'Hearts at Home'

March 13 & 14, 2009 was the Hearts at Home National Conference in Normal, IL. The theme this year was, "Real Moms, Real Lives, Real Stories." Keynote Speakers were Jill Savage, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts at Home and Dr. Kevin Leman, internationally known psychologist, author and speaker.

It was a joy to serve as a conference volunteer both days and be a 'fly on the wall' and observe so many aspects of why Hearts at Home is such an encouragement to moms nationwide and internationally.

Hearts at Home is an organization that is committed to "Encouraging Moms in Every State of Motherhood". It is a Christ-centered organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood by offering events such as the National Conference and offering resources to encourage moms all year long like eNews letter, Website, Books, and HeartBeat radio spots.

What started out as a small group of moms gathering in Jill's living room grew to a large, church sponsored mom's group, which dared to dream about the concept of encouraging more moms through a conference with speakers and workshops. The dream was ordained and blessed by God, and has since grown to what happens today, all year long.

My first exposure to Hearts At Home was when Steve & Greg were in grade school. I was absolutely overwhelmed by my first conference, as I sat in the ISU Braden Auditorium (pictured above) with over 2,000 other moms. I realized that no matter what age you were, what age your children were, what 'social strata' you were part of, or what church on the corner you attended (if you attended)...a mom is really a mom. We all have common joys, frustrations, concerns, and goals. Most of all, to see in a new way what a gift motherhood really is, and to worship together with thousands of women the true Giver of Life was the ultimate highlight for me. I left my first conference forever changed. I also left my first conference determined that as much as I might have needed encouragement, there will always be other moms that need encouragement. Since then I have served on the staff of Hearts at Home full time, and now just during conferences...since working full time at our church office. I am also a Hearts At Home Ambassador and Prayer & Promote Partner. My passion to see the work of Hearts at Home advance is as strong as ever...so that drives my efforts each year to work behind the scenes so moms can be encouraged. The 'payback' is the knowledge that as women leave the conferences, lives are changed and perspectives have been enlarged for the good.

This year's conference did not disappoint! The Keynote talks by both Jill and Dr. Leman were warmly and enthusiastically received by the women. The many workshops were also well attended and blessed the attendees as they learned more about parenting, marriage, spiritual growth, and family management. They allow moms to spend time hearing from talented speakers and presenters about the issues that matter most to them at this stage of their life.

Hearts At Home ultimately points each and every attendee to each one's need for a Savior - Jesus Christ. Motherhood drives moms to their knees...and Jesus is faithful to provide wisdom, strength, endurance, patience and love in all those experiences of mothering. I praise God for the Hearts at Home organization, and my connection with it.

Invest in a mother...Influence a family...Improve a community...Impact the world!

Birthdays

Today is Steve’s 24th Birthday! We hope to make a special evening of it for him by taking him to one of his favorite restaurants, Dos Reales in Champaign. Randy and Steve visit it often, so it should be fun to have the wait staff sing Happy Birthday…or whatever they sing in Spanish…to him tonight. Maybe he’ll even get a big sombrero placed on his head, too!

We celebrate Steve’s birthday in a bittersweet way. Of course today would have been Greg’s 24th birthday as well. Each year, especially today, my mind dares to think about things above all human understanding. I think specifically about eternity and if time is marked in heaven as it is here on earth. Is Greg aware that his twin brother is 24? Is Greg forever 17? Is Greg actually at a ‘perfect age’ to someday go with his ‘perfect body’?

The promise of heaven and eternal life is a comfort like none other. But the mysteries of those things are equally vast in their scope. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

I am thankful that ultimately God remains in control for the very reason that He is GOD. There is a strange comfort that comes knowing that I do not have to understand…nor am I even expected to understand these things. It is mine to trust alone in God alone.

However, if time is marked in heaven, and if we can prepare a celebratory meal and cake in heaven, I look forward to again hosting a Birthday party for both my sons again…no matter what age they will be.

I Hear 'Voices'

Above is the introduction to the MMA presentation, VOICES. Randy & Steve were scheduled to present at the Chicago area LEAD conference this past weekend. However, the best laid plans are subject to change. Steve took 'sick' on the way up to Chicago, so he ended up enduring the flu in a hotel room while Randy & I set up and presented the show to over 700 Middle and High School students Saturday evening. I sat in the front row and shot this video with my camera.

