it's an excuse, but all I can do is try to be more on top of this blog.
Today I write with a certain individual on my mind. I will not name this person, but this person is someone who is struggling a bit right now. I hate to see my loved one's struggle, so I hope this will help this person out.
Mariah Carey had a number one song in the 90's called "Hero". I know that Mariah Carey bothers a lot of people, but I personally love her music, especially her ballads. Her song, "Hero" was a song that I used quite a bit when I would do L.U.G. (Living Unit Group) as I interned with Youth For Christ.
In the song, Mariah sings:
There's a hero
If you look inside your heart
You don't have to be afraid
Of what you are
There's an answer
If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
I have always latched on to these lyrics because I believe they are powerful. I believe they apply in good times and bad, but I always seem to refer to them in bad times.
My interpretation of these lyrics is that we constantly under estimate our own strength. We give up when the going gets tough because it is the easy thing to do. We fall in a rut and don't think that we have the power to push through. We want other people to pull us through the tough times, when in fact, most times we don't need them. We give up on ourselves. We quit.
I wish I had a dollar for every time that Heather and I get asked, "How do you guys do it?", when people hear the history of our tragedies and medical issues. We have gotten to a point where we laugh at this question because....well, what choice do we have? Heather and I had to dig deep early on and find the heroes within ourselves so that we could pull through when the times get tough. Sure, we had our moments when we just got fed up and wished for a different life, but those are not the cards that we were dealt. I spent numerous times in the past, questioning God. Asking God, what did I do to deserve this punishment? Why are you making my family sick and having us go through such difficulties? I questioned my faith. I questioned my God. I was ready to vacate God because God had done me no favors.
But i stuck with God and I'm glad I did because God did me one favor and opened my eyes. God made me realize that the obstacles that were placed in front of me and my family were not for punishment purposes. That is not how God works. God made me realize that the obstacles placed in front of me were for the soul purpose of watching me overcome and be victorious. God wants us all to be champions and live like champions. God does not want us to be average and live average lifestyles. God wants us to push ourselves to maximize our potential to the fullest.
God has blessed each and everyone of us with the inner strength to fight through the toughest of times, but you have to find that strength within yourself. It is there. Trust in your God given abilities. Sometimes this means that you will have to stand alone, but if you have a strong belief in what your standing up for, you won't be standing alone for very long.
We are all different and that is what makes life beautiful. We all have our different struggles and challenges, but one thing we all have is inner strength.
There's a hero.....if you look inside your heart.
So to the person on my mind this morning...dig deep buddy. You'll find your answers. To everyone else reading, I'll tell you where to find your hero. Walk away from the computer and look into a mirror. I guarantee your hero will be staring right back at you.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Peace And Love On The Dirty Dashboard
Over the past few months I have been really trying to slow my life down. I decided to do this so that I could see and remember all of the great people and things around me. This morning was no different. Again, I gained perspective from Dylanne, my 8 year old.
Last Friday I was able to bring Dylanne to work with me for the entire day. Yep, that's right, she put in a whole 8 hours and was very good while doing so. She asked a million questions on the way to work and slept on the way home. She brought a little happiness to the office as she always seems to light up the room that she's in. What I didn't notice is that in my often dirty work car, she had taken her finger and drew a heart with a peace sign in the middle of it on my dirty dashboard. I didn't notice this until this morning, then it got me thinking about the symbolism.
As I drove to work this morning, I looked at this heart with the peace sign in it. It was far from a perfect heart, nor were the lines that formed the peace sign all that straight. It didn't matter, I still could make out her picture. That led me to this thought:
Is there such thing as a perfect heart?
We stereotype some people as having a big heart, or even a small heart, but we don't discuss whether or not their heart is perfect. I know that if I drew my heart, it would not be perfect. The sides would be uneven and bumpy, much like Dylanne's drawing. Uneven do to all of the issues in life that try to break my heart. I looked further into Dylanne's drawing and realized that the heart shape is drawn in a way to look as if it is protecting the peace sign. I also noticed that the heart shape was drawn with thick lines. Metaphor: As long as you have a strong heart, you can protect and maintain your inner peace.
Now I'm sure that was not the intentions of Dylanne's drawing, I could be wrong, but that is how I translated it. Isn't ART open to interpretation?
I realized this morning that as long as I have a STRONG heart, not so much a perfect heart, that I can protect my inner peace. When people or things try to put me down or damage my hopes, dreams and desires, I know that my heart is strong because I believe in myself and what I do. This keeps me moving forward everyday.
I also realized that my car served as a metaphor for what we know to be our life sometimes; cluttered, dirty and not organized. In all that mess, if we just take the time to look around and noticed things, true beauty will appear. This morning, my true beauty was in the shape of a heart and a peace sign on a dirty dashboard.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Having The Best Umbrella
"I didn't create the rain, I just try to have the best umbrella."
The above is a quote from one of my favorite movies, Almost Famous. Every once in a while I think about this quote. I thought of this quote on my way to work this morning.
