Girls Camp

There are two pictures of the hike at girls camp. This hike was a killer! We hiked 1000 feet in 2 miles. It was really hard. When we were close to the top the girls were getting discouraged and wanted to quit. I yelled as loud as I could "Do it for the story!" Cammy and I had our Austin shirts on and the girls started yelling "Do it for the story!" It was so fun! I wish you could have been there. Most of the girls were able to make it to the top. A few stayed behind when one new BeeHive had a asthma attach. It was pretty scary! I was so proud of the girls and how they were there for Kailiegh Jackman. In this picture is: Brianna Perez, Kailiegh Jackman, Joselyn Huerta, Bailey Rail, Me, Ema Romberg, Cammy Panek, Jill Rime.

Kristi made it to the top! She had her Austin bracelet on and the silly band he gave her many years ago. She is with a friend Brianna who is from Texas. She came to camp with us this year.

Cammy and I had never done archery before. Super fun! We both did well. Cammy actually hit the bulls eye! Look out Katniss! You might have some compation at the next Hunger Games! I would LOVE to do this again. Another new adventure for me!

"Batmobiles"

Brett and Nolan with their "Batmobiles". Brett showed up to go to the beach with Nolan and they both had their Austin shirts on. I told them we had to get a picture! Matching shirts with matching cars thinking about their buddy, Austin, who would love this picture!

Love,

Janet

Tender Mercies

If you know Mama B, you know that whether you want to or not, you're going to soak up some of her wisdom just by standing next to her. I have been incredibly lucky to watch (and experience) her not only be a mother to all her children (biological and otherwise), but a teacher or rather, an educator. Her lessons range from the kitchen to the heartstrings, sometimes are unspoken, and never disappoint to remind me that I am strong and capable. She always has the answer and the right thing to say.

Something Mama B taught me this summer is to appreciate the little things, the small moments of happiness and joy, because sometimes they can be few and far between. These bits of happiness and joy can come in all different forms, sometimes in the form of what she calls Tender Mercies. Those moments when you feel like Austin is standing next to you... giving you a hug, cheering you on in a race, or simply just standing there. It's not paranormal, it's just a sense of Austin. An intense remembrance of sorts... imagining whatever he would be doing if he were able to be there.

Tonight I had a Tender Mercy. I was watching TV and someone in the show I was watching picked up a guitar. A ping of sadness and regret flooded through me because I haven't played my guitar all summer. I just didn't really feel like it I guess. But tonight I couldn't help but want to. I sat down thinking about what to play and was suddenly overwhelmed with the memory of a commercial Austin and I had seen with an acoustic version of Stand By Me in it. It was so gorgeous, we sat literally entranced in the commercial and when it was over we instantly looked at each other and said "We HAVE to learn that!" I started typing into YouTube and came across something I didn't expect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN-U5aE6Rog&feature=related

It starts out...

"This song says no matter who you are, no matter where you go in your life, at some point you're going to need somebody to stand by you."

such a relevant concept to the last few months and the family and community that has kept all of us going, but it becomes an example of people all over the world coming together to achieve a common goal. You should really watch it. Seriously, it's pretty dope.

I have no idea how it happens, but sometimes I feel like Austin twists around the strings of fate to make us giggle or cry or feel comforted in the fact that his love is never gone. How did he know that video is exactly what I needed, but could have never found on my own? Oh those Tender Mercies.

In a sea of doubt about whether I could live out my seemingly ridiculously naive life goal (World Peace... I'm not kidding) it made me realize that there was hope. As cheesy as that may sound and as silly as it may seem I really do think I can help change the world in at least some teeny tiny way. I glanced down at my left foot and read the words I recently drew there forever. I'm still looking up. And I am. Remembering all the people who are standing by me whether I fail or succeed (the Leaves of My Family Tree) made me realize there's no point in holding back. In these last few months I've realized that you have to do what you want to do in order to be happy. So I'm going to do it! ...whether everyone thinks I'm crazy or not!

If you're reading this wondering how this classifies as an adventure... It may not seem like one, but I feel like the next 6-7 years spent getting my Masters and my Ph.D so I can try to educate our college youth will be one. So will the whole educating the college youth thing. So here's to a renewed passion to do what I want to do and live out my dream.

Thank you to the Leaves of My Family Tree, for everything in the past and for everything in advance. ;)

Sage

Hand Made Memorial

Today I got done with work a little bit early and decided to stop putting off finding this bead store that I’ve wanted to go to. I’ve LOVED the few people’s memorial tattoos, but that’s something I just don’t think I could ever see myself doing. Since the funeral I’ve thought about wanting to make a bracelet or necklace instead and finally got around to doing it. After a few circles around the shopping center I found the shop tucked into the corner. It was mania, well not really it was just me and a few others with light 80’s music playing in the background, but it was mania in my head. SO MANY CHOICES! After wandering around for a while I finally collected everything I needed to put together the bracelet: leaves, a light blue bead, some beach shell beads, and a heart. It is my hand made memorial, there is meaning behind every part of this. I love you and miss you bud.

Love always,
Amanda

Saving Lives and Protecting the Environment

This is very brief blog entry about a very brief adventure, but one that I’ll never forget. This summer I have been working at an internship through the Coast Guard here in Portland. Saving lives and protecting the environment, all in a days work. It has been an adventure in itself trying to figure out all the different ranks, procedures, and formalities of the job but for the most part it has not been too exciting. 

The job has certain perks like ridiculously cheap meals in the galley, tax-free things sold in the exchange, “area familiarization rides” on boats a.k.a. “let’s see how fast we can go”, and most recently, the chance to take a ride over Portland in a Coast Guard helicopter.

Before I even got near the helicopter this adventure was pretty neat because I got to meet it at a heliport on the top of an old parking structure in downtown Portland. I typed in a super top secret code into the elevator and that took me up to a small glass lobby. I walked out on the helipad and was met with an incredible view of the Willamette River and downtown Portland. As soon as the helicopter landed I was put in a super stylish flight suit, helmet, headset, gloves, etc. and strapped in. Then I got in the helicopter and we were off! I got to sit right by the open door so that I could see everything. We landed on top of OHSU, then flew over downtown and over to the Willamette River. I got a great view of the many bridges that Portland is famous for and saw many, many boats. The adventure only lasted about 30 minutes but it is one I will never forget!

My actual job is dealing with derelict vessels on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers....here is the Sternwheeler Jean (with its sternwheel "modified") and gunboat-12 (which has been converted into a barge). Pretty exciting, right!?!

Not everyone can pull off that outfit, I must be pretty special!

Baldy Mountain

Rick and I on the summit of Baldy Mountain at Philmont Scout Ranch. We didn't have shirts so we made the letter "A" for Austin and told his story to our crew. He will continue to be an inspiration for adventure!

DK

More Than Just Smiling Down On Us

Wanting to get into shape and see more of the beauty around where we live, a few of us decided to take up hiking. We thought that we would start by doing a “little” hike off of Newport Coast, a 2.9 mile hike to be exact. We (Tom, Julie, Mike & Sherri) were so anxious to get started that we ignored the map signs at the trail head and just headed for the top. “Let’s go and do it for the story!” ... Eight and a half miles later, with burning feet, stomachs growling, almost out of water, and a little grumbling under our breaths, we made it back to the car. The joke was on us, Austin, I know that you got a good laugh out of this and at some points along the trail; it was the thought of you that got us to the top of the next hill with no end in sight. The view was lovely and the company was better. We had a lovely day and look forward to our next hike.

Love Ya,

Mama Wilson