As you can hear from the opening segment, the kids had a great time watching the presentation. At the end, Randy briefly told them 'why' we would give up a weekend evening to travel and work hard (set up/tear down) to present to them. Randy talked about how the presentation, especially the safe driving segments, are personal to us because of Greg's death and Steve's continuing struggle with brain injury due to their crash. The room went silent. He encourged them to step up, make wise choices in all areas of their lives and to lead by example. Brief message but a powerful VOICE of experience and wisdom for their young hearts and minds.

We all have VOICES talking to us even as adults, each day. Family, friends, co-workers, speak words of direction, encouragement or challenge into our hearts and minds. And likewise, we too, are among the voices they hear back. So, daily we have a choice on many levels: Who to really listen to and who to encourage with our voice.

The ultimate VOICE we have the choice to listen to and follow is God's.

" You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4

We hope and pray that the presentations that Randy & Steve show at schools and conferences to young people will cause them to consider the impact their VOICE and the VOICES of those around them can ultimately have in the direction of their lives. And, we hope that they will seek out God's Awesome VOICE to provide life to them.

Community

This past Sunday was Super Bowl Sunday. For the second year in a row, Randy, Steve & I hosted a Super Bowl party in our home for folks from our church family. The evening for us is not about a football game, half-time entertainers or even the commercials. It is about fellowship and community. Somehow, community usually means food and as you can see from the picture, we had plenty of it!

All ages were represented with folks in their 80's to others who were barely approaching adolescence. It was a time to laugh, visit, and even discuss important issues of life...faith, politics, life and death.

The game ended up being exciting to the very end as we were collectively rooting for the underdog team (AZ Cardinals). The house was full of enthusiasm as the dream seemed to become a reality...until the final scoring drive by the Steelers.

As the last one left, we realized how rich we were to have a home full of friends and family (church family) that evening. Community is something that we need to be intentional about cultivating. Relationship that shares and encourages...stretches and admonishes is a true blessing! We hope to create more memories similar to that night throughout this coming year. Sunday evening was indeed Super!

Tears

Today is a hard anniversary of remembrance...6 years since the crash. I find that each year I brace myself, I remember, and I find that tears come easily and frequently, especially on January 17th.

Six years sounds like a long time, and in many ways it has been. I think I have aged double time in these past 6 years. It seems like forever since I was able to speak with Greg, since life was not so complicated. Yet, there are times that 6 years seems like a blink, a moment in the midst of the whole. Through out these 6 years I know without a doubt that I have shed more tears in that span of time than all of the years of my life that preceded.

Sometimes the tears creep up slowly, other times they appear in a overwhelming torrent. Yet, when they ease and the flow ends, healing of soul has occurred. It is comforting to know that shedding tears is nothing new, nor anything to be ashamed of, especially when grieving. The Bible tells much of times of sorrow and the shedding of tears by others who lost loved ones. Even Jesus shed tears at the tomb of his friend Lazarus.

You keep track of all my sorrows.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book.

Psalm 56:8

What a comfort to know that my tears are significant to God. He cares, He comforts with His Word. So, while today has been hard in many ways, I continue to cling to HOPE in the midst of the tears. I know my Redeemer lives, He is the victor over death. Some day, He will wipe the final tears that fall from my eyes when He makes all things new and all is restored.

'Keeping Christmas'

It is unbelievable to think that Christmas Day 2008 has arrived. I am writing this as we are driving to Christmas dinner with Mom & Dad in Indiana. The past days of gift wrapping, baking, and special programs are already a blurred memory as I now watch the icy mid-western landscape zip by through the car windows.

As I can finally catch my breath I wonder have I indeed ‘kept Christmas’ in a way that is honoring to the King of kings? How would one even gauge such a concept? If the measure is being busy with Christmas preparations and events, then I have succeeded.

December began with a local production of Handel’s Messiah at our church. My heart and soul soared even as the music reached its crescendo at the conclusion of the Hallelujah Chorus. The words of scripture became alive with the voices and stringed instruments that day. Our Messiah has come…Hallelujah!

Christmas cards were prepared and sent, and joyfully received. Decorations and gift wrapping consumed large blocks of time as did extra cooking and baking. But, it has become a large part of how I ‘keep Christmas’ for myself, our family and friends.

