The charity event of the North American Auto Show in Detroit is known as the biggest one-night fundraiser in the United States.
I Believe – My Values
October 16, 2022 – Rabbit Hunt
Let me tell you about a time when I was thought to be lost. In January 1962, when I was 14 years old, during a very severe Kansas blizzard I was thought to be so lost they were about to call out the National Guard to help find me.
Because of the forecast of a bad winter storm, school had been canceled. The snow had been falling for a while but just enough to make the rabbits hunker down. So, I and my friend and next door neighbor, Chucky Foulk, decided it would be a good day to go rabbit hunting. We loaded up our sled and started walking south out of town down a road where no one lived. After a few hours we had one or two rabbits and we decided that we should head back.
Well, by this time the storm had really picked up and the wind out of the north had become very strong. The snow had completely covered the road and there were drifts that were above our knees. We were about 3 miles out of town. We stopped to assess our situation, we knew that we could not get back home before dark and the snow was so heavy we could easily get lost. We looked around and we saw that there was an old abandoned farm house a little ways off the road. So we thought we could stay inside there until the storm let up.
Well, the storm didn’t let up and in fact it got worse. It looked like we were going to have to spend the night there. There was an old wood burning stove so we found some wood and built a fire. We cleaned one of the rabbits and cooked it on the fire. Knowing that sometimes wild rabbits carried a bad disease, we cooked it until it was charred. My feet were very cold so I thought I would warm up my shoes, do you know that rubber sole shoes melt if too close to a fire, well I didn’t.
We were fairly safe considering we were out in a record breaking blizzard. We were warm and dry even though I was wearing melted shoes.
That was not the case at our homes. While we knew where we were and that we were safe, our parents didn’t.
I had never thought much about what my parents must have gone through until 2019 when I attended the funeral of my good friend Chucky. Everyone there was asking me about that hunting trip. Re-living it there with Chucky’s family and friends I got to thinking about my parents and what they were feeling back then. They had already passed so I couldn’t ask.
There were no cell phones back in 1962 and there was no land line to this old farm house, so they had no idea that we were safe. They only thought that we were lost and maybe lost for good. My parents were religious so I know they were praying for our safe return. Fortunately a very cold farmer was out on his tractor, this was before tractors had heated cabs, smelled our smoke and found us. He went back to get someone with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I assume it was a sheriff’s deputy, but I really don’t remember. They loaded us up and took us home.
Preparing for this sermon, I found a newspaper article in a bunch of articles I found cleaning my parent’s home that gave me an idea of what they were thinking.
My mother had written a letter to the editor of the El Dorado Times. Here is part of what she wrote:
“They (meaning the sheriff and newspaper men) couldn’t possibly know of all the farmers, refinery workers, business men, school teachers, clerks – both men and women – who so willingly risked life, limb and property to aid their fellow men. They shared one communal thought: To find the boys and return them safely home.
Personally, I feel very humble and deeply grateful that God has seen fit to allow my family to live in a community where everyone, in all walks of life, responds so willingly and unselfishly in a time of crisis.”
It is signed Mrs. Al Resnik, it’s ironical that Pastor Barb was telling us last week how a woman in the 60’s signed their name.
Whether you are lost because of a loss of a loved one like Naomi, lost in your anxiety, or a snow storm we need to turn to God for guidance.
This was part of a sermon that I gave while filling in for our pastor, Rev. Barb Clinger, on October 16, 2022. The service was recorded on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKaYOTl5iyo
Millin and Lietzke Family
David Millin met Hatsuko Kon in 1954 and married in 1955 in Yokohama, Japan. He was in the army and station in Japan for a couple of years. Mimi became pregnant with my brother, Scotty and gave birth in February of 1956 in Japan. He was born at the army hospital in Japan. They had to wait several months to travel since he was a newborn, especially since they were traveling by ship back to the US. My grandma, Maeda, begged Mimi to leave Scott with the family in Japan, and Mimi says she almost did, but changed her mind at the last minute. So in 1957 they left the port of Yokohama on a ship headed to the US. Scott, David Millin and Hatsuko.
In the US David Millin returned to Ohio for a while with a wife and infant son, there Mimi learned how to speak some english and they taught her some American customs. Eventually David Millin was stationed to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he eventually moved the family. They stayed there for a couple of years and in February of 1961 I was born at a small army base in Washington. I was about 2 years old when David Millin received a new post overseas to Germany. There are many pictures of our time spent in Germany. David Millin liked to travel when he was not working, so Scott has memories of traveling to Italy, France, Suisserland and all around Germany.
