I know no one is going to admit to this but we are among friends here on this blog. Everyone knows each other, right? I've tried to introduce everyone to each other a little bit so we all feel comfortable. Now, I have a questions...between friends. Is there a movie that has made you cry but you've been too ashamed to admit it? Come on now...I won't tell...in fact, I'll tell you that every time I watch Prince of Egypt, I get a little teary.
Anyone else out there? Matt.....? Sonny.....?
Oh, Joey and I went and saw Finding Neverland yesterday afternoon. It was REALLY sad.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Hello, Special Guests
Recently, someone mentioned to myself and about 1,000 other people how much he enjoys reading people's blogs. It seems, however, he doesn't like the "dumb" pictures. Weeeeeeeelllllll, last time I checked this was MY blog and I like posting pictures. Therefore, I posted a whole bunch for everyone's enjoyment. By the way, God loves it when I post pictures, so there. My blog, I'm in control, meow.
Ha!
Ha!
My father, Prince Charles, and I, Princess Holly, on Christmas night. This is the man who thinks I belong to a cult. Well, he thinks Joey belongs to a cult and Joey got me involved. Someday, I'm going to convince him to come check out my cult. We'll have to plan it out ahead of time so someone can approach him after the service to ask if he would like to come to the back room and drink goat's blood. I'm positive my pastors could set this up. Right now, my pops is helping my step-mom make communion bread for the church. He doesn't attend the church with her, just helps make the bread. I was joking with him and said, "Is this what is going to get you into heaven?" He replied, "I'm hoping..."
I got my pictures back from the trip to meet Jillian. She is adorable but Monika is sooo sick of pink. I had a good visit with Monika, too. I showed her what I wrote about her on Loki Life. She was quiet while she read, asked who reads the site, and said, "you know, it's all true...all of it. I'm so mad at myself for leaving." "But, Monika, you came back. You didn't have to. A lot of people don't. You did and I give you so much credit." The next day, Monika called me. "Holl, can I have a copy of what you wrote? I'm not sure why I gave it back to you but I really want a copy. Oh, and Chris and I want to check out your church. We really want Jillian to grow up knowing God." I said of course to both and also promised to get her permission next time I wrote about her. She said she didn't care because it was all true and she didn't see it as malicious. Still, I'll ask permission next time. I also know I'll be calling her for advice when each one of my children are born.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
I have this wrestling scrapbook full of newspaper articles, pictures and other memorabilia from when I was the manager for the Holt Wrestling team (1990-1994). After I graduated from high school, my mom would save me the whole newspaper when there was an article about the team (they decided to get really good after I left). I was kind of lazy about it and just shoved the whole newspaper into the back of the scrapbook instead of cutting the articles out and pasting them in. Every so often, I would go through the book and look at the newspapers. I even did this as recent as last winter. So what do you think I was missing this whole time?
Thursday night, I was prepping my scrapbook for the wrestling banquet. Finally, after almost 10 years, I was finding some time to cut these articles out. I looked over one paper and something caught my eye: the date. March 3, 1996. This was the anniversary of Kim’s death. I got chills. My eyes fell to the picture of the 1996 Holt Varsity wrestlers with their trophies. And then my eyes fell a little bit more…to an article…an article that had been in my possession for almost 10 years. An article I’ve been unknowingly carrying around with me every time I moved. From Mt. Pleasant to Farmington Hills to Ferndale to Novi to Wixom and now to Walled Lake….
New Church is Proposed off College Heights.
Um...Holy Crap, Batman? How….what…no way…when…huh?
“Pastor Steve Sommerlod (no this is not MY mistake), 44, and his counterpart Pastor Paul DenHerder, 42, have a lot to be excited about these days…” The article goes on to explain the new building and even to show what it was going to look like. And I finally know why my church is called Riverview: God wants us to be like trees firmly planted by streams of water. It is derived from a Psalms verse. The church was also boasting 200 members. Wow. Amazing. 200 members. How did I not see this article before?
Oh, and directly under the article is an advertisement for an attorney that specializes in divorces, restoration of driver’s licenses and drunk driving. Perfect.
