Rarely do we see happy endings for individuals who have been abducted. Too often their lives are tragically stolen, which is heartbreaking and cruel. Yet it is a different sort of heartbreak and cruelty for those who are missing with their fates unknown. Media attention fades. Cases [I despise using such an impersonal, clinical term for a human being who has disappeared] grow cold. Those who have information– frustratingly and incomprehensibly– refuse to come forward. New developments emerged this week regarding the abduction of fellow Tennessee resident Holly Bobo. Reading the impassioned pleas of Lauren Spierer’s parents takes my breath away. The agony of not knowing….
My friend, Sharon Murch, needs to find her daughter. Michaela Joy Garecht was the victim of a witnessed stranger abduction in Hayward, CA in 1988. Dear Michaela, you are missed and you are loved. Your mother has never stopped looking for you. She never will stop. Michaela, know that there is hope! I’ve never even met you and you’re always on my mind.
• March Blog Challenge • Day 3: What Makes You Happy?
Generally speaking the things that make me happy can be categorized into seven themes: children, good people, helping others, travel, humor, the little things, and songs.
☻ Children ☻
Adam and Tatum bring me the greatest joy I’ve ever known– motherhood. The rewards are infinite. My son and daughter complete me.
Yet even before I was a parent I’ve always loved kids. Whether it’s teaching the K-2nd grade students at Neshoba, tutoring, babysitting, or anything in between, I do what I can to be around children as often as possible. Few things are more gratifying than watching a young person learn and develop as they blossom before you. Their innocence, enthusiasm, wide-eyed curiosity, straightforward logic, frequent questions, and ‘saying the darnedest things’ moments are endearing.
Always look for an excuse to unleash your inner child.
☻ Good People ☻
Examples of the tragic consequences of bullying make headlines with alarming frequency. Social media exacerbates the epidemic, contributing to bad behavior from all age levels. People can be so cruel. So it’s always refreshing to see stories of folks behaving nicely. Like the homeless man who returned a woman’s wedding ring– and her subsequent fundraising to reward him for his kindness. Or the kids who stood on the sidelines cheered on their physically handicapped classmate as he finished a race. The airline employees who helped a passenger get to his dying mother’s bedside. Anyone and everyone who does something out of the kindness of their heart…doing something because it’s the right thing to do without expecting anything in return. Those who stand up for others and speak out against injustice.
Instances such as these occur on a daily basis. Wouldn’t it be nice if the media covered more of those to counteract the negativity that saturates our news? Let’s inspire and encourage.
☻ Helping Others ☻
If not for my desire to help others as much and as frequently as I am able then my ability to weather the storm would be severely compromised. Simply put, helping you helps me, and the mutual benefit makes me happy. I’m thrilled to make another person feel good about themselves or make their lives easier. Even the smallest actions, such as smiling at a stranger on the street, can have a big impact on their day.
☻ Travel ☻
I don’t care where I’m going, how I get there, who I’m with, or what we’re doing. If the opportunity to travel arises…my bags are packed and I’m out the door. Some of the best trips don’t involve any packing or even any bags. I live for those spur of the moment, impromptu road trips. Even though I have a passport and have traveled extensively– driving across the bridge into West Memphis to eat at Waffle House and cruise through an unfamiliar neighborhood makes for a ‘foreign’ experience. A wrong turn could easily be a source of frustration– or one hell of a story! Roll with the punches and make the most of it. And take lots of pictures.
[[Obviously traveling with the wee ones requires coordination and advanced planning, but it's still possible to incorporate an element of adventure and a carefree spirit.]]
The British Virgin Islands for Jen & Todd’s 2005 wedding is one none of us will ever forget.
☻ Little Things ☻
It truly doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Taking baths. Meeting somebody with whom you really ‘click.’ Finding imperative items for a fraction of the price at a thrift store. Meaningful conversations. Seeing the ocean. A delicious meal. Exciting games in Words With Friends. Stumbling upon unique rocks. Talking to Maris. <3
☻ Humor ☻
Life is funny. Nothing is ever so bad that you can't laugh. Virtually every situation contains humor. Laugh freely and laugh often. It's okay to be politically incorrect.
Cheer up, emo dude, top center.
☻ Songs ☻
I could be listening to the eulogy mid-funeral, hear one of these, and be in a great mood. Not that I anticipate that scenario ever happening or anything. DISCLAIMER: Some of these ditties contain lyrics that are obscene at best and downright vulgar at worst. You have been sufficiently warned that these are NSFW or little ears, so listen at your own risk. The video/song below is squeaky clean.
“Scotty Doesn’t Know” – Lustra
“Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta” – Geto Boys
“Peggy Sue” – Buddy Holly
“3.14″ – Bloodhound Gang
“Holiday” – Weezer
“Scene For Dummies” – Hollywood Undead
“Mr. Right” – Mickey Avalon
“Black Jesus” – Everlast
“Goin Steady” – Rocko
“No Hands” – Waka Flocka Flame ft. Wale & Roscoe Dash
“Go DJ” – Lil Wayne
“Still Fly” – Big Tymers
“Whatever You Like” – TI
“Army” – Ben Folds Five
“Volcano” – Presidents of the United States of America
High school memories. Hey Alg!
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
ADAM IS GOING HOME. The end is in sight. But it’s not over yet.
