Wednesday, April 29, 2015

HOLLY and WAYNE - Farmington NM


Wayne, Tate, Ryder, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, and Holly

Ryder, Shiloh, Choice, Juliann, and Tate


We made our way to Farmington, New Mexico, my stepdad's hometown.  Farmington has always been home to special people in our lives, and we were blessed to spend the day with two of them.


Wayne and Holly

Wayne and Holly have a remarkably unique love story.  It is one worth telling, and I am not the first to feel that way.  As a matter of fact, the links below are two authors' renditions of these events...


http://ravallirepublic.com/news/article_1822dea0-242c-5e31-b855-583d810b0719.html

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/couple-finds-love-along-the-fire-line/article_3b16295d-fa29-5906-8a87-a583ad58d017.html




Wayne

Wayne was born and raised in New Zealand.  He worked in the timber industry as a master sawyer.  When he moved to the states, he began working with the forest service as a specialist in cutting down trees that took exceptional skill and training.  He would work with Hotshot crews in fighting wildfires and in their fire prevention efforts.  This is how he met the love of his life...

Holly
Holly was a wildland firefighter for twelve years.  She is an unbelievably strong, determined, ambitious, and highly capable woman.  In an incredible twist of fate, Wayne and Holly met on an assignment fighting wildfire.  They met, sparks flew (pun totally intended), and so began their love for one another and their life together.  They are quite the dynamic duo.


Wayne and Holly
Holly and Wayne share so many interests, and many of their hobbies are also things my children enjoy, especially Ryder.  He was in heaven as he followed Wayne around their yard discussing their unbelievable rock collection.  

Ryder and Wayne
Ryder and Holly

Collecting rocks has been a meaningful past time in Ryder's life.  It is an activity that he shared with his Dad.  Andrew would pick up a rock on each fire he went on as part of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew and bring it home to Ryder.  It was a memory for him of the various fires he went on, and it gave Ryder something to look forward to each time that he watched his Daddy leave for another long work trip.  When we received Andrew's belongings after he lost his life in Yarnell, a beautiful gift for Ryder was found in the side pocket of his pack...a rock from the Yarnell Hill Fire that his Dad had picked out just for him before he passed away.  Ryder's Uncle T.J. (Andrew's big brother) presented that rock to Ryder just as his Daddy would have if he were here.  A cherished moment in Ryder's life. 
 
Ryder and Uncle T.J.

All of the kids were excited for Rock Hunting at the Neill home. Wayne and Holly explained to them what kind of rocks they were finding and walked all around the property with them.


Ryder, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice
Ryder, Tate, and Shiloh


Tate, Holly, Shiloh, and Ryder

They even allowed each of the kids to pick a rock of their choosing to bring home with them...


Choice

Tate


Shiloh



Ryder

Holly, Choice, Tate, Shiloh, and Ryder

Throughout the years, Holly and Wayne have been closely associated with several incidents involving wildland firefighting fatalities.  They have lost brothers amidst the blaze and have been affected by the grief that follows such a tragedy.  Storm King was among those fires, and afterwards, Holly and Wayne reached out and took an active role in assisting the families of those who were lost.  Likewise, they immediately became involved when they learned that our men died on June 30, 2013.

Since that time, and throughout the past two years, Holly and Wayne have been completely engaged and committed to finding the truth.  Holly told me that there hasn't been a single day since the Incident Report was released with the initial "findings" that she hasn't been researching all of our unanswered questions.  With their knowledge of fire behavior, the operations and procedures on a fire line, the dynamics of a hotshot crew, and the purpose of incident command, they have expert knowledge in areas that others of us did not.  At a time when the family members who were seeking the truth were solely carrying the weight of sorting through all the cover-ups and deceit, and being overcome with desire for understanding, Holly and Wayne offered a much needed helping hand. 


Holly at the Deployment Site - Yarnell
Holly has walked the path taken by our own GMIHC in Yarnell, over and over again...taking note of anything that may lead to a better understanding of the events that took place there that fateful day.  She has been a beacon of hope that the truth will unravel as she has uncovered many pieces of information that have already assisted in more closure and more healing for our family.  Because of the immense work Holly and Wayne have put into discovering the truth, I believe that one day I will be able to tell my children the facts about what happened to their Daddy and his 18 friends and why they didn't come home to us.

