Where can you find a Christmas miracle

Where can you find a good Christmas miracle these days?

Our son Evan like many a capital hiller takes the metro from Crystal City to the Capital South  metro station then wends his way to Congressman Roskum's office. It's part of his regular routine and normally is un eventful. This last Wednesday was different.

I received a call on the home phone, which I rarely answer, but looking at the caller ID it's a name instead of a company so I listen.  It's a guy calling from DC named Jonathon  who just got off the Metro.  Evan had gotten off the stop before this guy and had left his wallet on the floor behind his seat, Jonathon had found it.  When Ev got off the train, realizing that he had lost his wallet,  he turned around and proceeded to pound on the door to get back on, the train took off. Evan was freaking out but had the wherewith all to somehow not get hit by the train, get out of the station without his metro card,  and get to his office on capitol hill.  Our son Evan has Down Syndrome and was navigating his commute on his own. 

The wonderful people at his office sat him down, went over everything he had in wallet and began the process of trying to figure out what to do next. Meantime, Evan had his Illinois ID with our illinois address on it in the wallet. Jonathon found the card, then went online, reverse directoried our phone number and gave me a call.  What a kind and nice guy. Not only does he go the extra mile in locating us (Evan) but goes twain.  Jonathan  is in DC for a meeting and had a break around noon so he volunteers to walk to Roskum's office and give Evan the wallet.  One of the things he mentioned in meeting the people at Ev's office was how kind and caring they are about Ev.

Wonderful people all over the world
Angels both those seen and unseen watch over Evan.

Where are the miracles in DC this season?

Ev having the where wits  to not chase after a moving train and going to a familiar place for help.

Rep Roskum's wonderful staff who stand beside and support Evan.

A stranger named Jonathan who saw someone in need, interrupted his day and made a difference in the life of Evan.

If you are looking for a good christmas miracle this season, look no farther than the Capital South Metro.

Humble Pride

Humble pride

Sunday, a friend of Parker's described how he perceived I should feel about Parker's labour as a missionary; Humble Pride - a very apt description. Proud of what he did, how he did it, and who he became; and intensely humble and gratefully that he had the opportunity, that he took advantage of it, that he  had presidents, leaders, missionaries, members, and non who loved him, worked with him and watched over him. And mindful of a god in heaven who was in the details.

Each of the boys served well and honorably. Their missions had much in common and all grew spectacularly. All were as unique and differed as Spain, Greece, Chicago and Paraguay do from each other . We have been fortunate to have met there ending Mission Presidents. There are few things as humbling  as learning /observing the power of your son(s). There are few things that make you more grateful than witnessing the love of adults for your child and knowing the energy and effort they willingly sacrificed and put into forming, shaping, and supporting your child's growth. There is  a strong emotion when you observe others looking at your son in adoration and witness that to them what your missionary had done was of vital importance.

I am indeed humbly proud of all my children. I am extremely grateful for the transformational power of a mission. 

Mr Colonial

Evan's ward in Washington DC does a beauty pageant of sorts - it is the Mr Colonial contest. The contestants sing, dance, demonstrate ant and have a beauty pageant of sorts. Evan entered and  had a tremendous experience. Thanks to those who helped him succeed and show his talents'

opening dance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXW5IgrA_So - Evan shows up at 2:20.

Interview Vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrlN8hedu0k - Evan is at beginning for 15 sec, then my roommate has a good story about him at 1:28, then he is dancing starting at 1:49-1:55

Casual wear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeJEDbKPczY - Evan is at 6:50

 haven't found footage of the kung fu yet but it is theere

FLASHBACK - An Armstrong Thanksgiving

Life still happpened before I blogged - so here is a favorite flashback

There are many people that question the value of public high schools in our communities both the institutions and the students. At this Thanksgiving time of year our family would be very ungrateful indeed not to share for the incredible Fall our son has had at Armstrong High School. The students, the coaches, and the teachers have combined to show a huge amount of kindness, acceptance and embracing of diversity.

Our son, Evan, is a 16-year-old sophomore at Armstrong High School. Like many boys his age he is on the football, wrestling and track teams; he struggles a little with his social and science classes, and loves singing in the Varsity choir. He loves both the social and academic parts of school. He thrives on the vibrancy of a large high school with the multitude of opportunities for all students. One difference with Evan is that he was born with Down Syndrome.