Thursday night, I was prepping my scrapbook for the wrestling banquet. Finally, after almost 10 years, I was finding some time to cut these articles out. I looked over one paper and something caught my eye: the date. March 3, 1996. This was the anniversary of Kim’s death. I got chills. My eyes fell to the picture of the 1996 Holt Varsity wrestlers with their trophies. And then my eyes fell a little bit more…to an article…an article that had been in my possession for almost 10 years. An article I’ve been unknowingly carrying around with me every time I moved. From Mt. Pleasant to Farmington Hills to Ferndale to Novi to Wixom and now to Walled Lake….
New Church is Proposed off College Heights.
Um...Holy Crap, Batman? How….what…no way…when…huh?
“Pastor Steve Sommerlod (no this is not MY mistake), 44, and his counterpart Pastor Paul DenHerder, 42, have a lot to be excited about these days…” The article goes on to explain the new building and even to show what it was going to look like. And I finally know why my church is called Riverview: God wants us to be like trees firmly planted by streams of water. It is derived from a Psalms verse. The church was also boasting 200 members. Wow. Amazing. 200 members. How did I not see this article before?
Oh, and directly under the article is an advertisement for an attorney that specializes in divorces, restoration of driver’s licenses and drunk driving. Perfect.
Project KMM~Update
Doors have been swinging open in the past few weeks. People I never thought I would see again are right in front of me. Still, there are disappointments I'm trying to figure out. Here is the scoop:
- I found Earl who was Kim's boyfriend. He gave me the names of two other people, but he couldn't offer me any specific memories.
- I got a hold of Kim's step-sister, TJ, who is going to help me to access to hundreds of pictures.
- I spoke to my step-bro about the project because Kim was his first love (at 12). He couldn't offer anything either...except one lead. He told me Kim's friend from roller skating worked at the Dawg House. "Mary Ann?" I asked. "No, Mary Kay," he answered. This was the girl I had been trying to find for years! Jackpot! I called up to the Dawg House. Mary Kay turned out to be a 55 year old woman. Nuts. I called Fawn, my step-sis. She laughed at me but then she said, "There is a waitress there who is really short...but her name is Jennifer." I felt defeated. I didn't remember a girl named Jennifer that hung out with Kim. For some reason, I pulled out my diary from when Kim died. I had listed the people who were at her funeral: Johnny, Jimmy, Earl, Jason, Mary Ann, Jennifer (Mary Ann's sister). Of course! Chad remembered Jennifer but he just got the details slightly confused. I called the Dawg House again, talked to the right girl, and set up a time to see her.
- I met up with Jennifer last night. She is so personable, sweet, and instantly I felt a connection to her. Her excitement to meet me led to a mini-reunion of Kim's friends from 17 years ago. Jennifer invited Mary Ann, Johnny, Marie, and a girl named Krista who drove from Warren to meet up with everyone. It was a great time, everyone hanging out, catching up, reminiscing...except...no one could really offer me anything about Kim. I mean, I could tell she effected them deeply because she was their friend and she died, but other than that...nothing. I sat there feeling defeated because this outcome wasn't what I expected. I also don't think they understand what I want from them. Nothing specific, it could be as general as they want. "Kim used to skate with so and so and we used to go to the dances and...." something! I took off a little frustrated but not showing it, of course. Jennifer walked me to my car. I now know she is the key to Kim's roller skating days. She wants to hang out with me again and I can see us becoming friends. I got into my car, turned it on, and the song "everything's gonna be alright..rock-a-bye" came on. I smiled, called Joey and drove home.
Joey made an excellent point: maybe I was only supposed to get them together. Maybe last night didn't have anything to do with Kim but it had everything to do with old friends meeting up after so long. Thinking back to last night, I remember Mary Ann saying she was so excited she couldn't sleep the night before. Still, I know Mary Ann and Jennifer have some stories to share, but perhaps last night wasn't the right time for 1987 but it was just time for now.
God is the best, though. I still talk to him about everything. I ask for his will and even though I got a little frustrated, I'm not giving up. There are still plenty of people to talk to and to meet. I'm not going to see this as a set back. I have all year to finish and I knew this wasn't going to be easy. Keep on....
Friday, January 28, 2005
Hmmm....