I didn't sleep well last night. As a matter of fact, I haven't slept well all week. I finally stopped fighting it and got up at 3 am and decided to come to work. I couldn't stop thinking about all of the things that needed to be done at work and felt obligated to get up and start working on those things. I couldn't do anything but worry about this stuff at home, so rather than worry, I wanted to start adding action.
Micheala is still in recovery mode, which means the rest of our family is in recovery mode. Heather was home with Micheala all day yesterday and was basically on top of her every move. Micheala was getting her blood sugar tested every hour and Heather struggled to control them. Something is off. Regardless of Heather's best efforts, Micheala's blood sugars ran high all day and night. Because of this, we had to fight with Micheala last night. When sugars are high, you are very hungry. Micheala wanted to constantly eat last night, but we couldn't allow her to eat whenever she wanted, because we were trying to bring her sugars down. We pushed water, which usually helps, but not last night. Finally she gave up and just went to sleep last night.
I get very pissed because, again, I know what she is going through. I get pissed that we have to tell her no, but it is in her best interest. Something is off and it is beyond the knowledge of Heather and myself. So this means we have to make numerous calls and possibly visit the doctor again. After the run-ins we had this past week with doctors, we are not thrilled.
Right now, we are in "keep Micheala out of the hospital mode". We are never really out of the woods just because she was discharged from the hospital. Heather has missed the whole week of work, not to mention the incredible amount of stress that this adds to our days. However, we know who we are and we will be victorious. We just need to fight to get through this storm. Which brings me to the subject of today's blog, having the best umbrella.
We are no different than any other family. We all have our stressors; unique to our own families or what not. How do we get through these times? Fortunately, for all of us, life is full of choices and being in times of great stress is no different. The way I see it, we have a decision to make during these times. We could 1) go stick our heads in the sand like cowards and hope that the stress just goes away with time or 2) grab the bull by the horns and tackle the animal we know as our stress. We choose option 2.
We can choose option 2 because of the umbrella that we have created to shield us from the stress storm. This umbrella is made up of our unconditional love for one another, our faith, the people in our lives that care about us, the understanding that we can ask the people around us for help and our never say never attitude. Having these things in place has created a solid umbrella over our family that prevents us from getting soaked with stress. It helps us move forward without slowing down. It helps us keep a clear line of sight on our hopes, dreams and desires. It keeps us safe during the conditions that life throws at us that are out of our control.
We are holding our umbrella now.
I take great pleasure in defeating obsticles that are throw in front of me. Especially when I am told that it cannot be done. Heather and I continue to discuss the comment made from a certain medical professional the other day. What bothered me the most about the comment is that this doctor stood on one side of my daughter's hospital bed while my daughter was laying in this bed hooked to IVs and with my wife on the other side of her bed. He made this comment while standing over my daughter. How would you like to hear from a doctor that your parents should not of had you? She is 6. She is capable of understanding what the doctor meant by that comment. I pray that God has given Micheala the strength to not only forgive, but to also forget.
Once I became familar with my purpose, I stopped asking God "Why". It is clear to me what I am suppose to be doing. Now I ask God for the strength to facilitate the "How". I ask God for a hand in holding our umbrella, especially in times in which I feel my strength to hold the umbrella is depleating.
Always carry your umbrella with you, even if you look outside and there doesn't look as if there is a chance of rain. Make sure your umbrella is well crafted, with no holes or tears. Most importantly, focus on those standing under that umbrella with you.
I wish you all a sunny day with no chance of rain.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
"You Know I Love You.....Right?"
First off, I must apologize. I apologize because whenever Micheala is hospitalized, I go through a period of deep thought and now that I have this blog, I put these thoughts into my writing.
As most of you are friends of mine on Facebook, you have read my post about our run in with the 3 doctors yesterday at the hospital. The first 2 doctors came into our room and started telling us that with Micheala's current conditions, she will probably develop Celiac and Addison's. This is something that we are aware of, but didn't necessarily want to hear after all of the excitement of the past 2 days. The 3rd doctor came in yesterday and told Heather that he ran a family medical history on our family. His findings apparently allowed him to give his opinion that we shouldn't of had children. Thank you medical professional for your opinion that cannot be reversed or fixed. I am pretty sure that our intentions of having children was not to give them every medical problem that we could. As I stated last night, I wouldn't change a thing.
It's very easy for me to hold up my middle finger and show everyone that we are 1) NUMBER ONE and 2) Fuck You if you don't think so (sorry for the language). But I don't do that, that's not who I am. I have surrounded myself with love. The love I have for who I am and want to be. The Love that I receive from my family and friends. The love of what I do on a day-to-day basis. This love is my shield and it protects me from anything negative that tries to penetrate. It still stings, but it doesn't cut and most importantly, won't leave a scar.
As I got ready for work today, everyone in my house was sleeping. Micheala woke up and made her way to the couch to watch cartoons. I got dressed and was ready to walk out the door, but before I stepped out, I turned to take a final look at her sitting on the couch. I paused for a moment and then said to her, "You know I love you....right?" She looked at me and said, "I love you too, Daddy."
I walked out the door and headed to work.