The best part of ‘keeping Christmas’ this year, however, has been the moments that I have slowed down and considered what Christmas is really all about. Our sermons at church during Advent helped me to keep a correct perspective and enlarged my vision. The panoramic view of Christmas challenged me to consider the Kingdom of God that invaded earth over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem and what the implications are for those who are called to be part of His kingdom even now.

HOPE came to earth that first Christmas and remains with us even now!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart, prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing.

Countin' Blessings...

When upon life's billows, you are tempest tossed

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost

Count your many blessings name them one by one'

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your blessings see what God has done

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your many blessings See what God has done

Are you ever burdened with a load of care

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear

Count your many blessings every doubt will fly

And you will be singing as the days go by

Wednesday I was blessed to take 40 minutes out of my workday at the church office to share in our church's monthly service at one of our local nursing homes. Since it was the day before Thanksgiving I thought it appropriate to share some thoughts I had been personally processing in regards to the holiday at hand.

We sang the song, "Count Your Blessings". The residents all seemed to know that old favorite and sang and whistled along to the best of their abilities. It's a song that for me brings warm memories of my growing up years back in our small church in Michigan. I loved singing that song because of the fun melody, the lighthearted rhythm, and the 4 part harmony that was such a rich part of my heritage.

But even as a child, the concept of 'counting my blessings' was one that I could grasp and consider, even when at times things in my childish world did not always seem just or fair. I knew that in spite of it all, I had many blessings that I could literally think about and 'count'. And even as a child I knew that this honored God.

Now as an adult, those words still challenge me to right thinking. Philippians 4:4-9 speaks about these things:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We are admonished to cultivate right thinking or Thankfulness by this passage. Cultivating implies working. Randy has finished his fall tillage or cultivation of the soil. He does that to prepare the soil to be able to receive the seed in the spring and for optimal growth to happen. So, too, we can cultivate our hearts by such a simple exercise as counting our blessings...no matter what.

Later in the same chapter the Apostle Paul speaks from his own personal experience in Philippians 4:11-12:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

We are to learn contentment. Learning is a choice, just as cultivating our hearts is a choice...not the natural way we tend to operate. So, just as I shared the above thoughts with the dear folks at the nursing home Wednesday, I continue to consider them for myself and seek to commit to cultivating a heart that gives thanks in the midst of trials and is learning contentment with the help of God's Spirit speaking these truths into my heart and mind.

Thanksgiving here was blessed. Food abounded and fellowship with family was sweet. We do have much to give thanks for in a world that is full of trouble and trials. God is still in control..our HOPE rests in Him.

Be Still

The glory of the Autumn leaves comes upon us quietly, gradually, but with splendor and beauty that is unequaled in its ability to take our breath away with awe. Friday I was able to have a brief moment in time to drink deeply of the fall specter of the changing and falling leaves in the midst of a too full schedule.

I was traveling home from presenting my first MMA assembly in Eastern Indiana (near Cincinnati OH) early Friday afternoon. Since Randy & Steve were still harvesting the crops I was enlisted to go and show the assembly for a wonderful Middle School. The MMA shows are loud, compelling and non-stop action and narration which grabs the attention of young people through their music, movies and language. That is wonderful and great as clearly the students responded by applauding, laughing, singing along, and then becoming silent during the emotionally charged parts of the show.

As I left the school, however, my soul longed for quiet. There was much to process, much to think about and much to pray about. The sun seemed to illuminate a deep and glorious beauty everywhere I looked as I drove on the Indiana interstate. I had a thought...why not truly enjoy the beauty of the day, and not drive by at 70 MPH (yes, that's the speed limit in IN on some stretches of I74). I set the GPS for Shades State Park which was on my way home.

The last time we had been at Shades State Park was October 1991. Steve & Greg were 6 years old. We spent a weekend hiking at Shades and Turkey Run Park as well as checking out the Covered Bridges that pepper the region. It was special that I was able to go back Friday, soak up the beauty of the leaves, and spend much time in quiet reflective meditation and prayer. The afternoon was not about conquering 3 trails, or taking prize winning photos (I did not have my camera). The afternoon was instead a very precious gift from God's hand to my very soul. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

The day began loudly and exuberantly with the MMA assembly, VOICES, but the afternoon was a soothing symphony of God's majestic, artistic touch in a small corner of IN. I was renewed and refreshed spiritually by my detour. I savored my time alone with my Lord and again acknowledged that He alone is sovereign in all things...even in decreeing the number of days He has ordained in advance for each one of His own. I rested also in the fact that some day He indeed will be exalted among the nations. That truth enlarges my perspective, especially in light of the upcoming election Tuesday.