Now I KNOW more people read this web log. Will the stragglers please come forward? I feel like pulling the ol' "Don't make me pull this car over..."
I have things I want to post but I'm starting to get nervous...I'm not sure who is reading. I think it would be different if I was writing to a mass crowd...I know all of you (I think). There are so many things I want to share. I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary of deciding to follow Christ...many have asked about my faith story and I'm contemplating it. Still, some things are too private. I'm saying all of this to guilt people into the roll call.
To those who came forward. And responses:
Joey: I met you 10 years ago. I've known you well for 2 years. You told me all of your stories within the first month of our courtship...but thanks for listening to all of mine, too. I do credit you for leading me in the right direction (even though we took a few wrong turns here and there). I love how well you know Christ even though you don't act like a know it all. You sit in Route 66 and whisper all the answers Chuck asks. I try to encourage you to speak up but you don't want to be wrong or upset people. The irony is YOU'RE A TEACHER. What is that saying teachers always say? There are no dumb answers? No....wait...there are no dumb questions but there are plenty of dumb answers....
Mike: I know I'm tied for first place as your favorite cousin. You rank up there, too. It's crazy stuff how Grandma's death really brought us together. I miss her so much but there is never enough thanks I could express to you for bringing her into your home while she waited for God to prepare her new one. I still don't like Star Trek all that much but you inspired me to try and do what I've always wanted to do with my life: produce videos/dvds. I hope you liked this lame post.
Matt: My republican friend! Thank you for your viewpoints even though you know that I know that you know that I am not so much into politics. But we do share a love for presidential history. Thank you for your insights and for letting us dress you up as the Homecoming King. You are the best writer I know. Thank you for your advice and encouragement. Go State!
Noel: You've been my best friend for so long I don't know what I would do without you. Remember our trip to Florida on the Greyhound when you sold that ex-con the bottle of vodka and we had to write his name on his shirt because he drank the whole thing right then and there and passed out? Oh, wait....that was Kelly. Noel, thanks for being...you know....you...my crazy pastor. You teach me a great deal and open my eyes to so many things. I try to be a good sheep and follow...not you, of course, but JC. And no, not Joey Corr, but Jesus Christ. Are we all on the same page yet?
Chuck: I'm considering your idea. Just want to make sure the right "person" gets the glory. If you think it would help people, I'm in. Thanks for coming forward. Very brave of you. Thank you for Route 66. I walked out of there blown away at what an awesome book the bible really is. We all need to go see the Mega 80s next time they are in town. They rock out.
Kelly: You've been my best friend for so long I don't know what I would do without you. Remember our trip to Florida on the Greyhound when you sold that ex-con the bottle of vodka and we had to write his name on his shirt because he drank the whole thing right then and there and passed out? Of course you do :) Anyway, we have...I don't know...15 years of history? And I do know plenty of embarrassing stories about you...Gretchen! You are awesome, Kelly Roo. I miss you. Move back.
Dan: Even though you sing the songs wrong, you make Joey and I laugh. Yes, we laugh at you when you are on stage. How can we not? You're a funny guy. Thanks for wanting to get to know us and for the awesome advice you once gave us on how to approach a farmer about his dead calf. Thank you for encouraging me to start a blog. It seemed kind of freaky at first but...it's still kind of freaky. And Dan, we don't really laugh at you...we laugh with you even when you're not laughing. I love your wife, your son is adorable...thanks for making the move up to Lansing. You all needed to get out of Ohio.
Sonny: The story you told about when we met...that wasn't me. You must be thinking of someone else. We met when I went with my parents to a summer resort and you were the dance instructor. Remember how we planned that big finale together? My parents were soooo T.O.'d. You walked in and said, "No one puts Holly in a corner." We sure showed them..... Thank you for all of your wise instruction in Adobe photoshop (today) and for imaging my coupons on to the plates. You make me laugh and I pray you make the right decisions (hint, hint) about your life THIS YEAR.