Holly allowed me to pick at her brain and ask countless questions during our visit.  Without fail, I feel empowered, hopeful, and a sense of peace whenever I speak to her.  She is a true blessing and a dear friend.
 
Holly and Juliann

Juliann, Choice, and Holly

We had a wonderful day with Holly and Wayne.  There were so many special little memorable moments that we will take with us on our journey.  For Shiloh, she was thrilled that their cat shares the same name as her!!


Shiloh (the kitty) and Shiloh
For all of us, it was a blessing to share the day among friends.  Our stop was short but very impactful.  New Mexico isn't that far from home so they may have many more future visits from this crazy group.  Thanks again Holly and Wayne, for the countless hours you have put into assisting our family.  Continue your good work and Spread The Better!

Tate, Juliann, Ryder, Wayne, Choice, Holly, and Shiloh

Sunday, April 26, 2015

100 CLUB OF ARIZONA - Scottsdale, AZ

GMIHC helmet and boots
Standing Behind the Men and Women
Who Stand Behind the Badge

-100 Club of Arizona-
Choice, Juliann, Tate, Shiloh, and Ryder

Back in Arizona, rerouting until the bus is road ready. While here we wanted to stop by some of the places that have meant the most to us over the past couple of years.  Not the least of which has been The 100 Club of Arizona.  I have been told time and time again that God doesn't give you anything you can't handle.  I disagree. There is no way that I would've survived this period of my life on my own strength alone.  However, I believe that God won't give you anything you can't handle without putting the people in your path with the ability and willingness to help you through it.  That has been the role of The 100 Club in the lives of my family.


Karley, Suzanne, Sharon, Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Choice, Juliann, Patti, and Christy
This amazing organization is made up of many individuals who have been affected by the death of a first responder in some way. (Not all, but most). They have their own unique stories of courage in overcoming tragedy similar to that of my own.  "Survivors" is a group I never understood until I became a part of it.  It's a true blessing to have others around who understand. But trust me, you don't want in...the price you have to pay is too high.  
 

19 Fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots
Even one of our own Granite Mountain Hotshot family members has gone to work for The 100 Club since the passing of our loved ones June 30, 2013.  Suzanne, the mother of Garret Zuppiger, is a lovely lady, an incredibly kind spirit, and a fabulous addition to this organization.  We were grateful to see her and share our love with her during our visit.

Granite Mountain Hotshot - Garret Zuppiger

Sharon Knutson-Felix has served as Executive Director of the 100 Club of Arizona since 2001 but her first experience with the 100 Club came several years before. In 1998, when Sharon’s husband, DPS Officer Doug Knutson, was tragically killed in the line of duty, she received support from this amazing organization. The 100 Club’s mission is to support the families of public safety in times of tragedy. Having been a recipient, Sharon truly understands what the 100 Club’s benefits, both financial and emotional, mean in a time of crisis.  She has become a passionate advocate of public safety families. As Executive Director of the 100 Club she has become very instrumental in the continual growth and reach the 100 Club provides to officers and firefighters throughout Arizona.


Juliann, Choice, Tate, Sharon, Shiloh, and Ryder

Sharon sat with each of my children and visited with them about their personalized cards.  She hugged on them and let them know that they are cared for and thought of regularly by this great organization. 
Sharon and Tate

Shiloh, Sharon, Ryder, and Tate

Sharon, Choice, and Juliann

Sharon, Shiloh, and Tate
A few personalized cards, Be Better Bands, and Spread the Better t-shirts seemed like such a small token of appreciation in comparison to all they have done for us. Yet, they seemed grateful even for the little things.

Juliann, Choice, Sharon, Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh
Sharon, and the rest of the staff, put together a traveling gift basket for us to take on the road.  It was full of goodies and games for the kids to stay entertained, and keep their tummies full on the trip. 


Ryder, Sharon, Tate, Choice, and Shiloh
The kiddos were mesmerized by the coloring books, art supplies, games, books, and especially...