So, 'Be Still...' enjoy the sunshine, celebrate the change of seasons, and know that God is indeed GOD.

Everyone has a story

Yesterday afternoon we had a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity to speak our shared story within the confines of a mobile recording studio.


We were invited by State Farm Insurance, one of the sponsors of StoryCorps, a neat program that is heard on NPR, to share the story of our journey on a 40 minute recording that will be filed and saved in the Library of Congress. While a small fraction of the stories recorded do make it on the air or on the web page, it is really not about that. StoryCorps is about listening to each other share their own unique stories. It is a celebration of family, friendship, and community and all the experiences that occur.


The StoryCorps web page was excellent with all the details of what to expect and how to prepare for the interview/exchange. I prepared by selecting several key 'starter questions' and printing them for reference. Alex, our StoryCorps facilitator was also so helpful and kind as she guided us along in the process. She even included our story in an entry she added to the StoryCorps Blog


Forty minutes may seem like a long time to fill, but among family, the moments fly. We talked more in a dialogue fashion than an interview type conversation...however, Randy did serve as the unofficial 'interviewer'. We smiled as we talked about memories of Greg, we laughed as Steve shared some stories of boyhood adventures with Greg.


We grieved anew when we relived the events of January 17, 2003. Amazing how time, years even, passes yet the memories are seared forever in our hearts and minds. One thing I recounted was the hurt I saw in the eyes of others (family, church family, friends and neighbors). We truly are not islands that live lives independent of others...when one hurts we all hurt.


Steve talked about how much he missed the companionship and love of his brother. He talked about how he took Greg's love, friendship, and acceptance for granted. Now, it is gone on this side of heaven. He spoke about the quiet nights that he and Greg would spend together out on the old swing set-fort that the boys had built with Randy...just swinging and talking about life.


We also talked about the journey Steve has had from coma to rehab to daily pushing through the lingering effects of brain injury. Many aspects have been nightmarish. But we have been witnesses to the miraculous in the midst of impossibilities, too.


Finally we talked about purpose in the midst of it all. We talked about the school assemblies through Motivational Media Assemblies that have been and will be. The young lives that will be saved because of the impact of the story. I also rejoice that with each life saved, a mother and father will not experience grieving through a memorial service, or will not be caring for permanently disabled children due to a car crash.


The HOPE that we all cling to is knowing that some day we will be united again. We will be together with Greg. Steve will be restored. We will love and laugh and live as God intended us to be.

Another Year

Another Maranatha sunset signaled the end of summer and the beginning of another harvest here on the farm!

The past 12 months have ushered in moments of great joy and rejoicing as well as pain and mourning in our family. We have celebrated the victories and improvements Steve continues to experience, but have also had times when we have grieved, anew, the hard journey of traumatic brain injury that he navigates through at times not so successfully.

Randy's father went home to be with Jesus in February. While the weather was bleak (a brief blizzard) the day of his funeral, there was joy in the midst of our tears of sorrow...because of the very real hope and promise that some day we will see him again. We now have one more of our family waiting to greet us someday.

Steve's big news as promised last year is his new adventure with raising beef cattle. He has connected with his 60 or so head of cattle and seems to have a way with them. We have enjoyed the fruits of his labor already as have others who have tried the new 'Central Lean Beef'.

The other rather ambitious endeavor the guys are engaged in is a partnership with Motivational Media Assemblies. When they are not in the fields, Randy & Steve have presented assemblies to school children of all ages as well as some conferences featuring 40 minute presentations packed with the latest in movie clips, music, and stories all aimed as inspiring and equipping students to avoid bad choices, and aspire to be their best. This year's show actually has a brief clip with our story of loss due to a car crash. We pray that young lives will be impacted by the powerful messages in the show as well as the words that Steve & Randy share at the end of each assembly.

Our faith in the Living Hope provides the energy to keep on keeping on (sharing our story/ living through the journey)

Summer 2007 Recap

Today is September 1st, and I am left to only shake my head in wonder about where the last six months since the last post have gone.