Steve: Yay! You finally commented! I knew you could do it. I was thinking about your one decision just now...how many lives it changed by you moving out of the boonies and into a real city. The first time I went to Riverview, you taught about ruts and how we get into ruts with God. The whole Riverview thing blew me away. Thank you for your nuttyness and for teaching me a little something about imported beer. You know, when I think back, even to this summer, I was a little scared of you. I don't know if it was the bald head, the wrestler in you or what. I'm glad we've gotten to know each other better. Thank you for your compliments and for becoming a Christian.
Anyone else?
I have things I want to post but I'm starting to get nervous...I'm not sure who is reading. I think it would be different if I was writing to a mass crowd...I know all of you (I think). There are so many things I want to share. I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary of deciding to follow Christ...many have asked about my faith story and I'm contemplating it. Still, some things are too private. I'm saying all of this to guilt people into the roll call.
To those who came forward. And responses:
Joey: I met you 10 years ago. I've known you well for 2 years. You told me all of your stories within the first month of our courtship...but thanks for listening to all of mine, too. I do credit you for leading me in the right direction (even though we took a few wrong turns here and there). I love how well you know Christ even though you don't act like a know it all. You sit in Route 66 and whisper all the answers Chuck asks. I try to encourage you to speak up but you don't want to be wrong or upset people. The irony is YOU'RE A TEACHER. What is that saying teachers always say? There are no dumb answers? No....wait...there are no dumb questions but there are plenty of dumb answers....
Mike: I know I'm tied for first place as your favorite cousin. You rank up there, too. It's crazy stuff how Grandma's death really brought us together. I miss her so much but there is never enough thanks I could express to you for bringing her into your home while she waited for God to prepare her new one. I still don't like Star Trek all that much but you inspired me to try and do what I've always wanted to do with my life: produce videos/dvds. I hope you liked this lame post.
Matt: My republican friend! Thank you for your viewpoints even though you know that I know that you know that I am not so much into politics. But we do share a love for presidential history. Thank you for your insights and for letting us dress you up as the Homecoming King. You are the best writer I know. Thank you for your advice and encouragement. Go State!
Noel: You've been my best friend for so long I don't know what I would do without you. Remember our trip to Florida on the Greyhound when you sold that ex-con the bottle of vodka and we had to write his name on his shirt because he drank the whole thing right then and there and passed out? Oh, wait....that was Kelly. Noel, thanks for being...you know....you...my crazy pastor. You teach me a great deal and open my eyes to so many things. I try to be a good sheep and follow...not you, of course, but JC. And no, not Joey Corr, but Jesus Christ. Are we all on the same page yet?
Chuck: I'm considering your idea. Just want to make sure the right "person" gets the glory. If you think it would help people, I'm in. Thanks for coming forward. Very brave of you. Thank you for Route 66. I walked out of there blown away at what an awesome book the bible really is. We all need to go see the Mega 80s next time they are in town. They rock out.
Kelly: You've been my best friend for so long I don't know what I would do without you. Remember our trip to Florida on the Greyhound when you sold that ex-con the bottle of vodka and we had to write his name on his shirt because he drank the whole thing right then and there and passed out? Of course you do :) Anyway, we have...I don't know...15 years of history? And I do know plenty of embarrassing stories about you...Gretchen! You are awesome, Kelly Roo. I miss you. Move back.
Dan: Even though you sing the songs wrong, you make Joey and I laugh. Yes, we laugh at you when you are on stage. How can we not? You're a funny guy. Thanks for wanting to get to know us and for the awesome advice you once gave us on how to approach a farmer about his dead calf. Thank you for encouraging me to start a blog. It seemed kind of freaky at first but...it's still kind of freaky. And Dan, we don't really laugh at you...we laugh with you even when you're not laughing. I love your wife, your son is adorable...thanks for making the move up to Lansing. You all needed to get out of Ohio.
Sonny: The story you told about when we met...that wasn't me. You must be thinking of someone else. We met when I went with my parents to a summer resort and you were the dance instructor. Remember how we planned that big finale together? My parents were soooo T.O.'d. You walked in and said, "No one puts Holly in a corner." We sure showed them..... Thank you for all of your wise instruction in Adobe photoshop (today) and for imaging my coupons on to the plates. You make me laugh and I pray you make the right decisions (hint, hint) about your life THIS YEAR.
