Kacy Wyman & Justin Bieber: Make-A-Wish 2012

 To suggest that Thanksgiving 2012 was a special time would be a gross understatement.  Rather than stuffing ourselves with turkey and watching the Detroit Lions somehow lose another game (I digress), my family packed up to travel to Montreal to celebrate a Make-A-Wish event granted to my daughter Kacy.  Many of you have read before about the special 10 year old that I get to live with and be inspired by each day.  For those that don’t, Kacy was born with a rare genetic disease called Cystinosis (Sis-Ta-Know-Sis).  [You can read more about Cystinosis at the end….there are too many other exciting parts to this story to get detracted by the details of the disease – and besides that’s how Kacy chooses to live each day.]

On Thanksgiving morning we (Kacy, my wife Jen, son Matt home from The University of Kansas and son Jack) were picked up by a stretch limousine for our trip to the airport.  It was early, but the excitement of what was to come took away most of the sleepiness.  Now you know that a trip to the airport isn’t always without hiccups or delays….but after a short weather delay we were off to Montreal for 5 days.  Our trip would be capped off by meeting and seeing JUSTIN BIEBER in concert.  In case you are not into current pop music, think Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, or perhaps Madonna during your youth.  Yep – he is that big – the current king of pop and the love of many young girls (and some older ones based on the reactions during the concert).

Our family spent the initial days visiting Montreal’s sites like the Bio Dome, IMAX theatre, and many fine restaurants (we even visited some not so fine ones).  We walked the city for miles – laughed a lot – got some exercise in – even got our share of sleep.  Kacy would have been fine staying in the hotel pool every waking hour – it’s one of her favorite things to do.

The Big Day

Monday was the BIG day – the day to meet JUSTIN.  Needless to say, Kacy was excited from the moment she woke up.  She began planning her day – her hair – nails - the outfit (you can’t wear just anything you know) and planning what she might say when she met JUSTIN.

Our directions were to be in the hotel lobby at 3:45PM sharp….Kacy was ready by 1PM….and at 3:30 we made our first steps to the evening’s event.  Once again we were greeted by a very friendly limousine driver who escorted us to the limo for the short drive.  Because we were early (their dad is a planner) the driver paraded us around town for a bit to give us a Hollywood experience.  While they may not admit it, Matt (18) and Jack (17) especially liked the attention.

As we approached the Bell Center, the location of the concert, crowds had already gathered and they wondered could it be JUSTIN in the limousine?  My son Matt, who has a slight resemblance to JUSTIN (if he shaved and was 5 inches shorter), decided to have some fun with the crowd.  Wearing his hat pulled down and cracking the window just enough for the mob of young girls to catch a glimpse he started waving.  At one point a group of girls began screaming as they raced to catch the limo.  I am not sure what would have happened if they had caught us!

As we found the entrance and got out of the limo we began to feel the “hugeness” of the JUSTIN phenomenon.  Girls started taking pictures of Matt until they finally realized he was much too tall to be JUSTIN – but we had fun with it anyway!

The Biebs

After standing in line to get our tickets at Will Call, we were escorted (really whisked) to the front of the line to go in the special door.  We were greeted by Justin’s manager Kenny.  For those that have seen the JUSTIN BIEBER movie – you would recognize him.  Kenny was a very unassuming and friendly man who treated us like his guests.  From there we were lead through the back hallways of the stadium…..past masses of people just hoping to catch a glimpse of JUSTIN.  As we walked by the crowds, I knew people were wondering, “Who are they? Are they famous? Why do they get to go back there?”  On our trip back stage we witnessed the massive amounts of equipment that the Bieber tour travels with - it was truly astonishing – who coordinates all of that? (sorry you are getting the story through a middle aged man’s perspective not Kacy’s)

Our back stage travels ended in a make shift greeting room – this is the place that Kacy would meet JUSTIN – can you feel the excitement!?  As you might imagine, you don’t get to walk in and see the star right away, some waiting is to be expected.  We just didn’t know if it would be 10 minutes or one hour before JUSTIN came in.

As Kacy waited, somewhat patiently, for JUSTIN to arrive she periodically tip toed to the room entrance to see if he was in sight.  At one point she sat down and said, “I just know my face is going to be as red as a heart.” Kacy was definitely excited…..and nervous. Then, the waiting was over; JUSTIN BIEBER arrived into our room!