At the end of the last post I mentioned the opportunity we had to speak as a family at a Southern Illinois High School during their prom - traffic saftey empahsis week. The spring months brought other opportunites for me to speak individually too. I spoke at a local high school also during their prom week; the state PTA conference as part of a workshop; a trauma/emergency symposium at the hospital where Steve was treated during the first month following the crash; and a church in central Illinois during their 2 worship services on Mother's Day.

There is no way to express the multitude of emotions we as a family, and I individually, process through each time a speaking engagement occurs. Pain that seems to be well below the 'everyday' surface comes searing through to the top during preparation and rememberances. Yet, with the accute pain also comes a fresh realization of hope that truly sustains and strengthens in those hard times. It also encourages Randy, Steve & I when we realize that lives can be touched and even changed by our willingness to share our story yet one more time.

Another big change that I personally experienced since the last post is a new full time position I accepted at our church, Gibson City Bible (see link at the right). The church was very gracious in allowing me to honor the commitments I had to speak and travel to conferences and meetings.

July 3o was the date of the 5th Annual Greg Arends Memorial Golf Tournament which raises funds to send high school students to FCA Camp. Greg attended FCA Leadership Camp the summer of 2001 and was impacted by the week in a profound way. We have been able to send over 20 students to FCA camps over these past 4 summers since Greg's death. The Golf Outing day, too, is mixed with many memories of Greg and his love of golfing, as well as a deep joy from knowing that good can result in the midst of the most difficult and perplexing situations we experience. (And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT)

The Summer ended with our annual trip to Maranatha! The sunset at the beginning of this post was taken on the beach of Lake Michigan. Our Bible teacher, Dr. Don Denyes of South Church, Lansing MI, spoke on Biographies of the Bible. We were challenged anew by the familiar stories from scripture that become more relevant to us as time goes by. Each of us were also touched by the wonderful fellowship and friendship that we are so blessed to experience among the 'Week 7" group at Maranatha!

Now, it is time to prepare for the harvest ahead as the corn and beans are reaching maturity and drying down in the late summer sun and wind of the past couple weeks. We rejoice that Steve is able to work along side Randy in the shed (preparing machinery), in the office (bookkeeping/marketing) and in the field (tractor/combine). We are also anticipating the arrival of Steve's new herd of beef cattle within the next few weeks. I'll do my best to post when the cattle arrive!

Most of all, we clearly have seen the Lord's faithfulness to us these past 6 months. Steve remains on medication from Dr. Hammesfahr as well as twice weekly BioFeedback treatments in Champaign at Midwest Neurofitness. All treatments combined brings improvements to Steve physically and emotionally. We continue to learn that Traumatic Brain Injury is not an easy disability to navigate or plan out, as we experience both joys and sorrows as each day unfolds. But, God is faithful and He is doing a work in us all on this Journey of Hope.

Florida - March 2007

Sunday, March 4th was Steve's 22nd birthday. He celebrated by flying to Clearwater for another week of appointments with Dr. Hammesfahr. We have had beautiful weather to enjoy the beach, mini golf and sightseeing when the doctor appointments are over for the day.

We rejoiced over the news that Steve's ultrasound showed vast improvement in the blood flow to his brain! The doctor has adjusted his medication dosing in light of his improving condition. We are excited that progress continues in Steve's condition. We hope to schedule a return trip to FL for the end of August (before harvest).

We anticipate some busy days ahead when we arrive home. The three of us have been asked to speak to about 300 High School students from Southern IL in April prior to their spring prom as part of a safe driving awareness effort. We hope our presentation will result in a safe and memorable prom season as well as influence the teens' overall driving attitudes in the days and months beyond. Several other talks are in the planning stage as well.

Our hope for Steve's continued recovery is being realized day by day. We see God's leading and provision in each step of our Journey of Hope. This does not mean that our journey is easy...but it is one of faith in the One who loves us and has a purpose in all things.

Washington D.C. and beyond...

January 23 I sent a rather lengthy but descriptive email to several friends and family:

Dear Family and Friends,
Tomorrow we, Steve, Randy & I, will fly to Washington D.C. to share our story of Greg & Steve’s car crash January 2003 and our journey since then. All of you have been some part of this story and our journey. We first want to thank you for your support, your care, and most importantly…your prayers for us as a family and for Steve especially these past four years.