During my drive I thought about what I had said to Micheala. Why was I questioning her? Did I need confirmation from her this morning that she knows that I love her? If I am being the father that she needs then there should be no reason to question. That's' when I started prioritizing my life.
The point that I am getting at is how did I allow myself to get to a point in which I have to ask my kids if they know that I love them? I would like to think that I am not in the minority when it comes to being guilty of letting other things get in the way of what is truly important in life.
My baby was in the hospital and my focus was at my workplace. Not okay in my eyes. I used work as a distraction, that I will admit. I work with great people that understand my situation and know how to do the right things at the right times. I am very appreciative of them.
Do your loved ones know that you love them? I know that this is a question that I am working on eliminating from my life. They will all know. They will see it, feel it and know it.
On another note, Micheala and I will be sharing our story in front of 70 corporate heads at the Cedar Rapids Country Club on November 9th at 7am. This is just another blessed opportunity to advocate for a cure for juvenile diabetes.
Micheala is home from school today, recovering. She is doing well, but is still pretty run down. We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers and visitors. We love every single one of you. I am humbled to know that there are people in our lives that will take a little time out of their day to pray for my daughter. God has been good to us.
As most of you are friends of mine on Facebook, you have read my post about our run in with the 3 doctors yesterday at the hospital. The first 2 doctors came into our room and started telling us that with Micheala's current conditions, she will probably develop Celiac and Addison's. This is something that we are aware of, but didn't necessarily want to hear after all of the excitement of the past 2 days. The 3rd doctor came in yesterday and told Heather that he ran a family medical history on our family. His findings apparently allowed him to give his opinion that we shouldn't of had children. Thank you medical professional for your opinion that cannot be reversed or fixed. I am pretty sure that our intentions of having children was not to give them every medical problem that we could. As I stated last night, I wouldn't change a thing.
It's very easy for me to hold up my middle finger and show everyone that we are 1) NUMBER ONE and 2) Fuck You if you don't think so (sorry for the language). But I don't do that, that's not who I am. I have surrounded myself with love. The love I have for who I am and want to be. The Love that I receive from my family and friends. The love of what I do on a day-to-day basis. This love is my shield and it protects me from anything negative that tries to penetrate. It still stings, but it doesn't cut and most importantly, won't leave a scar.
As I got ready for work today, everyone in my house was sleeping. Micheala woke up and made her way to the couch to watch cartoons. I got dressed and was ready to walk out the door, but before I stepped out, I turned to take a final look at her sitting on the couch. I paused for a moment and then said to her, "You know I love you....right?" She looked at me and said, "I love you too, Daddy."
I walked out the door and headed to work.
During my drive I thought about what I had said to Micheala. Why was I questioning her? Did I need confirmation from her this morning that she knows that I love her? If I am being the father that she needs then there should be no reason to question. That's' when I started prioritizing my life.
The point that I am getting at is how did I allow myself to get to a point in which I have to ask my kids if they know that I love them? I would like to think that I am not in the minority when it comes to being guilty of letting other things get in the way of what is truly important in life.
My baby was in the hospital and my focus was at my workplace. Not okay in my eyes. I used work as a distraction, that I will admit. I work with great people that understand my situation and know how to do the right things at the right times. I am very appreciative of them.
Do your loved ones know that you love them? I know that this is a question that I am working on eliminating from my life. They will all know. They will see it, feel it and know it.
On another note, Micheala and I will be sharing our story in front of 70 corporate heads at the Cedar Rapids Country Club on November 9th at 7am. This is just another blessed opportunity to advocate for a cure for juvenile diabetes.
Micheala is home from school today, recovering. She is doing well, but is still pretty run down. We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers and visitors. We love every single one of you. I am humbled to know that there are people in our lives that will take a little time out of their day to pray for my daughter. God has been good to us.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Dylanne Cried
Most of you know by now that Micheala was admitted into the hospital yesterday. She had been battling illness the past week and her body just couldn't handle it anymore and shut down on her. She went into DKA (Diabetic Keto Acidosis) and was a very sick girl. She was not comprehensive, threw up and was basically out of it. She is in good hands now and on the road to recovery. Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers.
This is usually a time that I spend the next 24 hours guilt stricken. With the cold and flu season coming up, its like I have sent my baby girl into war without a bullet proof vest. I pray every day that during this war, she doesn't get hit with a direst shot. I also get angry. Angry that knowing my little girl is laying helpless in a hospital bed because of a disease she got from her daddy. This fires me up and motivates me even more to find some sort of cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
Throughout all of this yesterday, I learned a pretty cool lesson. A lesson from my 8 year old Dylanne.
I picked Dylanne up after school yesterday and we headed to the hospital to see Kla. Dylanne had the usual "what happened" questions, nothing out of the norm. As we walked into Klas room, Kla lit up and was happy to see Dylanne. 0dylanne sat in her bed with her and colored until Kla said she wanted to go to sleep. Dylanne and I decided to leave. Kla cried a bit, again nothing out of the norm, as Dylanne and I left. We got to the elevator and Dylanne joked that she wouldn't be able to annoy Kla tonight. We headed across the parking lot and got into our car, then it hit her.