Gift Basket from The 100 Club of Arizona
 the edible chocolate mustaches!!!!! Check out the four little STACHE-CRAFTS!


Ryder, Sharon, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice
The chocolate mustaches opened up the candy flood gates.  The kids stormed Karley's office like an army of Vikings and pillaged her candy dish.  She was so sweet as she allowed them to each take a handful of suckers...I'll be sure to repay the favor if I am ever blessed to meet her children.
 


Karley, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice

Choice and Mom
As I mentioned earlier, our association with the 100 Club has been so much more than a meet and greet on occasion.  They have been involved in the intricacies of our lives on a daily basis.  There isn't a time, day or night, that I would hesitate to contact Sharon if I needed assistance.  She has been there for me on the darkest of days and the joyful breakthroughs from my debilitating grief.  She celebrates with you as she recollects her time walking in your painful shoes.  She is a true friend and a mentor for survivors as she understands losing a spouse, and losing a child, to a sudden and tragic death. 

Juliann and Sharon
Sharon wrote a book titled, Gifts My Father Gave Me, wherein she reveals all from her difficult journey through love and loss.  I read a copy of her book shortly after Andrew's passing and found that I could relate to almost all of what she was saying from the perspective of a surviving spouse and mother of children who have lost a father. I am so glad that she took the time to sit and jot down her thoughts to bless those of us who would come after her and be dealt a similar hand in life.

Sharon's Book
It was a blessing and an honor to accompany Sharon to the National Fallen Officer's week in Washington D.C. last year.  I was able to witness the brotherhood in law enforcement and learn how they band together to remember their fallen comrades. 


 
Juliann and Sharon with Washington D.C. Firefighters


We attended the candle light vigil held in remembrance of those who have lost their life in the line of duty.  It was moving to see the way that after all of these years, Sharon was still overcome with emotion in loving memory of her late husband, Doug.

Sharon and Juliann
It was incredible to see the memorial wall where the name of the fallen officers were etched into the stone.  Sharon pointed out to me where Doug's name was etched in the wall and showed me his photographs mounted on top.


Doug Knutson Photo Tribute
After having read Sharon and Doug's love story, and the events leading up to his tragic death, I was humbled to be kneeling at the spot where the world gathers to remember him and his fellow officers.  I took a moment to make a pencil rubbing of his name to share with Sharon and remind myself of the feelings in my heart in that moment.
Juliann at Fallen Officer Memorial Wall

Fallen Officer Memorial Wall
 My memories with Sharon are not all sappy and heavy hearted.  Laughter is a large part of our friendship.  Perhaps the kind of humor we share is found only when going through something tragic.  She demonstrates the unique ability to be able to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel, and even more amazingly, she will carry the wounded survivors on her shoulders on their way there.  She drops seeds of goodness and examples of heroism everywhere she goes.  People innately follow suit when they spend time in her company.  She leaves you with a greater desire to live again and to be better instead of bitter.

Juliann and Sharon
I have spent many hours contemplating the purpose and motivation for the 100 Club.  Why do they do what they do?  To dedicate your entire life to the service of others is incomprehensible to most of us.  However, when we slow down and listen to that still, small voice in our minds...we are all urged from within to serve outwardly.  The more that an individual acts upon those promptings to serve his fellow man, the louder and more recognizable the voice is to the receiver.  This makes it that much more difficult to walk by someone in need without lending a helping hand.  To not help those in need would create that individual to feel crooked within themselves and unable to BE their personal best.  It is no longer an act of random kindness, but rather, a function of who that individual has masterfully developed into.  It is similar to the process a diamond goes through by refining fire to become more beautiful than was ever imaginable at the onset.  



Sharon and the other members of The 100 Club are precious diamonds in my life.  They have beauty that is earned only by selflessly giving to those in need.  They exude kindness, they exemplify heroism in their passion for bettering the world around them, they teach others the value of living and what our responsibility is as a human being on this planet. 