A few weeks ago Evan was nominated for homecoming royalty. He, we, were thrilled and delighted by the inclusion and the honor. We attended the Homecoming pep fest and with other parents watched our youth participate. Evan was introduced and he carried himself well, head held high with an arm extended to his female counter-part. We were genuinely delighted by the round of applause he received. At the end of the pep fest when the royalty winners were announced, we were thrilled to hear announced Evan’s name. Then even more thrilling was the roar of approbation. The crowd screamed, clapped, stood and stomped and we as Evan’s parents sat and cried. Tears of gratitude for a school and community that embraces diversity and inclusion. Yes, a reason for an Armstrong Thanksgiving.

This was no fluke; a few weeks later another outpouring of kindness and acceptance occurred. . Evan has been a member of the Sophomore B-squad football team. Coach Dave Hansen and Coach Dan Enna have made it an incredible season. If you’ve ever had a son play football you know what a religion it can be. Evan is a zealous convert to the sport. He trained daily with the team in a safe environment, carefully orchestrated by the coaches. Fast-forward to the Minnetonka B-squad game. Game situation is 4^th quarter, 2^nd and goal from the 8^-yard line, Minnetonka is ahead. Armstrong calls time out. The coach runs out onto the field and has a conversation so that the refs, the Minnetonka coaches and players are all on the same page. After the time-out, Evan goes in as halfback and his number is called. The snap, the hand-off, Armstrong forms a type of wedge up the middle Evan goes high-stepping up the middle crossing the goal-line as the Minnetonka players deliberately move back. He SCORES! All celebrate as Evan runs off the field. The clock – records no change; the scoreboard - records no change; the yard markers - record no change. But a change there has been: another outpouring of graciousness and kindness by the officials, the coaches, and the players of Minnetonka and Armstrong. They gave a minute of fame and glory to a young man who loves football, and loves playing the game with “the guys” but who clearly can’t compete on the same field. Thank you to coaches who train and lead our young men and who are willing to set an example of inclusion and kindness.

Evan stands a little taller, Evan speaks a little clearer, Evan celebrates a little more. This November 25^th is for us an Armstrong Thanksgiving.

Home Coming

How does an away game feel like a home coming - go watch BYU play Notre Dame and you will see how. 6-8 thousand of our closest Cougar fans crawled out from every rock to attend.

I'm not an over-the -top football fan but ND knows how to host a football game. Thousands descend on their middle of nowhere campus to participate in a broad range of pre-game events. I was clearly enraptured by them - I like their style of pre-game.

The game was disappointing in that they loss but satisfying given I was sure they were going to be destroyed and they did just fine - thank you very much.

We saw family,
We saw friends,
We saw alumni,
We saw folks from Illinois, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia

It was an event.
The best of which was spending the day with Blair.

The Making of A Weekend

So what makes for a good weekend:
1 part - good weather
1 part - good food (gotta love scone sunday)
1 part - national holiday
All parts - family gathered together.


Memorial Day weekend was one full of gratitude for:
- our freedoms
- those who sacrifice for our freedoms
- our country
- our blessings
- our family

Missed those many who were not with us - especially Elder Parker (but he is doing great check his blog)
But we had a delightful weekend with the many who joined in the fun.

MN BYU Connection

The Minnesota BYU was critical to me when I attended BYU and has continued to have an important influence in our kids as they have attended. Evan was a huge beneficiary of the BYU MN connection.

The Gathering

Number One indeed

It wasn't official
It had no standing
It was done in 24 minutes

It was the best graduation you could image, and then some. Brigham orchestrated, administered and created the event. He had help from several friends to pull it off and the charm of Evan for it to succeed.

Evan graduated from Armstrong High School in 2007 and felt that he like his brothers before should head out west to Brigham Young University. We thought it was risky but a manageable risk; and determined it would be a measured success if he lasted - a day - a week - a month. Little did we imagine at the time that five years later (with a year break for 3-month full-time mission and moving to Chicago); that we would need a graduation exercise to culminate the experience. A capstone of acknowledgment and gratitude.

There were many people who's combined efforts created the success. If I named them all- first the list would be too long, second I would surely forget someone who unbeknownst to us - sat with him at lunch, walked with him, talked with him, danced with him.- well you get the picture I would not want to offend through omission.