Since agreeing to tell our story as part of our local High School’s involvement with State Farm Insurance Company’s “Project Ignition” in 2005-2006, life has not slowed down for us or our local students. Their efforts to take a tragic story which they entitled “Shattered Dreams” and somehow effect change in the driving habits of their peers was successful in ways we only dreamed about at the beginning of the project. Lives were saved! The GCMS Project Ignition students were awarded “Best of the Best” nationally…and coverage by media which began at the opening assembly in September 2005 has snowballed to what is now about to happen this week on a National platform.

Thursday, January 25 USA Today will feature an article about Teen Driving and a report which will be released that same day to the press which summarizes a year long research project which has been conducted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance. Because of our involvement with Project Ignition and State Farm’s Steer Clear program, we were interviewed to be part of the article as well as our school’s Project Ignition Team Leaders/Teacher.

Also on Thursday, Randy, Steve & I will be interviewed at the local (Washington D.C.) CBS and FOX stations along with representatives from State Farm and CHoP. Nationally, we will be interviewed on Good Morning America. I do not know the specific time our story will be featured on GMA. At 10 a.m. Eastern, 9 a.m. Central time we will be present at a Press Conference at the National Press Club where the findings of this important study on Teen Driving will be unveiled. This will be web cast live at the following link: http://pressclub.tv/webcast/statefarmandchop/012507/. We will not be speaking at this event, but our story will be referenced.

We would request that your prayers would be with us during these next few days. Specifically, that we would have the physical strength to meet the challenges of tight time schedules and travel. Most of all, we covet your prayers as we share our story…the shock, the grief, and the HOPE. We have seen lives saved locally…we pray that many more will be saved nationally!

Wednesday, January 24th we arrived in Washington D.C. as invited guests of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Company. Within 2 hours of arriving we were interviewed for a segment on Good Morning America which highlighted some key findings of the Teen Driving Report released January 25th to the press. The entire report in PDF form can be downloaded at: http://stokes.chop.edu/programs/injury/files/PCPS_Reports/1289teen.pdf

Thursday was indeed a whirlwind of activity. We opened our hotel room door at 5 a.m. to see the USA Today paper on the floor which featured several articles about the Teen Driving Report and our story http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-01-25-teen-wrecks_x.htm. The day began early with Steve & Randy appearing with Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, one of the research physicians from CHoP, on the local FOX TV station. The press conference followed at the National Press Club http://npc.press.org/. The actual press conference is still available online at the link I placed above in the original email message. It will be there for just another week or so, however. While I said that we would not speak, that was not the case, as Steve actually spoke for about 2 minutes near the end of the conference. It was so fulfilling to be part of a project that hopefully will translate into teen lives saved as parents, educators, and lawmakers read this revealing study and contemplate the implications of our action or inaction in response.

We were interviewed by CNN at the conclusion of the press conference before leaving the press club that afternoon. We found out after we returned home that news coverage of the report and some pieces of interviews with us made its way on over 130 stations across the nation. Our own local media (WGCY radio and WCIA TV) gave expanded coverage to our story.

Our time was not all interviews and press conferences...as we were able to spend time taking in some of the sights and experiences of our nation's capitol. We had always intended on taking Steve & Greg to D.C. while they were still at home, but that never happened. So it was bittersweet that we were finally there with only Steve. Yet, how very thankful we were that Steve was able to experience it and enjoy it. Four years ago that was only a faint dream that we hardly dared to hope for.

We arrived home late Saturday evening, January 27. Within 12 hours we were preparing for yet another interview related to the Teen Driving Study and our story within the larger story. NBC Nightly News requested an interview with us on the farm. It was good to be home for that last interview. You can watch the entire video, which aired on Monday, January 29th on the NBC Nightly News webpage: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16874121/.

Our experiences with the media: Newspaper (Chicago Tribune - USA Today) and TV (ABC, CNN, FOX, NBC and our local WCIA & WICD) has been wonderful. Each writer, reporter, editor, photographer, producer, camera/sound person has been gracious and kind to us. We have met some incredible people who have influence and power to effect change for the good.

I can not say enough about our hosts in Washington D.C.; State Farm Insurance Company and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The behind the scenes people who conceptualized, compiled, and reported the study on Teen Driving are some of the most caring individuals we will ever meet. They are professionals who truly are passionate about saving lives, and they are using their gifts and talents to that end. We are honored to have met them all, and to have had a part in spreading the word about the leading cause of death in our nation's youth who are 16-19 years.