Friday, April 24, 2015

R&R PARTNERS - Las Vegas, NV


“You must not lose faith in humanity.  Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” Mahatma Gandhi
 
Choice, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh

There is beauty and goodness to be found everywhere, if you look.  Our stop in Las Vegas was a perfect example of this.  On  the one hand I was shielding my children’s eyes from the “handouts” on the street corner and inappropriate propaganda.  Yet, on the other hand we discovered a real diamond in the rough while we were there. More than enough negativity could be found if one wanted to focus on it, however, we spent the morning with one of the most inspirational and empowering companies I have ever seen.   

R&R Partners is an advertising agency in Las Vegas. They are among those whom felt compelled to make a donation to the families of the fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots and they opened their doors to us today.  We were greeted by Randy, a 20+ year employee of the company.  His amazingly entertaining office was second only to his wit and tremendously pleasant demeanor.  The kids were mesmerized by the one-of-a-kind toys found in Randy’s office.  A classic old bicycle, a talking parrot (which was broken as far as they know due to the adult nature of his dialect), a giant sasquatch, photographs of Santa Claus, and a door covered in graffiti tagged with company names.  You could also find balloons, stuffed animals, pop-up books, and gliding chairs in there. He assured me that this is the everyday state of his office and not a setup for “bring your child to work day” that coincidentally fell on the same day as our visit.
 
Ryder, Randy, Choice, and Tate
 
Choice and Tate
 
The fabulous atmosphere was not limited to Randy’s office.  He kindly gave us a tour of their building.  It resembled Disneyland more than a typical office.  For that reason, it seemed far more conducive to creative thought and productivity than the sterility typical of a white-walled office.  Every R&R employee is welcome to design their work area however they feel inspired.  One office is decorated as a big block of cheese, complete with painted mice.  Another is totally camouflaged and includes a giant replica of a hand grenade on the outside.  Naturally, this is called the “war room”.  The kids were delighted to see a large, pretend alligator lurking underneath the staircase and a giant toy watermelon that was used in an ad at one point. 

I was most fascinated by the inspirational and random thoughts pained on the walls:

     “I have often regretted my speech, never my silence”     “I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know”     “Does anal retentive have a hyphen?”     “We will either find a way, or make one”     “Imagination is more important than knowledge”     “You can’t imagine the ways we can do it”     “We will help you win in ways you haven’t yet imagined”     “If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants”     “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line”     “Genius ain’t anything more than elegant common sense”     “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus”     “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress”     “Underneath all of these clothes, I’m completely naked”     “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality”     “The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources”     “Hey, who took the last donut?”     “If a person has problems communicating, the very least he can do is shut up”     “Badges…we don’t need no stinking badges”     “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning”     “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”     “I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unnamed person”     “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves"
     "Patience is a virtue only superseded by cutting in line"

 
We were then honored to meet Jim, the President of the foundation.  What a delightful and kind man.  He welcomed us to R&R, it instantly felt like we'd been life long friends, and he immediately plopped himself right down on the floor with my kiddos.  He was a real life superhero!

Tate, Choice, Jim, and Ryder
The kids were excited to share handmade thank you cards with Jim, as well as Be Better Bands for the staff of R&R Partners, and a Spread the Better shirt.

Jim and Ryder

Tate and Jim
Jim had a wonderfully unique connection to Yarnell.  Every year he takes a trail ride on horseback which passes through Yarnell and Peeple's Valley.  As a matter of fact, he just returned from his annual ride two weeks ago.  This connection made it seem to me that this would have been the motivating factor for their desire to reach out and bless our family.  Or was it?  When I asked Jim that question, he replied with, "Nope. That had nothing to do with it." He further added that it was something the entire company felt very strongly about and wanted to help in any way they could.  It fit right in with the uplifting mantras posted throughout the office and the integrity, character, and class exhibited by both of these men.

Randy, Tate, Shiloh, Juliann, Choice, Jim, and Ryder
We had a wonderful visit with remarkable individuals at an incredible company. A win, win, win!!

While in Vegas, we thought we'd take advantage of the opportunity to swim with the sharks at the Golden Nugget. Well, Morghen and the kids did...I tried to get a little work in while enjoying the Nevada sun.

Ryder and Juliann

Shiloh

Shiloh (with the sharks)

Tate

Juliann and Choice

Choice
Next stop...back to Arizona to check on our bus. Stay tuned.