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| Tate, Choice, Juliann, Ryder, Pace, Barbara and Shiloh |
In follow up to my comments from the other day with regard to parenting, I received this lovely message from a follower of our story:
Hey Juliann,
I just wanted to send you some love. Maybe some encouragement in what I can only guess is a new season in your lives.
I just wanted to encourage you in the thought that, little hearts are so forgiving when we mamas fail, when we lose sight of the big picture, when we become selfish in our own daily pursuits and don't even realize it. These little people we are attempting to raise into strong, loving humans, they see our weakness and they love us still.
I hope you try to focus less on where you have failed them or given less time/attention, and instead see the greatness you are pouring into their hearts and souls. Remember that you are allowed selfish days and short tempered days and bad days with all the really, really good days!!
I'm praying for your strength as a single mom, in navigating this world of love, balance and life. It's hard, it hurts and it's confusing as hell! But it's also the best adventure you will ever embark on.
If you ever need someone to text or email, a late night encouragement in the storm, send me a message.
Safe travels and love to you and the little ones!
Tender blessings such as this message have come showering down upon us throughout this entire tour. We have been abundantly blessed and encouraged by wonderful people across the country. Our visit today put us in touch with two of these wonderful people of which I speak. Pace and Barbara, owners of Aiken County Farm Supply, were among those who donated to the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots after the Yarnell Hill Fire.
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| Choice, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, Shiloh, Pace, and Barbara |
We took a moment to wander around their store, developing an even greater appreciation for who they are and what they stand for. We even grabbed a few pig ears for Rusty to munch on.
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| Ryder and Shiloh |
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| Choice |
We had a very special and inspiring conversation with Barbara. She was one of the most tender, loving, genuine, compassionate, and caring people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. We spoke for awhile about what sparked the desire within she and Pace to reach out and donate to our families during our time of need. Her answer came in the form of a story; a story that melted my heart and caused my eyes to well up with tears.
She and Pace are parents to two children; Jake (Julian Pace Kneece IV) and Lindsay. Just from the way she spoke of her children and the gentle way she interacted with her husband, you could tell there is a very strong bond shared among this family.
Four years ago, November 5th, tragedy befell this beautiful family. Their son, Jake, was called back to heaven at the very young age of 27. Here's a little bit about Jake:
Julian Pace “ Jake “ Kneece, IV, 27, died Nov. 5, 2011. Born in Aiken, Jake was a graduate of South Aiken High School, a member of Millbrook Baptist Church, a member of Aiken Young Professionals, and a part owner of Aiken County Farm Supply. Jake enjoyed being outdoors, and especially enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends. Having attended the University of South Carolina, he was an avid Gamecock fan. He loved his dogs, Lyla, Sam and Mason.
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| Choice, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, Shiloh, Pace, and Barbara |
It was evident that Pace and Barbara were just innately good people. Yet, according to them, they have grown leaps and bounds in the way they choose to live their life after experiencing such a heartbreaking loss. Since losing their dear son, Jake, they have done their best to live better each and every day. They give credit to Jake for the goodness that comes from their hearts. Barbara shared with us that Jake was the most loving, kind, and generous human being that they had ever known. Pushing in shopping carts, carrying groceries for the elderly, lending a helping hand to those in need, DONATING TO THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE LOSS, and simply being better are among the things that Pace and Barbara do to spread sunshine.
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| Tate, Choice, Juliann, Ryder, Pace, Barbara, and Shiloh |
We had some cards and homemade pictures to share with them in an attempt to express our appreciation for the way they blessed us. We feel so fortunate to be part of this blessed group who have been moved, touched, and inspired by the Kneece family.
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| Choice |
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| Tate |
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| Shiloh |
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| Ryder |
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Ryder, Tate, Shiloh, Choice, and Juliann
One of the most incredibly insightful things I have ever heard came out of Barbara's mouth today. She said, "KINDNESS DOESN'T COST ANYTHING". A phrase that shares the same simplicity as "BE BETTER", can change the world if we embrace it. Her inspirational catch phrase was the fuel in her tank throughout her journey of healing. I was grateful to be able to share our be better fuel with her today.