Steve: Yay! You finally commented! I knew you could do it. I was thinking about your one decision just now...how many lives it changed by you moving out of the boonies and into a real city. The first time I went to Riverview, you taught about ruts and how we get into ruts with God. The whole Riverview thing blew me away. Thank you for your nuttyness and for teaching me a little something about imported beer. You know, when I think back, even to this summer, I was a little scared of you. I don't know if it was the bald head, the wrestler in you or what. I'm glad we've gotten to know each other better. Thank you for your compliments and for becoming a Christian.
Anyone else?
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Roll Call
Some other people have done this on their blogs. Their blogs are published. Mine isn't. I thought you could only get to my site with my invitation. The invitation was extended to others. I've been pleasantly surprised by people commenting about this silly blog...surprised they were reading it and surprised they kind of liked it...kind of... So, what I would like to do is have a roll call. Post a comment telling me your first name, how we know each other and how well you THINK you know me (heh)...oh, and if you're really brave, offer an embarrassing or funny story...about yourself, not me :) I just want to see how many people are reading and who you are. Maybe if I know that, I'll think twice before publishing something lame. Thank you for your time and continued support.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Footloose
I purchased this staple 80s movie yesterday with a gift card. Love it though, Kevin Bacon could definitely be put under suspicion. A little too loose with the dance moves if you ya know what I mean.
I remember when this movie came out. My mom loved it. Willard reminded her of her younger brother. We all know a Willard. I know several. The farm boy who learned to dance. But that isn't what the movie is about. Those of us children/teens of the 80s can sum up the story well. A preacher goes hell bent on saving the town of Beaumont from sin after his son is killed in a car accident. He leads the town in banning rock music, dancing and books. His logic was that dancing leads to sexual irresponsibility. His wife, a quiet little bird with common sense, tries to rope the Reverend in. "Kids looking at each other gets them excited! Are you going to poke their eyes out?!" "I thought you would support me, Vi. Meow. I'm going to roll over and go to sleep now for dramatic effect."
This Reverend took on so much. He deems himself "responsible for the spiritual life of this community" by passing laws. Wow. My pastors have a lot to live up to. Rev. Shaw had a whole community to take care of so he had little time left for his teenage daughter who likes to dance, loves rock and roll.
Things start heating up when Ren rolls into town and decides to hold a dance. Then the climatic scene...Ren has to give his speech and what does the Reverend's daughter do? What do all pastor's daughters do? They flip out and rebel! No, no, no...this girl could have turned from the very thing taking up all of her father's time (God) but she turned to Him. She gave Ren a bible. Deep down, she knew it wasn't God's will to ban certain kinds of music, dancing, drinking, gambling, and books. Ariel gave Ren God's words to try to get through to the people of Beaumont. Ren, who claimed to be such a horrid speaker suddenly becomes a professional in front of the board. There is a time to every purpose under heaven. There is a time to dance.
The town really gets fired up after Ren gives his speech. His mom gets canned from her job, bullies throw a brick through the window. People start freaking out all over the place and the Rev. was facing a monster of his own creation. The final straw was when the book burning began. Rev. Shaw unleashes his anger and gets to see what a hypocrite he has been. "When did you all decide to sit in judgment? When were you elected to save everyone's souls in the city of Beaumont? Satan is not in these books. He's in here...in your hearts. Go home and sit in judgment of yourselves."
And then, everyone starts treating each other with love and graciousness: a happy ending. Well, after the fight there's a happy ending. I love the fight, too.
Rusty: No fights, Willard (punch, kick, slap)
Willard: (getting punched) what do you want me to do, Rusty?
Rusty: Kill the son of a bitch!
Ren suddenly runs out of the barn because he just had this sneaky suspicion that Chuck was there beating up his friends...what a guy.
Chuck: Hey, it's Mr. Dance Fever.
Ren: Yeah you're a real g-d d--m hero when it's 5 to 1. (punch, kick, punch, punch).
Ren: Let's Dance!
A couple of final thoughts about the movie:
That show, Joan of Arcadia where God takes on a different character...well, I think God was Andy, Ren's boss. Watch Andy next time the movie comes on TBS some random Saturday afternoon (or borrow mine). He's this quiet, character who doesn't say much but holds a lot of wisdom.