The Moment

JUSTIN arrived carrying his young brother in his arms. I thought Kacy might have seen a ghost, her face was so white – not the red she was thinking (that did come later though).  JUSTIN immediately sat down between her and one other girl receiving a Make-A-Wish event (Berkeley from London, Ontario).  Justin asked their names – what they liked to do – and gave out some hugs.  The next 10-15 minutes (I think – time kind of stood still) were filled with exchanging gifts and lots of picture taking.  Kacy, wearing an “I Love Justin” t-shirt had another shirt made for JUSTIN that said I Love Kacy (I bet he hasn’t taken it off yet!).  Ok – he wasn’t really interested in putting the shirt on – he has an image to uphold – I get it.  JUSTIN’s team provided the girls with gift bags of their own containing a shirt, photos and other Bieb items – needless to say they were a big hit.

The girls snuck in a few more hugs and then it was time for the star to get ready for his concert. The VIP treatment continued as Kenny escorted us back stage and we entered the front of the stadium – row 6 to be exact. We settled into our seats and quickly put in ear plugs – we being the parents – Kacy and Berkley figured they could go to the stage for an even better view and no way were they going to drown out any of the noise … er I mean music.  As an aside – I never imagined just how loud 40,000 screaming girls could be – let’s say for some of us the ear plugs were necessary.  As you might expect, the concert was a huge hit and Kacy never sat down once.  Watching her smile during the concert was worth any potential permanent hearing loss!

The Memories

Our entire family cannot express our thanks enough to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their dedicated volunteers.  From their first visit to ask Kacy what she might want for her Wish, to taking care of every detail to ensure a spectacular experience, they were true angels. 

We have been back home for almost a week now and the residual smile from the JUSTIN experience is still plastered on Kacy’s face.  A Wish cannot cure Cystinosis or any other disease – but it certainly impacted Kacy as well as all of us that continue to be inspired by her.

About Cystinosis
Cystinosis is a rare disease that is typically diagnosed prior to age 2. Cystinosis is a genetic metabolic disease that causes an amino acid, cystine, to accumulate in various organs of the body. Cystine crystals accumulate in the kidneys, eyes, liver, muscles, pancreas, brain, and white blood cells. Without specific treatment, children with cystinosis develop end stage kidney failure at approximately age nine. Cystinosis also causes complications in other organs of the body. The complications include muscle wasting, difficulty swallowing, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. It is estimated that at least 2,000 individuals worldwide have cystinosis, though exact numbers are difficult to obtain because the disease is often undiagnosed and/ or misdiagnosed.

For more information visit www.KacyWyman.com or www.cystinosis.org

About Make-A-Wish Michigan

Make-A-Wish Michigan grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Since 1984, Make-A-Wish Michigan has granted wishes to more than 7,000 special children in Michigan. Of each dollar spent, 80 cents goes directly to granting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Funding comes from individual contributors, special events, corporate donations and sponsorships, foundation grants, workplace giving programs and planned gifts. These wishes would not be realized without the dedication and support of the volunteers, donors, and staff, as well as exceptional leadership from the Board of Directors. For more information visit www.wishmich.org

Dan's Work at the Institute for Sustainable Social Change

 Many clients inquire about my work in Prescott with the Institute, which is affiliated with--but is separate from--Prescott College.  I spend perhaps 10-12 hours per week on projects there when I'm in town.

The Institute seeks to sponsor programs that are in line with the mission of the college--but which don't have a natural "home" in the academic side of the house.  I am a Fellow of the Institute and have been designated its "Coordinator" of activities, which means that I handle much of the behind-the-scenes "back-office" work which exists in any thriving organization. 

I'll touch on just two of the Institute's programs to give a flavor of our activities: our longest-running program is acting as the administrative arm of the VISTA program for northern Arizona.  VISTA is the branch of the federal Americorps program (akin to a domestic Peace Corps) which seeks to build capacity in those non-profit organizations dedicated to alleviating the conditions of poverty in the US.   A tall task to be sure; but our program has been a leader in creating innovative structures and generating effective leadership tools that may be adopted by other VISTA programs throughout the country.

The second program is one that I'm spearheading in cooperation with the Office of Student Life at the Prescott College.  It is oriented toward facilitating volunteerism and civic engagement as an everyday part of the student experience at the college.  As many of you know, Prescott College is first and foremost all about experiential education--and as such, students (and faculty) are often engaged in real-world activities and challenges outside the walls of academia.  However, these activities are not always easy to connect to, nor are they tracked in any organized way.  We hope to put the pieces in place to facilitate connections and enhance the effectiveness of these efforts. 