Was this a rewarding experience for us? Absolutely yes. Was it an easy one? No, not a moment of it. We never forget the pain of our loss of Greg. We never forget that Steve daily lives with disability from the crash. Yet it is HOPE that inspires, HOPE that lifts us from lives of stagnant existence to lives of action. Your prayers for us as we journeyed to D.C. and back meant so much. It was only by God's help and strength moment by moment that we were able to endure telling our story repeatedly, and not breaking emotionally. Thank you for praying to that end...and for being such an essential part of our Journey of Hope.

4 Years Later

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 & 14 (New Living Translation)

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

John 11:25 (New Living Translation)

It is hard to believe that 4 years have passed since Greg's homegoing. Not a day passes but he is dearly missed, however days like today which mark a specific point in time make us stop and reflect upon God's promises and the Living Hope we have in Christ even in the midst of our sorrows.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...I Peter 1:3 (NIV)

In the midst of remembering, we still praise God for the many promises in His Word. If not for these, our sadness would give way to despair. We know that Greg is with God, and he is experiencing joy beyond description. We know that even now he is able to look in his Savior's face and worship Him.

While we remain here, we press on toward that same goal...to run the race set before us, to seek to be faithful in the midst of difficulty, and to lean fully on God for our strength in the impossible times. Someday we, too will join in the heavenly chorus with Greg, praising God together for all of eternity!

Thank you for your prayers, support, and love.

Christmas 2006

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'" Matthew 1:23 (New Living Translation)

What an incredible gift we celebrate each Christmas...the birth of God's own son...God himself, come to earth to redeem us. Just as this verse gave hope and promise to prophets thousands of years ago, it is the source of our hope today. God indeed is with us!

Christmas 2006 seemed to be over just as soon as it began! In the midst of the flury of activities and special concerts we were able to spend time with both extended families as well as celebrate Christmas as just the three of us. As you can see in the picture, Steve had no problem relaxing during the rush of the season!

One thing that was encouraging to both my family and Steve was the improvements that they were able to notice in Steve's walking and his speech. We all rejoice in the continued healing Steve is experiencing...even if at times we get impatient with the pace. The hopeful thing is the fact that little by little, Steve improves.

That is a wonderful gift to us all this Christmas!

Back in Florida

What a joy it was Sunday morning to fly from frozen East Central Illinois to moderate, sunny central Florida!

Steve has had several appointments with Dr. Hammesfahr already this week. He was pleased with the improvements he has observed in Steve, and is very hopeful that this is only the beginning of more changes to come for Steve.

Steve has also had some additional diagnostic tests done while we've been here. He begun 2 new prescriptions, and he can feel a difference already after beginning one medication today.

Steve has also had several chiropractic adjustments with Dr. Harris this week. This is part of Steve's treatment in another significant way. By keeping Steve's neck (brain stem area) loose and flexible, more blood is able to flow up to the brain. Dr. Harris accomplishes this with lots of stretching along with adjustments.

Apart from the doctor visits we have managed to revisit some of our favorite restaurants as well as discover some new favorites. Steve has had fun sampling many desserts this week. We have enjoyed the pool at the hotel this week, even if it is a bit cool for Florida standards. Another fun thing Randy & Steve did was check out the classic car lots in the Clearwater area.

We have one more appointment with Dr. Hammesfahr and with Dr. Harris. We will return late Friday night to sub-zero weather back home...but with the warmth of renewed hope as we continue this Journey of Hope!

Thanksgiving

Psalm 100
A Psalm for Thanksgiving.

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

Serve the LORD with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

Know that the LORD Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

For the LORD is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations.

We indeed have so very much to be thankful for! Most of all, we give thanks for God's lovingkindness and faithfulness in the midst of all of the situations of life.

Today we will be honored by the presence of Randy's father and my parents at our Thanksgiving table. The turkey is in the oven and the side dishes are ready to go as well, so it seemed fitting to pause, and express our thanks to everyone who has become a part of our Journey of Hope. Thank you for your love, prayers, and continued support for Steve as we daily live out the joys and challenges of lives changed by Traumatic Brain Injury.

We give thanks for the improvements Steve continues to experience. We also are anticipating our return trip to Florida in less than 2 weeks. We give thanks for the many health care providers who have either been part of the journey in the past or our new providers who have taken Steve's case on and continue to inspire hope in us all.