Kla wasn't coming home with us tonight.
Dylanne cried all the way home and for about 10 minutes after we were home. I explained to Dylanne that Kla would be okay because she is a tough little girl. As I thouht more about the night, I should have seen this coming because before we left Michealas room, Dylanne wrote, "Kla, I love you very 10000 very much - Love Dylanne" on the doctors dry erase board.
Tonight made me realize that Heather and I are far from perfect parents, but we have done something right. We built a solid foundation of love for one another within our family. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. Even though they spend a majority of their time at home fighting with each other, it was made very clear tonight that nobody or nothing messes with anyone in our family.
In a couple days, things will be back to normal. The girls will be arguing again and quite frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way.
We are a family of 4; 4-ever loving each other.
This is usually a time that I spend the next 24 hours guilt stricken. With the cold and flu season coming up, its like I have sent my baby girl into war without a bullet proof vest. I pray every day that during this war, she doesn't get hit with a direst shot. I also get angry. Angry that knowing my little girl is laying helpless in a hospital bed because of a disease she got from her daddy. This fires me up and motivates me even more to find some sort of cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
Throughout all of this yesterday, I learned a pretty cool lesson. A lesson from my 8 year old Dylanne.
I picked Dylanne up after school yesterday and we headed to the hospital to see Kla. Dylanne had the usual "what happened" questions, nothing out of the norm. As we walked into Klas room, Kla lit up and was happy to see Dylanne. 0dylanne sat in her bed with her and colored until Kla said she wanted to go to sleep. Dylanne and I decided to leave. Kla cried a bit, again nothing out of the norm, as Dylanne and I left. We got to the elevator and Dylanne joked that she wouldn't be able to annoy Kla tonight. We headed across the parking lot and got into our car, then it hit her.
Kla wasn't coming home with us tonight.
Dylanne cried all the way home and for about 10 minutes after we were home. I explained to Dylanne that Kla would be okay because she is a tough little girl. As I thouht more about the night, I should have seen this coming because before we left Michealas room, Dylanne wrote, "Kla, I love you very 10000 very much - Love Dylanne" on the doctors dry erase board.
Tonight made me realize that Heather and I are far from perfect parents, but we have done something right. We built a solid foundation of love for one another within our family. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. Even though they spend a majority of their time at home fighting with each other, it was made very clear tonight that nobody or nothing messes with anyone in our family.
In a couple days, things will be back to normal. The girls will be arguing again and quite frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way.
We are a family of 4; 4-ever loving each other.
Monday, October 17, 2011
It Takes A Little More To Make A Champion
When I was in High School, one of my favorite sweatshirts was a sweatshirt made by Champion. On the tag of that sweatshirt was Champion's slogan "It takes a little more to make a champion", which is the topic of the blog today.
Getting into "fundraising season" I often ask people to go above and beyond for me. Whether it be stepping out of their comfort zone to ask strangers for donations or to advocate for juvenile diabetes. I push those that I know can handle the challenge. Those who can handle the challenge push themselves.
I want to mention one champion in particular today. The reason that I mention this guy is because he is a champion that is pushing himself. That man is Kyle Rueter.
I met Kyle on a bus ride down to Texas. We were both attending an Advocare event in efforts to better our lives both physically and financially. We both had the opportunity on the way back to stand in front of everyone on the bus and talk about our purpose. Why we are doing what we are doing. Where we are and where we are going to be. It wasn't until a few weeks later that Kyle contacted me on Facebook and told me that he was running in his first 1/2 marathon. I was extremely excited for Kyle, but even more excited about his next offer. That offer was that he wanted to run his race in honor of Micheala.
I was completely floored. This race is a big accomplishment for Kyle and to have him say that he wanted to run in honor of Micheala was quite humbling. Not only will he be running for himself; he has asked his friends and family to make a donation to support him in his race, in which he will donate those funds to Team Pump Princess. He is on a mission to raise $1000.
What triggers this type of behavior in someone? I know Kyle has his own beautiful family which means that he can relate with me in regards to how I feel about protecting my daughter as a father. But is that enough to trigger this type of fundraiser for a stranger? It's the X-Factor that Kyle has that makes him do these things.
From what I have learned about Kyle is that he doesn't "half-ass" things. He goes big or he doesn't go at all. This is what makes him a champion. He doesn't visualize himself succeeding by himself, but succeeding with others. That's what makes him a champion. He is someone that will give 99% and keep working until he achieves that last 1%. That's what makes him a champion.
So with Saturday being the big day for Kyle, I want him to know that 4 of us in Urbana Iowa will be thinking of him as he crosses the finish line. We will pray for him so that his race comes without injury. We will be thankful that he thought enough of us to include us in his big day.
It takes a little more to make a champion....just watch Kyle and you'll see.
Good luck Kyle!
Getting into "fundraising season" I often ask people to go above and beyond for me. Whether it be stepping out of their comfort zone to ask strangers for donations or to advocate for juvenile diabetes. I push those that I know can handle the challenge. Those who can handle the challenge push themselves.