I would love for Barbara's beautiful message to take hold. She has spread her desire for kindness in many ways, ways that we can all participate in to spread the better. They started a project, in honor of Jake to encourage this movement to spread goodness throughout the world. Every November 5th, they ask for people to perform random acts of kindness to honor Jake. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of lives can be uplifted as a result of it.
The link below goes to a page they've started in memory of Jake. If you click on the link, you will find stickers that you can print and include with your kind act, letting others know you are doing this service in honor of Jake. If you are unable to print the sticker, please don't let that detour you from performing the kind act. The point is to have as many lives blessed as possible. Additionally, if you choose to do so, you can document your service in some way and post it on that page. I know that Barbara and Pace love to read and see the lives that are touched by this project.
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Thank you so much Barbara and Pace for sharing your wisdom, strength, and compassion with our family. I have a renewed desire to be better and to lift another's burdens any way I can. I AM NO LONGER ACCEPTING THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE. IT IS NOW TIME TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CANNOT ACCEPT. This world needs everyday heroes and individuals who put the needs of others above their own. Be that hero for those around you. Be that hero on November 5th, and every opportunity you see beyond that.
We finished up our time in South Carolina and are heading north to North Carolina.
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| Juliann |
This tour has been incredible! It has been comprised of the longest, toughest, most rewarding, funnest, craziest, and most influential days of my life. It is a manifestation of the way in which I want to live my life. If we want to stick around on this Earth for awhile, why not Stretch Out Our Experience? Stretch yourself a bit. Live more vibrantly, love more fully, and BE BETTER.
Check out Jason's song at the link below:
https://youtu.be/A9-3SQ4IoV0
In an effort to stretch out this portion of our trip, we made a ridiculous stop at SOUTH OF THE BORDER. This crazy, awesome, and gigantic truck stop boarding South Carolina and North Carolina provides all sorts of mindless and fun entertainment. Take a peek...
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| Shiloh, Tate, Juliann, Choice, and Ryder |
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| Tate, Shiloh, Juliann, Choice, and Ryder |
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| Tate, Shiloh, Juliann, Choice, and Ryder |
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| Choice |
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| Choice |
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| Shiloh |
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| Tate |
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| Choice, Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh |
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| Choice, Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh |
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| Ryder, Choice, Shiloh, and Tate |
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| Ryder, Choice, Shiloh, and Tate |
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| Shiloh |
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| Jason and Juliann |
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| Shiloh |
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| Choice |
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| Jason and Juliann |
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| Choice, Tate, Shiloh, and Ryder |
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| Juliann |
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| Tate, Choice, Shiloh, and Ryder |
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| Tate and Shiloh |
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| Jason |
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| Tate, Shiloh, Choice, and Ryder |
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| Tate |
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| Choice, Shiloh, Tate, and Ryder |
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| Shiloh, Choice, Jason, Ryder, and Tate |
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| Jason and Juliann |
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| Jason and Juliann |
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| Shiloh |
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| Tate, Choice, and Jason |
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| Choice and Tate |
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| Choice |
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| Choice |
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| Ryder, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice |
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| Ryder, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice |
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| Ryder, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice |
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| Jason |
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| Shiloh, Ryder, Choice, and Tate |
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| Shiloh, Ryder, Tate, and Choice |
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| Ryder, Choice, Tate, Shiloh, and Jason |
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| Tate, Jason, Ryder, Choice, and Shiloh |
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| Shiloh, Tate, Juliann, Choice, and Ryder |
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| Choice, Tate, and Shiloh |
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| Jason |
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| Shiloh, Tate, and Choice |
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| Choice, Shiloh, Tate, Juliann, and Ryder |
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| Juliann, Ryder, Tate, and Shiloh |
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| Choice |
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| Choice, Juliann, Ryder, Shiloh, and Choice |
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| Ryder |
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| Ryder, Tate, and Choice |
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| Choice |
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| Tate |
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| Tate |
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| Ryder, Choice, Shiloh, and Tate |
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| Jason |
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| Juliann |
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| Shiloh, Ryder, Tate, Choice, and Juliann |
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| Choice |
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| Shiloh, Ryder, Tate, Choice, and Juliann |
As you can see, this was us a tad uninhibited and completely ridiculous. I am grateful to be on this trip with my very best friends who love me nonetheless and puts up with my absurd requests. Perhaps they too will find themselves outside of the box when they are older. At least I sure hope so. :-)
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