Other programs and sponsorships take place under the aegis of the Institute.  Feel free to ask if you're interested in more detail!

Reflections on Gratitude

 Gratitude combines the awareness of unbidden blessings in our lives (gratefulness) with the ability to articulate this awareness to ourselves and to others (thanksgiving, with a lower-case "t"). In my own life, I have been uncommonly blessed to be born in a strong, loving family; to have had a great education; to have found my vocational calling; and to have had the opportunity to share my passions with others who care about them. It doesn't get much better than that.

Most often, gratitude is seen as a virtue because of its connection to generosity--an outward display of this inward "feeling". As I reflect more deeply, however, perhaps the most significant impact of an "attitude of gratitude" is in how it changes the one experiencing it.

To realize a moment of the sheer beauty in a November sunset, or to receive the unqualified forgiveness of someone you've unintentionally hurt, or to experience the joy of seeing someplace entirely new--these change the lens trough which we see the world, how we interact with others, and how we see ourselves in relation to others. In short, it changes for the better how we experience this world.

This is the true gift of Thanksgiving (with a capital "T" this time). Gratitude is a gift that can keep on giving to each of us all year long.

Memories of Thanksgivings Past

 When I was a young child, my father liked to hunt small game.  There were a few Thanksgivings when we had rabbit.  We never saw the rabbit until it came to the table and it tasted like chicken to us.  He not only enjoyed the hunting but also liked the idea of being self-sufficient.  My mother was a city gal and dad understood the rules. The game was to be ready for the pot before she saw it, looking just like it came from Kroger.

One year dad decided to raise a turkey in our basement intended for Thanksgiving dinner.  He was smart enough not to let us name the bird.  We simply called it “turkeyboy”. My sister and I fed and watched “turkeyboy” grow to be a nice fat bird.  The big day came and dad brought the bird upstairs ready for the oven. A few hours later, we all sat down for the big feast.  My mother ceremoniously brought the turkey to the table for carving.

The only one who ate turkey that Thanksgiving was dad. My sister and I ages 4 and six sat there and cried.

Years later, while living on the Connecticut sea coast town of Mystic, Ron and I decided to have lobster for Thanksgiving dinner as a treat for visiting Grandma Gunther.  Ron let the lobsters crawl around the kitchen floor before throwing them into the pot.

The only one who ate lobster that Thanksgiving was Ron.  Our two little girls sat there and cried. 

Some lessons are never learned!

Heard Around the Thanksgiving Day Table

 

 Thanksgiving Day Traditions

Thanksgiving day memories make me smile in gratitude for all of the blessings I have in my life.  The tradition of gathering together to share a meal, stories, laughter, love and the good natured rivalry over football games seemingly coming to life out of the TV are all part of the experience. 

Every year when mom says, “Time to eat!” we all know what comes next . . . . . you can see the pride and joy in mom’s eyes when she asks all of us to hold hands around the table so she can take it all in and say out loud how much it means to share the day together. Laurie Renchik 

I am thankful for adoption and marriage!  I’m living my happily ever after with the three loves of my life. Kimberly Wyman

Thanksgiving frames family memories from times gone by and challenges me to make the lasting special memories for my family today.  I think of North Texas Novembers and large family gatherings as I was growing up. There was the annual family picture on my grandmother’s front porch, sneaking a seat at the adult table (always closest to the mashed potatoes), syrupy, delicious pecan pie, and always Dallas Cowboys Football after a big meal.

This year, the Detroit Lions will take priority over the Cowboys.  My scenery has changed from dusty open Texas ranges to a quaint northern Michigan village sharing the day with my husband and our family. I will always be grateful for the special memories that keep me close to family near and far, here and gone, and savor the opportunity to continue to experience priceless moments entwined with a truly American holiday. Melissa Joy

I am thankful for both of my families…my personal family and my Center family.  I cannot imagine being able to do the work that I love or being able to pursue my passion for financial gerontology without the support of both of my families. I am thankful for and truly cherish my relationships with my husband, children and parents, as well as my co-workers and clients.  I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Sandy Adams

Center Kids Trick or Treat!

Witches and goblins and ghosts oh my! It's the time of year when Halloween costumes take over and kids of all ages dig in for some serious trick or treating time. Don't be spooked as you check out some of our own Center family kids wearing their Halloween best. If you look closely there is a four legged masked crusader who thinks she is a kid, too. Happy Halloween to all!