A few require special note:

• John & TJ his uncle and aunt who live in Roy and were the ever present safety net if needed, the shelter in a storm, and always good for a warm bed and a great meal
• Parker, his loving younger brother, who pushed and prodded and supported Evan during his own freshman year at BYU
• Blair, Julie and Mackey who from afar encouraged and loved
• Stu Jackson, an incredible friend forever, a patient long-suffering and enduring friend, and a great room-mate for two-years
• Brigham, oh Brigham, the depth of our appreciation is ineffable.What a brother, what a friend. (I guess I'll devote a separate post to him to try and capture it)

Evan worked, he volunteered, he attended classes, he dated, he danced, he worked in and attended the Temple regularly, he played sports, he had Ward callings, he went to Y athletic contests, collected BYU spirit wear, he skied, went to cousin dinners, had road trips to San Diego, San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, and beyond. Figured out how to do laundry, survival eating skills, negotiated a bus, how to get to and from campus, kept his own schedule and checked in appropriately, paid bills with a debit card, calculated a tip (usually on a phone call with me while he was at the restaurant), did his homework, watched his favorite dvds, sang his favorite songs (you could always find him by listening to his chanteur voice with headphones on- singing along with gusto). Gusto, yes that is the word I've been looking for, he lived his BYU life with gusto. He flourished.

Thanks to the many known and unknown who helped. The attending angels seen and unseen both get thanks. The party Thursday was as much for them as it was for Evan.

So back to the party, or should we say graduation ceremony. Evan felt the need to march across a stage and gather a diploma - Brigham delivered said program and event.
Approximately 100 people gathered in the lovely conference room in the Student Athletic building. A dozen or so came in cap and gown and accompanied Evan in the entrance march to Pomp & Circumstances . The program flowed as noted in the program in the earlier blog posting. It was great.

Thank you to all who, spoke, performed, marched, attended. It stayed on schedule as a 23 minute program followed by Triffle and chit chat. Was the highlight the attendance of Cosmo? being able to thank everyone? the musical number? the speech? No once again it was seeing the delight and joy on Evan's face. or was it the JOY in my and Rindy's heart as we once again recognized the abundant tender mercies of the Lord in fulfilling dreams we dared not dream 24 + years ago when Evan was born. But it is joy that defies description. The text book definition of the emotion: of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. JOY constitutes something that is tangible as well as intangible - the heart is full and frequently the eyes as well. "When the Lord is present in our lives, His joy brings us great joy and with grateful hearts, our thanks is expressed." Evan's life brings us closer to the Lord. And so we say thanks.

Us

Evan getting diploma going thru the line

Stu & Ally - representing all the friends

Cosmo in queue

Quinn's representing all those in Mn & IL who support

Ev

the room slowly filling

Lu - Eleanor - Liz representing all the girls in Ev's life

Matt Smith representing all at BYU who helped along the way

The Documents

To be official for anything you have to be able to produce the proper documentation to prove the existence of an experience. This last week marked the culmination of Evan's BYU adventure  over the past five years. And the documents acknowledge a great run. The documents lead to and cover the event for which there will be a subsequent post.

1. The Invitation : sent by email and posted on Facebook

Invitation

2. The Program : an outline of the shortest, full-fledged, top-to-bottom quality convocation you could imagine

Program

3,  The Diplomas : custom crafted for the" graduate" and all the attendees. They captured the essence of the occasion: recognition of what Evan has been able to do and extreme gratitude and appreciation to all those who enabled, guided, assisted, and watched over Evan's success.

All attendees reviewed one and even some who did not attend - click on the image to read the script

the unofficial documentation - click on image to read

 

Program content, orchestration, and execution - Brigham

.

Document layout and design - Lauren Woodmansee &  Brigham

Singing Once Again

Back in December we wrote of Evan's BYU singing adventure and wouldn't you know now  he is in the second semester of Choir. They sang today at the BYU Devotional which can be found here (as long as the link is live).

I was noticing an advertisement on my phone today for a new Where's Waldo App; which made me think as I watched the choir sing that I could develop an app for the choir called - where is the monitor displaying the program.

But I digress. What a great opportunity. Rindy talked with Evan right after the program and he was brimful with excitement and pride of his accomplishment.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Everyone Needs a Friend

"Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with 'the good word of God"

I do not think it is coincidental that this famous trifecta from Gordon B Hinckley leads off with the need of a friend. One of many online definitions of a friend proposes that a friend is- a person who gives assistance; a patron; a supporter. Few can receive or send higher praise than labeling one a friend. and if Lincoln is to be believed: "The better part of one's life consists of his Friendships."  And in candor I believe there are various levels of friendship, rooted in the degree of confidence in which you can place one another. 