I want to mention one champion in particular today. The reason that I mention this guy is because he is a champion that is pushing himself. That man is Kyle Rueter.
I met Kyle on a bus ride down to Texas. We were both attending an Advocare event in efforts to better our lives both physically and financially. We both had the opportunity on the way back to stand in front of everyone on the bus and talk about our purpose. Why we are doing what we are doing. Where we are and where we are going to be. It wasn't until a few weeks later that Kyle contacted me on Facebook and told me that he was running in his first 1/2 marathon. I was extremely excited for Kyle, but even more excited about his next offer. That offer was that he wanted to run his race in honor of Micheala.
I was completely floored. This race is a big accomplishment for Kyle and to have him say that he wanted to run in honor of Micheala was quite humbling. Not only will he be running for himself; he has asked his friends and family to make a donation to support him in his race, in which he will donate those funds to Team Pump Princess. He is on a mission to raise $1000.
What triggers this type of behavior in someone? I know Kyle has his own beautiful family which means that he can relate with me in regards to how I feel about protecting my daughter as a father. But is that enough to trigger this type of fundraiser for a stranger? It's the X-Factor that Kyle has that makes him do these things.
From what I have learned about Kyle is that he doesn't "half-ass" things. He goes big or he doesn't go at all. This is what makes him a champion. He doesn't visualize himself succeeding by himself, but succeeding with others. That's what makes him a champion. He is someone that will give 99% and keep working until he achieves that last 1%. That's what makes him a champion.
So with Saturday being the big day for Kyle, I want him to know that 4 of us in Urbana Iowa will be thinking of him as he crosses the finish line. We will pray for him so that his race comes without injury. We will be thankful that he thought enough of us to include us in his big day.
It takes a little more to make a champion....just watch Kyle and you'll see.
Good luck Kyle!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Have You Ever Looked Fear In The Face And Said, "I Don' t Care?"
"Glitter in the Air" by Pink poses the question, "Have you ever looked fear in the face and said I don't care?" I heard this song on my way to work this morning and it got me thinking. Thinking about a situation that happened a year ago with Micheala and some friends that were over playing with Dylanne.
It was time to check Micheala's blood sugar so, we had to ask Micheala to stop playing for a moment. The other kids watched as Micheala poked her finger to get her blood glucose reading. Nothing was said, nor were any questions asked. Once we were done, Heather and I walked away and they continued to play. I started to hear the kids conversation turn to diabetes, so I stood in the other room so I could hear, but not be seen. One of the girls made the statement, "You know that you are gonna die from diabetes." That's when I entered the room. I entered to protect Micheala, but also to explain to the little girl that we don't think about death because it could happen to anyone of us at anytime, for any reason. We think about how we are living now. I walked out fascinated.
I knew Micheala was going to have questions about death and her diabetes, but never expected Dylanne to have those concerns. Dylanne asked me a few days later, "Is Micheala going to die soon because of her diabetes?" It was a great question for many reasons. It gave me the opportunity to explain to Dylanne why Heather and I have to give Micheala so much attention, but also to explain to her what diabetes does to Micheala's body and how we can prevent it.
She then asked me if I was going to die from diabetes.
"I don't know."
I don't know if diabetes is going to be my cause of death but I know that it is a cause of a lot of my heartache. The average lifespan of someone with diabetes is 15 years less than some one without diabetes, so death is definitely a fear amongst us diabetics. But we have to look at that fear right in the face and say, "I don't care." We continue to take care of ourselves not because we fear death, but because we enjoy living.
It is my hope that Micheala will never have to hear those words from anyone again, but I can't control what others say. I can just help Micheala to believe that a cure is on the way and that she should take care of herself so she can be part of that cure. I also know that when people start talking about death, it's because they stopped living.
So I look at my fear and say that I don't care. I don't care because I am living right now. I encourage all of you to do the same. Live don't just exist.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
$94.90
So.....as I start my season of stress (JDRF Walk Fund Raising), I like to know where I am at, because I know where I am going to be. Our goal this year is to raise $13,001. This was given to us by Micheala as a challenge. The first year we nearly raised $4,000. Last year we raised $11,009. So why not up the stakes?
Being a baseball guy, I believe that everything has a statistic. So I started running numbers today. Team Pump Princess needs to average raising about $94.90 per day until the day of the walk to meet our goal. I at least know where we are at, but $94.90 is a bit steep.
Donations have their ebbs and flows. We have fundraisers that bring in a large amount, then we have days with no donations. Last year our goal was $10,000 and with 2 weeks left before the walk, we were only at $8,300. A very stressful 14 days, but we pulled through and exceeded or goal. This year will be no different, accept for the fact that we will have to reach more people than the year prior.
I am a little donations type of guy. I don't look for the big fish to hand over $100, I look for any individual willing to donate $1. It just makes sense on the advocacy side of things. I could find 100 people to donate $100 or I could find 10,000 people to donate $1. Which way will I reach more people.
You will probably get phone calls or an e-mail from me at some point asking you to join in our fight. I ask that you pay attention at your local convenient stores and look for the JDRF shoes. Purchase 1, they are only $1. Put your name on it for everyone to see and announce your support for JDRF.