Our Kids
God has blessed me with three beautiful children. All of which were born at the same hospital. St. Joseph’s Hospital has been in the family for years. Mainly because it was around the corner from where me and my siblings grew up but also, because our Nana worked there her whole life.
My first born, Raymond, weighted 7lbs and 14oz. He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital on April 3rd, 2008, at 1:14 a.m. Now, giving birth to him at the age of 18 was no walk in the park. I had the hardest delivery with Raymond. Finally, after many tries of pushing hard, he came out. My ama was definitely my rock that day, Raymond’s father was there but he was of no use.
I got to hold baby, then they cleaned him up and took prints of his little feet. Afterwards they needed to run some tests on him, but I had no idea why. Minutes later the nurse comes in the room upset and ask’s me if I had used drugs while being pregnant. I said “no”, and she left the room. What the fuck was that about? Was my baby alright.
Raymond had swallowed amniotic fluid and had jaundice, so they took him immediately to the NICU. I was devastated, but at the same time I didn’t know what I was doing or if I was even being a good mother. I didn’t even have my baby with me. I was a fucking kid having a kid. I didn’t know my next move.
The stay at the hospital was short and miserable. Raymond’s biological father was in the room with me, even though he wasn’t of any help. He was just as young and dumb as I was and he was even older than me, only by a year. I didn’t want to be with him and throughout my pregnancy I hated him more and more each day. But all I was worried about at the moment was my baby.
The nurse would come get me for feeding time and I would sit in a rocking chair and breastfeed my baby. He had the longest eyelashes and the smallest head full of hair. He was beautiful and he was all mine. When nana, my mom or my apa’s wife came to visit me to see Raymond they had to come to the NICU. Only parents were allowed. My dad never came and me and my mom were hardly on talking terms. People came and that’s all that mattered to me, is that they cared.
Leaving the hospital broke my heart because I couldn’t bring my baby home with me. He had to stay and get better, and I understood that. Only 7 days in the hospital and he was home free. The day I got to take him home, my sister Marissa and her boyfriend Brandon were there to give us a ride. Raymond’s father also came with us to pick him up. The nurse let me dress Raymond up before putting him in the car seat and heading to the hospital garage to meet up with Marissa and Brandon. Me and Raymond waited as they pulled up. I don’t know why but it felt like the longest time waiting for them to pull the car around, I instantly started getting depressed. Thinking of me not having a car or a home for my baby and I’m a baby myself damn near. Finally, they pulled up, I strapped Raymond in, and we left.
Years pass and I’m 25 years old now. I’m having a baby by my fiancé, and it’s another boy. The weather is nice and I’m wearing long sleeve blouses. I love the winter and the fresh crisp air. The rain drops on my car window when I drive or the cold wind blowing through my screen door. The sounds of the leaves crackling on the floor. I love it all.
It’s the perfect time to have a baby. We were engaged and we lived in a two-bedroom duplex, me, Eddie, and Raymond. Our house was nice, big living room and rooms and a nice size kitchen. Marble counter tops and white tile floor. Wood flooring throughout the rooms and tile in the bathroom same as the kitchen. Our home was beautiful, and it resided on the North Side of Stockton, right off Ponce De Leon Ave. This is where we would live for 6 years of our lives. Eddie has a job, and we have a car, what more could we want. Once we get back, it’ll be home for the four of us.
At around 6 a.m. on a Saturday, I go into the hospital to get induced. It’s still dark outside and I’m a little bit nervous. Today is a strange day because it’s my Ama’s birthday, and I don’t know if Greg will be born this day. Nine hours in labor and out comes Greg. 8 pounds and 8 ounces with that miniature Frankenstein head like his dad. He was gorgeous and I loved every bit of him. With the same birthday as my Ama and two of
This time I had with me, my sister Marissa, my ama, and of course, my fiancé, Eddie. It was such an easy birth, and he came out as healthy as a horse. We named our baby after his grandpa, Gregorio. I had all the help in the world and best of all, I had my beautiful family. My stay at St. Joseph’s was amazing but tiring.
My sister looked after Raymond, and Eddie never left my side. Greg got to stay with me in the room because he had no issues and didn’t need to be looked over. I finally had my baby with me and was happy. Our stay ended quickly, and we left eager to get to our new home where we’d be raising our new baby boy together. St Joseph’s built the Pavilion across from St. Joes, so that’s where Eddie brought the car up and picked up me and Greg. This time I wasn’t depressed.
Liberty, my special girl. My first Babygirl, she was so beautiful when she was born.
Chapter Ideas
Pierce Pro Bowl
Dad/Pierce AAU trips, JV golf “Dad, this is great!”