What a sweet soundtrack. I bought it in college. Everyone should have a copy.
For never dancing, these kids sure had some stylin moves.
Question, why in the world did Ariel give Ren a musicbox? And he liked it! Corn.
Soooo, kiddies, what movie shall we review next? Sixteen Candles? Top Gun? What has my life turned into...
I remember when this movie came out. My mom loved it. Willard reminded her of her younger brother. We all know a Willard. I know several. The farm boy who learned to dance. But that isn't what the movie is about. Those of us children/teens of the 80s can sum up the story well. A preacher goes hell bent on saving the town of Beaumont from sin after his son is killed in a car accident. He leads the town in banning rock music, dancing and books. His logic was that dancing leads to sexual irresponsibility. His wife, a quiet little bird with common sense, tries to rope the Reverend in. "Kids looking at each other gets them excited! Are you going to poke their eyes out?!" "I thought you would support me, Vi. Meow. I'm going to roll over and go to sleep now for dramatic effect."
This Reverend took on so much. He deems himself "responsible for the spiritual life of this community" by passing laws. Wow. My pastors have a lot to live up to. Rev. Shaw had a whole community to take care of so he had little time left for his teenage daughter who likes to dance, loves rock and roll.
Things start heating up when Ren rolls into town and decides to hold a dance. Then the climatic scene...Ren has to give his speech and what does the Reverend's daughter do? What do all pastor's daughters do? They flip out and rebel! No, no, no...this girl could have turned from the very thing taking up all of her father's time (God) but she turned to Him. She gave Ren a bible. Deep down, she knew it wasn't God's will to ban certain kinds of music, dancing, drinking, gambling, and books. Ariel gave Ren God's words to try to get through to the people of Beaumont. Ren, who claimed to be such a horrid speaker suddenly becomes a professional in front of the board. There is a time to every purpose under heaven. There is a time to dance.
The town really gets fired up after Ren gives his speech. His mom gets canned from her job, bullies throw a brick through the window. People start freaking out all over the place and the Rev. was facing a monster of his own creation. The final straw was when the book burning began. Rev. Shaw unleashes his anger and gets to see what a hypocrite he has been. "When did you all decide to sit in judgment? When were you elected to save everyone's souls in the city of Beaumont? Satan is not in these books. He's in here...in your hearts. Go home and sit in judgment of yourselves."
And then, everyone starts treating each other with love and graciousness: a happy ending. Well, after the fight there's a happy ending. I love the fight, too.
Rusty: No fights, Willard (punch, kick, slap)
Willard: (getting punched) what do you want me to do, Rusty?
Rusty: Kill the son of a bitch!
Ren suddenly runs out of the barn because he just had this sneaky suspicion that Chuck was there beating up his friends...what a guy.
Chuck: Hey, it's Mr. Dance Fever.
Ren: Yeah you're a real g-d d--m hero when it's 5 to 1. (punch, kick, punch, punch).
Ren: Let's Dance!
A couple of final thoughts about the movie:
That show, Joan of Arcadia where God takes on a different character...well, I think God was Andy, Ren's boss. Watch Andy next time the movie comes on TBS some random Saturday afternoon (or borrow mine). He's this quiet, character who doesn't say much but holds a lot of wisdom.
What a sweet soundtrack. I bought it in college. Everyone should have a copy.
For never dancing, these kids sure had some stylin moves.
Question, why in the world did Ariel give Ren a musicbox? And he liked it! Corn.
Soooo, kiddies, what movie shall we review next? Sixteen Candles? Top Gun? What has my life turned into...
One Decision
Saturday night, I went to a banquet honoring Rocky Shaft, Holt’s head varsity wrestling coach. The banquet honored him for 25 years of his service with the Holt Wrestling Program.
Rupert Shaft was born into a family of five children, he being the youngest and the only boy. They were all relieved that dad was finally getting his basketball player. He grew up in Holt but didn’t grow much past 5’6”. Every year he went out for the basketball team…and every year he rode the bench. So Rocky made one simple decision: wrestling.