Being a baseball guy, I believe that everything has a statistic. So I started running numbers today. Team Pump Princess needs to average raising about $94.90 per day until the day of the walk to meet our goal. I at least know where we are at, but $94.90 is a bit steep.
Donations have their ebbs and flows. We have fundraisers that bring in a large amount, then we have days with no donations. Last year our goal was $10,000 and with 2 weeks left before the walk, we were only at $8,300. A very stressful 14 days, but we pulled through and exceeded or goal. This year will be no different, accept for the fact that we will have to reach more people than the year prior.
I am a little donations type of guy. I don't look for the big fish to hand over $100, I look for any individual willing to donate $1. It just makes sense on the advocacy side of things. I could find 100 people to donate $100 or I could find 10,000 people to donate $1. Which way will I reach more people.
You will probably get phone calls or an e-mail from me at some point asking you to join in our fight. I ask that you pay attention at your local convenient stores and look for the JDRF shoes. Purchase 1, they are only $1. Put your name on it for everyone to see and announce your support for JDRF.
Monday, October 10, 2011
But and Butt
I use this blog for a few reasons. 1) To hopefully motivate people into living the life they want to live. 2) To advocate for the cure of Juvenile Diabetes. 3) To document my random thought, or at least what is going on in my mind and 4) to bring up questions to make you think about your own life. Today I choose to blog about reason number 4.
When the word "but" is brought up in my household, my children laugh. They laugh because they think that "but" is actually referring to "butt". They have little boy humor, so after "butt" is mentioned, they carry on for hours. My kids are on to something....maybe I should start laughing at the word "but".
"But" is a word that is usually followed by a group of other words that ultimately forms an excuse. "I would do this but.....", "I should go there but....", "I could help that person but...." and so on. I can say that I have lived my life as a "butt" because I used the word "but" far too often. I have since changed that because I found that just doing something was far easier than trying to come up with a decent excuse.
"I should raise money and awareness for juvenile diabetes but....", yeah there was no excuse. I had all of the reasons why I should, but chose to try and manufacture an excuse to not put in the work. So the way I see it, when we say "but", it's because we want to sit on our "butt".
Sitting on your butt then leads to further problems and stress, which results in having to come up with more "buts" for taking care of the new developing problems in your life. Actions speak louder than words. You can listen to the most motivating speakers this world has to offer, get pumped up, leave and say you're going to conquer the world and get home and do nothing. Actions speak louder than words!
I recently had someone tell me, "but you don't know how bad my life is right now." My response to them was, "No I don't, but do you know how good your life could be right now?" Get off your butt and stop saying but. I have said it before because it was some of the best advice anyone has ever given me, "If there is something in your world that you don't like, it is up to you to change it." Unhappy with government; did you vote? Unhappy with another person; did you talk to them? Unhappy with your financial situation, then what are you doing to cut spending? Unhappy with your body, then what are you doing to get in shape? Unhappy at work, then what are you doing to change that situation?
Great things throughout history have been accomplished because ONE person eliminated all of the "buts" in their thinking. Soon, people around them started doing the same. Take the freedom of this country for example. At some point, one person stood up and said something to the effect of, "If we want something, we have to do it", and the rest you can say is history.
I hate to use the phrase from Nike, but "Just Do It". If you want something, are unhappy about something or just seeking a better you...stop saying but, get off your butt and start making your own history.
I believe that everyone wakes up every morning with the opportunity to make a difference, BUT that is up to you.
When the word "but" is brought up in my household, my children laugh. They laugh because they think that "but" is actually referring to "butt". They have little boy humor, so after "butt" is mentioned, they carry on for hours. My kids are on to something....maybe I should start laughing at the word "but".
"But" is a word that is usually followed by a group of other words that ultimately forms an excuse. "I would do this but.....", "I should go there but....", "I could help that person but...." and so on. I can say that I have lived my life as a "butt" because I used the word "but" far too often. I have since changed that because I found that just doing something was far easier than trying to come up with a decent excuse.
"I should raise money and awareness for juvenile diabetes but....", yeah there was no excuse. I had all of the reasons why I should, but chose to try and manufacture an excuse to not put in the work. So the way I see it, when we say "but", it's because we want to sit on our "butt".
Sitting on your butt then leads to further problems and stress, which results in having to come up with more "buts" for taking care of the new developing problems in your life. Actions speak louder than words. You can listen to the most motivating speakers this world has to offer, get pumped up, leave and say you're going to conquer the world and get home and do nothing. Actions speak louder than words!
I recently had someone tell me, "but you don't know how bad my life is right now." My response to them was, "No I don't, but do you know how good your life could be right now?" Get off your butt and stop saying but. I have said it before because it was some of the best advice anyone has ever given me, "If there is something in your world that you don't like, it is up to you to change it." Unhappy with government; did you vote? Unhappy with another person; did you talk to them? Unhappy with your financial situation, then what are you doing to cut spending? Unhappy with your body, then what are you doing to get in shape? Unhappy at work, then what are you doing to change that situation?