Our prayers were answered with the news from court last week. CWS and the Judge ruled in favor of Adam’s return to Memphis. He can finally see– for the first time– the little sister he’s been desperate to meet!
Here on the central coast of California the day centered around the Family Court verdict. Meanwhile, 2000 miles east in Collierville, Tennessee….
A cake was placed in front of Tatum who wasted no time getting messy. Her adoring fans clapped and sang happy birthday. Amid a backdrop of pink feathers, frills, and girly decor my daughter experienced first birthday party.
Party photos coming within 24 hours. Questions will be answered and additional information will be provided soon. Daily posts shall resume early next week.
+ Always feel free to contact me via email:
sloanewreed@gmail.com
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
I cannot stop reading these words. How I wish I could say “the foundation I’m built on is unshakable faith.” The events of this year solidified the fact that my foundation is built on sand. My faith is shaky at best. But this is not the time to analyze my existential crisis. Despite my spiritual purgatory, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Will Hart. We never once spoke of religion…but he didn’t have to say a word to forever impact my personal spirituality. Never once did he falter in his faith as Ava fought– and ultimately lost– the battle for her life. He’s such an inspiration to me and I am deeply saddened that I did not know him better.
Will’s memorial service was this morning at Faith Baptist Church. His parents and brother put together a poignant video tribute to him that I hope makes its way to YouTube if it’s not there already. It comforts me knowing that he no longer suffers from an irreparably broken heart because he’s reunited with his little girl.
My heart aches for the Hart family. In a cruel twist of fate Will’s girlfriend lost her father in a motorcycle accident on the same day. I cannot even imagine her pain. A visit with Tasha, Ava’s Mommy, is one of my highest priorities before I return to California. Shortly before Ava’s passing she reflected on how far we’d come since we met a year ago….truer words were never spoken. I love you, Tasha.
Please keep these individuals– and all who have hearts heavy with grief– in your thoughts and prayers.
What a poignant tribute to the life of a little angel, Grayson. Please take a few moments to watch this touching video, created by a friend of the Walker family, Jose Garcia. I shared their inspiring story of faith two weeks ago….they embody everything it means to be a family bolstered by spirituality.
Miss Powers
On the morning of February 21st, shortly before I went to the hospital, the anxiety set in for the first time. My mind started considering the myriad of things that can go wrong during a birth and I felt extremely apprehensive. Maris called to give me a five minute advanced notice for her arrival. I looked at my Facebook one last time….and Britney shared with me that she had just discovered she was pregnant again. Such a blessing! Instantly all of my fears were assuaged and replaced with an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. Her news filled my heart with joy and that was the feeling that carried me all the way to the hospital.
Britney has been an unwavering sense of support for my family throughout this ordeal. It is an honor to call her a friend. I cannot think of a person more deserving of motherhood. Her precious angel, Jeslyn Olivia, is definitely at work here. =)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.” - Jeremiah 1:5
My doctor’s appointment did not go well this morning. I received some upsetting– though not unexpected news– regarding my health. Everything is perfectly fine with Tatum, though today’s developments could alter her due date. Forgive me for being vague but that’s all I choose to reveal right now. I don’t think anyone could blame me for being despondent or even panicked. Yet above all else I felt….bummed. Reality isn’t something I’m trying to avoid nor am I minimizing a potentially serious situation. Instead I am humbled, knowing that my troubles pale in comparison to another family’s on this gloomy morning.
Heather Walker gives birth to her son Grayson James today. Diagnosed with anencephaly [a neural tube defect] during a routine ultrasound, the devastating reality is that her precious child will most likely go to Heaven very shortly after he is born. While I do not know the Walkers personally, we have many mutual friends, and I have been following her blog as she chronicles her family’s journey. Virtually all pregnant women carrying a child with this condition choose to terminate their pregnancy. Very few people would have faulted her had she made the same decision. However, that choice was never an option for her….and she never wavered in her commitment to carry Grayson to term.
I cannot think of a woman– a family– who more fully embodies what it means to believe in something greater than yourself. They are devout Christians who know that God has a plan for them and Grayson. They accept this plan. They trust in this plan. Whatever your religious and/or spiritual path, how can you not be inspired by their courage and conviction in their beliefs? The love and light exuded by this family is a miracle in and of itself. It’s entirely too easy to go to church, say a prayer, thank your Higher Power when the sailing is smooth. What you do while navigating the rough and stormy waters serves as the testament for your convictions. I am completely in awe of Heather and wish I could have even a fraction of her bravery, strength, and faith. By being the woman she is and sharing her story, so many lives have been touched.
How truly blessed I am to have two children in good health who haven’t had any prenatal distress or medical conditions. While Tatum hasn’t arrived yet, there is nothing to indicate that she will be anything less than healthy. I’ll give birth, recuperate for a few days, then go home with my infant daughter swaddled in my arms. Though we’re all praying for a miracle….Heather probably will not have the opportunity to take her son in her arms, yet she is comforted by the fact that he will be in the arms of Jesus. Her unshakable faith takes my breath away.
Please pray for this incredible family today and in the days and weeks following. If prayer is not something that resonates with you personally….send them healing energy. Have a moment of silence. Meditate. Light a candle. Uplift another human being. Help somebody who is suffering.
After spending 8 hours with his loving family, Grayson went peacefully at 5:57pm CST.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Image made by the wonderful and talented Sean Krause. Rest in peace, dear friend.