God bless each one as you celebrate Thanksgiving and then prepare for the season of Christmas!

Harvest 2006

We have been home for almost a month from Florida, and in that time we continue to see small, but significant improvements in Steve. We are in the midst of bringing in the harvest, which means Randy and Steve are working long, productive days.

Randy is noticing improvements in how Steve is able to use his right hand more than before, as well as improved abilities to work with the equipment...which is very significant. Steve loves working in the field, whether it be in the auger cart (above) or running the plow after the crop is harvested.

We are so encouraged, as step by step we see changes in Steve that up until now we had ceased to see. The hope of continued improvements and future improvements is on our minds and in our thoughts continuously. We pray that as Steve continues to improve, his potential for living out a future full of unlimited possibilities will be realized.

Our participation with 'Project Ignition' continues into this school year. Even though the group at school has began its 2006-2007 emphasis (Drunk Driving) the 2005-06 project which featured Greg and Steve's story continues to attract attention. Last week 10 area High School representatives attended a half day workshop in which our Project Ignition team presented last year's project (including the 'Steer Clear' video of us telling our story), with the hope that these 10 schools will go back and develop their own student led safe driving projects (thanks to a grant from Illinois Department of Transportation). It was an emotional morning to be part of as I was able to speak to the whole group, then talk with some of the school groups individually. I do believe that lives will be saved by these students going back and using some of the same ideas used at GCMS to effectively encourage their peers to drive smart.

Next week, a news crew from CLTV (an all news station from Chicago) will spend a day at the school, community, hospital, and the farm to tell the story by way of a 'special report' in the midst of their news casts. The following week, our Project Ignition team will again present to several schools, only it will be Chicago area schools, and the venue will be the Tribune offices in Oak Brook. It will be quite an honor to present and promote such a worthy program in the Chicago area, too.

Through it all, God remains ever faithful. The harvest is bountiful, and so far, safe. He is working out continued progress in Steve's journey, and He provides grace as we retell our story of January 17th, 2003. Even through our tears of remembrance and 'homesickness' for Greg, our Lord comforts through His promises in His Word, His people, and the many times we see Him so vividly...especially in the beauty of the autumn skies and the glorious sunsets at the end of these long productive days. "...Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." Acts 14:17 NIV

Back Home...

We arrived home from our 2 weeks in Florida yesterday afternoon. It was hard to say 'good-bye' to our new doctors and new friends. Our experiences at both Dr. Hammesfahr's and Dr. Harris' offices were beyond all expectations. Not only has Steve begun new life changing treatments, but we have all learned so much about brain injury and how these new treatments provide hope for the many people who suffer from the after effects of brain injuries, strokes, autism, migranes and ADD.

We had to detour from the regular schedule of Steve's medications yesterday because of the restrictions on what can be carried on during air travel (no creams or liquids). However, once we arrived in Indianapolis, we were able to once again get on track. Steve did not have any side effects from the lack of medication...only improvements when he was able to begin back on them.

We will keep close watch of Steve and his medications, along with some supplements. We look forward to working with our local doctor as he will monitor Steve and communicate back with Dr. Hammesfahr.

"... Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. " Lamentations 3:21-23. We thank God for His faithfulness to us each and every day of this Journey of Hope. We have been and continue to be sustained daily by the ways He shows Himself compassionate and faithful through every twist and turn in the journey - in the joyful times and in the heartbreaking times as well.

Florida - Day 10

Wow, what a day! This morning we met both Dr. Hammesfahr and Dr. Harris at the office along with the editor of a local Tampa area magazine, IMAGO Magazine http://www.imagomagazine.com/ It was an incredible experience for us. Steve was talking when Dr. Hammesfahr suggested another dose of medication. Within minutes, Steve's speech was more fluent! Steve was thrilled to be able to express his thoughts without all the struggle it has been to speak.

It was also incredible to listen to the doctors each detail the how and why of treatment for brain injury, stroke, and migrane headaches. We felt very privileged to be part of the lofty, yet informative discussion...but our ultimate hope and prayer is that others will be helped that have previously thought there was no further hope available.

Steve then had 2 apts. today. The first was a time of discussing the medications, the scheduling and getting a new prescription. Steve's second appt. was a chiropractic adjustment. It was amazing the improvement he has had in a week's time.

We rejoice and are so thankful to the Lord for His work in Steve and our lives!