Great things throughout history have been accomplished because ONE person eliminated all of the "buts" in their thinking. Soon, people around them started doing the same. Take the freedom of this country for example. At some point, one person stood up and said something to the effect of, "If we want something, we have to do it", and the rest you can say is history.
I hate to use the phrase from Nike, but "Just Do It". If you want something, are unhappy about something or just seeking a better you...stop saying but, get off your butt and start making your own history.
I believe that everyone wakes up every morning with the opportunity to make a difference, BUT that is up to you.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Never
Have you ever stopped to think about all of the things that you said you would never do in your lifetime? I am guilty of saying that I will never do certain things for one reason or another, but I have never really thought about the "why I wouldn't do those things" part of my statements.
I will start with an easy one of my own. I said that I would never fly in an airplane. A majority of people on this earth fly quite frequently, but I was not going to be one of those. Was it because of 9/11? No, because I made this declaration far before 9/11. Was it because I was afraid that the plane would crash? Not really because there are statistics out there that state that more people die annually in automobile accidents than in airplane crashes. I really had no good excuse other than I didn't want to fly. I DIDN'T WANT to fly.
I got on my first airplane in the Des Moines airport on January 2010 with my best friend Roger Brecht. I wasn't nervous, other than the not knowing how to get through the airport security and so on, but that is why Roger was there, to help me through the things I didn't know. I was flying to Miami, Florida to see Iowa play Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. I made it there and back with no problems other than a 2 hour delay in Indianapolis. Why did I decide to get on a plane when a swore that I would never do such a thing. Easy, I wanted to see Iowa play in a bowl game. I WANTED TO.
This leads me to my thought of the day. If I want it bad enough, I will do it, regardless of the reasons that stopped me from doing it before.
I had some encounters with people who won't fund raise because they don't like being told, "No Thanks". My question to them is, "Well don't you want to accomplish what ever goal it is that your fundraising for?"
I guess what I am trying to say today is that we should spend more time talking about the things we are going to do, rather than the things we will never do. Matter of fact, don't put limits on your life. Don't talk about the things you'll never do, because there may come a time when you do what ever that is to get what you want.
I said I would never get married. I said I never would have kids. I said I would never let my kids play soccer. I said that I would never live in Urbana.
Those are a few of the things I said I would never do.
I have been married for ten years because I found a woman that I love and I wanted to keep her in my life forever. I have 2 children because after marriage, I wanted to have a family. My girls both play soccer because I wanted to have them make their own choices and most importantly be involved in something. I own a house in Urbana because that is where the house we were looking for was located.
This just scratches the surface of the things that I had said I would never do and now am doing. Never is a long time. Life is too short for "nevers". Although there is room for one "never" in my life....I never want to say never again.
Have a great weekend.
I will start with an easy one of my own. I said that I would never fly in an airplane. A majority of people on this earth fly quite frequently, but I was not going to be one of those. Was it because of 9/11? No, because I made this declaration far before 9/11. Was it because I was afraid that the plane would crash? Not really because there are statistics out there that state that more people die annually in automobile accidents than in airplane crashes. I really had no good excuse other than I didn't want to fly. I DIDN'T WANT to fly.
I got on my first airplane in the Des Moines airport on January 2010 with my best friend Roger Brecht. I wasn't nervous, other than the not knowing how to get through the airport security and so on, but that is why Roger was there, to help me through the things I didn't know. I was flying to Miami, Florida to see Iowa play Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. I made it there and back with no problems other than a 2 hour delay in Indianapolis. Why did I decide to get on a plane when a swore that I would never do such a thing. Easy, I wanted to see Iowa play in a bowl game. I WANTED TO.
This leads me to my thought of the day. If I want it bad enough, I will do it, regardless of the reasons that stopped me from doing it before.
I had some encounters with people who won't fund raise because they don't like being told, "No Thanks". My question to them is, "Well don't you want to accomplish what ever goal it is that your fundraising for?"
I guess what I am trying to say today is that we should spend more time talking about the things we are going to do, rather than the things we will never do. Matter of fact, don't put limits on your life. Don't talk about the things you'll never do, because there may come a time when you do what ever that is to get what you want.
I said I would never get married. I said I never would have kids. I said I would never let my kids play soccer. I said that I would never live in Urbana.
Those are a few of the things I said I would never do.
I have been married for ten years because I found a woman that I love and I wanted to keep her in my life forever. I have 2 children because after marriage, I wanted to have a family. My girls both play soccer because I wanted to have them make their own choices and most importantly be involved in something. I own a house in Urbana because that is where the house we were looking for was located.
This just scratches the surface of the things that I had said I would never do and now am doing. Never is a long time. Life is too short for "nevers". Although there is room for one "never" in my life....I never want to say never again.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I Am One Person; I Have One Purpose.
I am one person.
I have one purpose.