He knew nothing about wrestling but he did it anyway. His family knew nothing about wrestling but he did it anyway. His father was a little disappointed but he did it anyway. He was pinned in 17 seconds in his first match but Rocky did it anyway. He went on to lead the Holt Rams to their first state wrestling title in 1971. Rocky went to Western Michigan but came back shortly after graduation. He became the head wrestling coach in the late 1970s and coached 20 individual state champions, 54 state placers and 149 state qualifiers. There’s also that infamous back to back state title in 1996-1997. Rocky’s overall record has been 275-39 over the past 24 years. And who does Rocky credit for these achievements? The kids, the parents, the assistant coaches, the managers, and his family...not himself. His motto: the fun is the memories.
Because of Rocky’s one decision in high school as a 16-year-old, a room full of people numbering close to 200, felt touched by him. Person after person stood up to express how much he helped them, what he taught them, how he changed their lives. And Mr. Shaft took it all humbly.
So why would I care so much about Rocky Shaft? Why would I be invited to a wrestling banquet?
Because of one complex decision my mom made. We moved to Holt in 1989…across the street from the Shafts. When I was in 8th grade, I often wondered about my neighbor who drove the big brown pick-up truck, was the father of three little girls, over decorated his house for the holidays, and hardly ever spoke to me. When I would pass him in the halls, I wondered if he knew I was his neighbor because I certainly knew him. He was coach Shaft. He seemed friendly but he was also intimidating—didn’t take crap from anyone. There was something about Mr. Shaft that made you want to know him.
So how did I meet Rocky Shaft? How did I become part of his inner circle? That’s right. Because of one simple decision I made: to become the freshman football manager. When I was in 7th grade attending Charlotte Jr. High, I decided I wanted to be the first female collegiate football coach. This was because of a decision my father made to take me to Michigan State football games at the age of four and teach me all of the detailed rules. Still, my becoming the manager of the freshman football team only got me slightly closer to Rocky. But a chance class schedule did. Rocky became my science teacher and convinced me to be the manager of the wrestling team even though I knew nothing about wrestling (except that guys were constantly throwing wrestling moves on each other that resembled hugging). Rocky was my coach, sending the bus to pick me up at my house on the way to weekend tournaments, having faith that I would learn fast, putting me in front of a team of hyper, teenage boys, teaching me the rules, the scoring, the different moves. He also became a second father to me, making sure I ate, that I had money, watching that no one gave me too much crap, and giving me the evil stare when I stepped out of line (oh so rare :). For four years, I worked with him, two of those years I was his varsity football manager as well.
Mr. Shaft taught me a lot. He made me laugh a lot, too. I know I made him roll his eyes a lot. I will forever thank God for getting the chance to know this man.
The decisions we make are so weird. Do you ever think about them? Ever wonder at how it all gets weaved together? I think it is true that if Rocky had stuck with basketball, my life would be fine. But I feel lucky and loved and blessed for having known Rocky Shaft. As my friend Dan once said, God doesn’t make just one decision the right one for us. We can pick and choose. The importance is to remember that our decisions have an impact, small and tremendous.
On a sidenote, have you ever attended a Holt Wrestling Match? When the lights turn off, the dome light lowers closer to the mat, the sound of Queen rocks through the gym, the wrestlers run out and around the mat, with their humble leader behind them…if you get the chance, check it out sometime. Tell Rocky that Holly sent you. I'm sure he'll roll his eyes :)
Rupert Shaft was born into a family of five children, he being the youngest and the only boy. They were all relieved that dad was finally getting his basketball player. He grew up in Holt but didn’t grow much past 5’6”. Every year he went out for the basketball team…and every year he rode the bench. So Rocky made one simple decision: wrestling.
He knew nothing about wrestling but he did it anyway. His family knew nothing about wrestling but he did it anyway. His father was a little disappointed but he did it anyway. He was pinned in 17 seconds in his first match but Rocky did it anyway. He went on to lead the Holt Rams to their first state wrestling title in 1971. Rocky went to Western Michigan but came back shortly after graduation. He became the head wrestling coach in the late 1970s and coached 20 individual state champions, 54 state placers and 149 state qualifiers. There’s also that infamous back to back state title in 1996-1997. Rocky’s overall record has been 275-39 over the past 24 years. And who does Rocky credit for these achievements? The kids, the parents, the assistant coaches, the managers, and his family...not himself. His motto: the fun is the memories.