Tim Wyman Attends Leadership Oakland Class of XXIII

 Tim Wyman, CFP® recently began participation in Leadership Oakland - just as Laurie Renchik, CFP® did one year ago.  The program is intended to help selected participants (about 50 per year) learn about Oakland County, our region and state in order to be informed contributors within our communities.

Tim recently attended a 2.5 day Retreat with 50 of his newest friends.  He traveled to Roscommon Michigan to the R. A. MacMullan Conference Center. The group spent their time getting to know more about Oakland County, each other, and themselves and their leadership potential.  The rustic camp setting provided a great learning and relationship building container.  Although Tim commented that the bunk houses made college dorm rooms look spacious!

Tim and the other participants will engage in future sessions including; Economy & Government, Human services & Non Profits, Health & Environment, Diversity & Inclusion, Justice System, Education, Arts & Culture, Shaping the Future, and finally a class project.

Head of the Class: Back-to School for Center Kids

 It’s back to school time and our own Center families were busy getting students ready for another year of fun learning.  From preschool to high school we helped our kids stuff their backpacks with brand new supplies and special treasures. 

Check out the abundance of smiles as our kids said "cheese" and we parents captured yet another special “first day of school” experience.

Where in the World is Dan Boyce?

 When I’m not spending my week each month in Michigan or travelling to see the “kids” and grandchildren, you can usually find me at our home in Prescott, AZ (pronounced by the locals as “Press’kit” rather than “Press-caht”).  People think of Arizona as unbearably hot in the summer months; but our locale in the Central Highlands of the state (at 5,800’) actually boasts more comfortable summers than Southeast Michigan.

My weeks in Michigan consist of multiple client appointments each day—many of them in tandem with another Center planner.  It results in long days.  Other than keeping fit, I don’t have much time for a life outside work there.  In Prescott, I typically spend 2-3 hours per day keeping up with the financial planning field, talking with the office, reading about industry trends, doing research, etc.  Otherwise, I’m working on several other projects that have unfolded:

• Working (volunteering) as Coordinator for the Institute for Sustainable Social Change (the “Institute”—see below), which is affiliated with Prescott College
• Making music—I just finished a year as choir director of the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation;  in addition, Sue and I rehearse weekly with a high-quality vocal a cappella octet
• Working on behalf of Prescott College as a Trustee—I can unequivocally state that being Past Chair of the Board is a much cushier position than being the current Chair!
• Acting as a school board member for a charter school here in Prescott
• Chairing a task force for the Unitarian Universalist Association which is laying the groundwork for a curriculum focused on creating healthy relationships and attitudes towards our money, using it to and intentionally reflect our values and empower our lives

So I’m keeping myself well occupied.   Many clients ask me about the Institute.   In brief, I am involved in both behind-the-scenes work—the “business” end of running the organization—as well as working on a project to create a culture of civic engagement, community involvement and volunteer service throughout the Prescott College community.  This is a joint venture of the Institute and the Office of Student Life at the college; we just brought on a full-time VISTA member to work on this initiative during the coming year.  Watch for a separate blog coming soon which will describe my work at the Institute in more detail.

Woodward Dream Cruise Stirs Special Memories for The Center’s Brenda Spencer

 The Woodward Dream Cruise is exciting for Motor City car enthusiasts and sparks a special memory for The Center’s Brenda Spencer. Brenda, describes herself as a long time car enthusiast and reminisced with fond memories about her first car; the Ford Edsel. She couldn’t help smiling when she said, “It was one of my very favorites because it was my first car.” Coming in a close second in the favorite race was Brenda’s red and white 57 Chevy.  

Brenda’s story doesn’t stop here. She says, “the only way cruising down the road in one of my favorite cars got any better was when Elvis tunes were playing on the radio. “ Unless of course she was sitting in a crowd of concert goers listening to The King perform live. Her first experience was at the Motor City’s Olympia Stadium.  She remembers being “way up there” and wanting all of the screaming girls to tone it down so she could here Elvis sing. Later she sat fifth row at the Pontiac Silverdome, and without a need for opera glasses, marveled that the King was “handsome hot stuff”.

Today Brenda loves driving her Ford Escape and feels a special pride keeping her wheels spotlessly clean inside and out.  While the rides have changed over the years Brenda hasn’t lost her enthusiasm for fast clean cars. Brenda concludes, “Most women like shoes and purses (don’t get me wrong I do too) but I love cars as much today as I did when I owned my Edsel.”