Evan will be finishing his schooling years and BYU this coming spring and searching a "career", as he labels it has become a preoccupation  of ours of late/ At each cross road in Evan's life we have looked ahead with a degree of trepidation and challenge as we ponder - " how can it top what has just happened?" And thinking it over this weekend , I have once again come to the conclusion that it has had less to do with the "place" or the "circumstances" within which evan has found himself. And it has depended more and defined more by the people with whom he has been surrounded. It is easy to praise Brigham and Stuart for what they have meant to Evan's success in navigating college life , and I have noted that here before; but it goes beyond , around , and before, and hopefully after  them including a host of "friends" of various degrees (and yes angels would also be categorized as friends). Not all have been friends who you would call to come over and help you in the middle of the night; not all have been friends that you could spend 30 minutes sitting chatting on a couch; not all have been friends that you could just hang silently together with - but many have been friends that have - lent a listening ear, shared a meal with, laughed with , danced with him, sung with him, played soccer-football- volleyball- wrestling - basketball with him, shared an FHE, shared a tent, shared time - love - laughs. There are so many to thank in so many ways in which they have been a friend. How will we ever find another friend to add and build on the past.

Yesterday in a church meeting they shared in more depth, the following story of Dayton and Spencer. I cried as I watched it for I watched  and saw Evan and so many of his friends. May we all chose to be the "dayton's legs" to the daytons who cross our paths.

may we chose to be a friend to those who sorely need a friend not just being a friend to those it is easy, or those who we need to have as friends for ourselves.

Tru Confessions

I have long been both a Disney Channel fan and a Shia LeBeouf fan; and the combination of them- well works well for me. In 2002 when the movie, Tru Confessions came out on Disney TV I remember it moving me to tears and reflecting deeply on our Evan and our Evan experience. Not being able to sleep tonight , I turned on the Disney channel to see what was on - and voila Tru Confessions. I quickly wrapped myself up in a blanket, moved to the basement couch and TV and stayed up and was moved once more. Just finished but thought I should post Among the most moving scenes is as follows:

Eddie: It’s not fair.
Tru: What’s not fair, Eddie?
Eddie: I wanna be done being different. I wanna be the same as everybody else.
Tru: Everybody’s different, Eddie. Not just you.
Eddie: No, no, Tru, I’m real different! 
Tru: You know what, you’re right. You are different. But if you were just the same as everybody else, you wouldn’t get all that special help in school, you wouldn’t be allowed to rollerblade in the house and you wouldn’t be the amazing brother that I love. 


If you want the essence of the show watch





I'm grateful for our Evan
grateful for his incredible mother,
grateful for his loving siblings,
grateful for Stuart J and all the other Stu's of Evan's life
grateful for the blessing the journey has been.

Sing a Little Bit Longer

Music has been deeply engraved in the lives of Rindy and I since our youth; and it has played a significant ongoing role in our family. Surprisingly, at least to us, only two of the kids participated in choir during high school – Evan and Parker. Both had spectacular experiences. (One of their shared directors Dale Cruze leads one of this season’s best Holiday Flash Mobs –

And, to date, only one has participated in college – Evan. He gratefully, had the opportunity to participate in the BYU University Choral with his second cousin Mariah Wilson as one of the conductors / directors. (many thanks to Mariah) Evan loves to sing, though truth be told he has an incredibly limited range, perhaps only matched by my father. But sing he does.

Nonetheless, he was able to participate when the BYU University Chorale sang at the BYU Dec 6^th Devotional. We watched it, teary –eyed and full of gratitude on BYU internet TV live and hope to post it here if I can find a copy of it.

Suuhi, Sushi

Sushi is an odd food. Many love it and many will never touch it.
Check out the two images shown

the one is sushi and the other a platter full of wrap sandwiches. Identical NO - but close enough sometimes given the right wrap and the right sushi maybe they could be confused.

The other day we were at my

cousins for the air show and Evan saw the plate of food being served and  he knows that it is sushi. he knows that I 

love sushi, offers me to join in the sushi and I said no it just looks like it but those are just sandwich wraps. It 

is good to know Evan has great taste and high 

expectations for any meal. Sushi it is for another day.