Because of Rocky’s one decision in high school as a 16-year-old, a room full of people numbering close to 200, felt touched by him. Person after person stood up to express how much he helped them, what he taught them, how he changed their lives. And Mr. Shaft took it all humbly.
So why would I care so much about Rocky Shaft? Why would I be invited to a wrestling banquet?
Because of one complex decision my mom made. We moved to Holt in 1989…across the street from the Shafts. When I was in 8th grade, I often wondered about my neighbor who drove the big brown pick-up truck, was the father of three little girls, over decorated his house for the holidays, and hardly ever spoke to me. When I would pass him in the halls, I wondered if he knew I was his neighbor because I certainly knew him. He was coach Shaft. He seemed friendly but he was also intimidating—didn’t take crap from anyone. There was something about Mr. Shaft that made you want to know him.
So how did I meet Rocky Shaft? How did I become part of his inner circle? That’s right. Because of one simple decision I made: to become the freshman football manager. When I was in 7th grade attending Charlotte Jr. High, I decided I wanted to be the first female collegiate football coach. This was because of a decision my father made to take me to Michigan State football games at the age of four and teach me all of the detailed rules. Still, my becoming the manager of the freshman football team only got me slightly closer to Rocky. But a chance class schedule did. Rocky became my science teacher and convinced me to be the manager of the wrestling team even though I knew nothing about wrestling (except that guys were constantly throwing wrestling moves on each other that resembled hugging). Rocky was my coach, sending the bus to pick me up at my house on the way to weekend tournaments, having faith that I would learn fast, putting me in front of a team of hyper, teenage boys, teaching me the rules, the scoring, the different moves. He also became a second father to me, making sure I ate, that I had money, watching that no one gave me too much crap, and giving me the evil stare when I stepped out of line (oh so rare :). For four years, I worked with him, two of those years I was his varsity football manager as well.
Mr. Shaft taught me a lot. He made me laugh a lot, too. I know I made him roll his eyes a lot. I will forever thank God for getting the chance to know this man.
The decisions we make are so weird. Do you ever think about them? Ever wonder at how it all gets weaved together? I think it is true that if Rocky had stuck with basketball, my life would be fine. But I feel lucky and loved and blessed for having known Rocky Shaft. As my friend Dan once said, God doesn’t make just one decision the right one for us. We can pick and choose. The importance is to remember that our decisions have an impact, small and tremendous.
On a sidenote, have you ever attended a Holt Wrestling Match? When the lights turn off, the dome light lowers closer to the mat, the sound of Queen rocks through the gym, the wrestlers run out and around the mat, with their humble leader behind them…if you get the chance, check it out sometime. Tell Rocky that Holly sent you. I'm sure he'll roll his eyes :)
Andy lives 2 blocks from Wrigley Field. I grew up with a Cubbies fan (my dad) so I love Wrigleyville. This is a statue of Harry Carey. My pops used to yell for me right before the 7th inning stretch so we could sing with Harry. I would peddle my big wheel like mad trying to make it back to the apartment in time.
My dear friends Kelly and Chris came to visit from Florida. More pictures were taken...still waiting to get those, KELLY :) Little 'fo on Kell and I:
*We met in 9th Grade at Holt Jr. High School. Yes, I'll say it, Kell...ummm...no I won't.
*We became friends in 10th grade after discovering all of the things we had in common (Laingsburg was our hometown)
*Kell moved to Duck Lake and graduated from Springport but I was there allll the time. Oh, the memories of Duck Lake...
*I credit Kelly with helping me become a Parrothead, though it was a combination of things. She is definitely my favorite Parrothead friend.
*Kell went through some really rough times after high school. She was living in the hood of Lansing. But she got out of it (thank you, Lord!).
*Kelly and I have too many stories to post. Other than my cousin, she has known me the longest on this blogsite. "The stories we could tell..."
*Kelly married Chris. She inherited two step-daughters. I was the maid of honor.
*Kelly moved to Florida, adopted two little boys, works as a Victim Resource Advocate, and watched her roof get blown away in both hurricanes.
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