I sat through a training last night in Cedar Rapids in which the speaker suggested that everyone write their own mission statement. A mission statement much the companies that you all work for have written. Keep the same things in mind...what is your purpose and what are you going to do to meet that expectation. So, like other things that I hear, i thought about this for a long time last night. Do I write a mission statement for Team Pump Princess? How about just for my family? Then I remembered the speaker specifically saying, "Write YOUR mission statement", so I knew that this was to be about me and me only.
I had to start with my purpose, which is easy and known by many of you, "A cure for juvenile diabetes". As I dug deeper, it's wasn't so much about finding a cure for diabetes as much as it was me fulfilling my promise to Micheala about doing everything I can to help in the efforts to find a cure for diabetes. So my purpose is my promise to Micheala.
What are the action steps that I need to take to meet my purpose? Daily? Hourly? This is when the flood gates of ideas opened up and I realized that even though my purpose was strong, my actions were weak. Do I talk about diabetes with people that ask me about it? Yes, but I don't approach people and tell them our story and what we are trying to do. Do I raise money every year for the walk? Yes, but I focus on one event that happens once a year rather than continuously make efforts to raise money year round. Do I believe in what I am doing? Yes, but I struggle to get others to feel the same. Question after question rolled through my head last night until I finally realized that I needed to hold myself accountable if I was truly going to reach my purpose.
So it was time to put something in writing.
The thoughts of many different ways to word this mission statement were rolling through my head. It has to sound professional and be specific. So I started composing in my head. I would get through the first sentence, then would fall short of the proper words to insert. I would start again, but run into another word road block. I was clearly trying to complicate something that shouldn't be so complicated. But it was complicated, this is the mission statement of my life. So after a long night of thought and a morning of agony, I came up with a mission statement. It is simple and spells out everything that I need to do to reach my purpose.
"I am one person. I have one purpose."
That's it. I am one person, but I am one person that knows what needs to be done. I know that a Kool-Aid stand in the middle of January may be necessary to assist in raising funds. I know that I need to advocate to everyone and that I need to stress every night about reaching our fundraising goals. I know that I can fuel my committee into raising money for JDRF and I know that I am a leader.
I have one purpose. My purpose is to fulfill the promise that I made to my daughter. I know that means doing whatever it takes. I know that means to be honest and to handle myself with professionalism and integrity. I know that I have other children counting on me to be an advocate for their cure. I know that I will have to volunteer and do extra things. I know my purpose and what it takes.
The accountability lies within my heart. Who do I let down if I don't follow through? I live with them.....I am them. ONE person with ONE purpose can change the world.
I am THAT person.
I have THAT purpose.
I have one purpose.
I sat through a training last night in Cedar Rapids in which the speaker suggested that everyone write their own mission statement. A mission statement much the companies that you all work for have written. Keep the same things in mind...what is your purpose and what are you going to do to meet that expectation. So, like other things that I hear, i thought about this for a long time last night. Do I write a mission statement for Team Pump Princess? How about just for my family? Then I remembered the speaker specifically saying, "Write YOUR mission statement", so I knew that this was to be about me and me only.
I had to start with my purpose, which is easy and known by many of you, "A cure for juvenile diabetes". As I dug deeper, it's wasn't so much about finding a cure for diabetes as much as it was me fulfilling my promise to Micheala about doing everything I can to help in the efforts to find a cure for diabetes. So my purpose is my promise to Micheala.
What are the action steps that I need to take to meet my purpose? Daily? Hourly? This is when the flood gates of ideas opened up and I realized that even though my purpose was strong, my actions were weak. Do I talk about diabetes with people that ask me about it? Yes, but I don't approach people and tell them our story and what we are trying to do. Do I raise money every year for the walk? Yes, but I focus on one event that happens once a year rather than continuously make efforts to raise money year round. Do I believe in what I am doing? Yes, but I struggle to get others to feel the same. Question after question rolled through my head last night until I finally realized that I needed to hold myself accountable if I was truly going to reach my purpose.
So it was time to put something in writing.
The thoughts of many different ways to word this mission statement were rolling through my head. It has to sound professional and be specific. So I started composing in my head. I would get through the first sentence, then would fall short of the proper words to insert. I would start again, but run into another word road block. I was clearly trying to complicate something that shouldn't be so complicated. But it was complicated, this is the mission statement of my life. So after a long night of thought and a morning of agony, I came up with a mission statement. It is simple and spells out everything that I need to do to reach my purpose.
"I am one person. I have one purpose."
That's it. I am one person, but I am one person that knows what needs to be done. I know that a Kool-Aid stand in the middle of January may be necessary to assist in raising funds. I know that I need to advocate to everyone and that I need to stress every night about reaching our fundraising goals. I know that I can fuel my committee into raising money for JDRF and I know that I am a leader.
I have one purpose. My purpose is to fulfill the promise that I made to my daughter. I know that means doing whatever it takes. I know that means to be honest and to handle myself with professionalism and integrity. I know that I have other children counting on me to be an advocate for their cure. I know that I will have to volunteer and do extra things. I know my purpose and what it takes.
The accountability lies within my heart. Who do I let down if I don't follow through? I live with them.....I am them. ONE person with ONE purpose can change the world.
I am THAT person.
I have THAT purpose.
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