Mock Interview! (mom/dressed lucy)
Pitt State moment/Taylor scholorship — came up and gave me the longest hug. Best moment I’ve had with Taylor. So exciting. Hug lasted what seemed eterinity.
Ben’s decision to leave USDC for EPA — (interview prayer ‘Freedom to work 60 hrs/week, on call 24/7, etc), also the gas station story ‘drill our own oil, and cancel the EPA’ — crazy…on the night I’m deciding whats next)
Shock of Taylor’s birth (surprised she was a girl/etc)
Journal entry of making Troy basketball / great miracle stretch of plays
Chase Quotes
8/15/11
August 15, 2011
Chase’s first day of school: He forgot his water bottle at home, forgot to turn in a form to his teacher, and left his take home folder at school. It’s the FIRST DAY! His response to me: “I know when you look through your eyes this looks pretty bad, but if you look through my eyes it was a successful day.”
1/11/12
Chase while reading a book about Kevin Garnett: “Mom, did you know that KG was so good that in his 3rd year at the Timberwolves they offered him 126 million dollars!”
Me: “wow, i can’t even imagine that much money. Can you imagine it?”
Chase: “No. I don’t think I could ever take that much money for something.”
love that kid
the next coffee mug….as part of a conversation about Ben giving me a hard time for being dumb for leading the way to the van when I wasn’t there when he parked it…
Chase: “Well, it’s better to be pretty and dumb than ugly and dumb.”
**
5/6/22
Mostly for chases enjoyment—-
Pierce had one helluva day in the arctic temperatures that are the DAC yesterday….
It seriously affected his body and mind physically it was so cold.
Said it was the worst thing in his life and it’s not even close…
But I shared all that to share this…
After what was shortened to about 6 laps of constant movement/swimming…it was brick time!
For the girls, it seemed Justin threw the brick all the way to the depths of about…5 feet…for their retrieval.
Pierce steps up, and of course it lands on the incline closer to 10ft depth. Pierce is probably in a delirious state, but dives in for it. On his first attempt…he is able to get there and grab it (although he said “I was closer to drowning than failure”) and bring it in.
So I think he’s blessed if those 2 hours were the worst of his life, but they can’t be overstated.
When he said the drowning/failure line, I thought of you Chase.
I think the DAC is now responsible for 2 “mug worthy” coffee mug quotes.
“This job has taught me more the value of a minute than the value of a dollar”
You put me on and said I was your favorite
Story of Taylor winning the JV Tourney 😉
*** after learning they didn’t even have medals to hand out for this event, and disappointed…
I said if she wins this tourney then we’ll buy her The Cardigan, to which she replied “Are you freaking kidding me right now!” and what started out being a good, leasurly time turned into a fierce competition for the grand prize.
Go Erin! It’s Your Birthday
(August 2022)
From Chase:
There aren’t very many things that don’t ever change. One thing that I thought would never change is your firm stance on dogs. While most of the begging came from Taylor, I’m sure we all pestered you about it constantly. I don’t think the other two ever gave up hope, but after a few generations of pet rats (which were still cool, by the way), I figured that it’d never happen. I wasn’t there for any of the discussion about whether or not to get Lucy in the first place, but I know for sure that if I were you, I’d be thinking primarily about how the responsibility would be distributed. While the new dog would be a Krehbiel, it would mostly be your dog. Who would feed it? You. Who would potty train it? You. I think I could count on one hand the number of walks I’ve taken Lucy on, while it’d take me hours to count up to the number that you have. To our credit, we did sometimes pick up the crap that managed to make it outside. I’d bet that you knew that the new dog would be our buddy and your responsibility before even getting her, but you still gave it the OK. All of this to say that you are always making sacrifices of your time and wants for us. Every piece of of food that magically appears in the fridge, every basketball practice we couldn’t drive to, every lunch packed, every shirt washed and folded, and every other thing that I don’t even notice is a sacrifice that you make for all of us every single day. I know that I can’t even comprehend the love that you’d have to have for somebody to do that for them, and for twenty years, at that. It kind of scares the crap out of me that the bar is so high as far as parenting goes because I seriously doubt I can do it half as well as you do. You are far and away the most selfless person I know. Obviously it doesn’t come easy to you, but try to think about yourself a little bit, at least on your birthday. I love you so much mom!
From Taylor:
Mom had always watched the real housewives of Beverly Hills, but it wasn’t until 2017 when she decided I was finally old enough to watch grown women get drunk and fight about nonsense with her- which I’m sure took some convincing. It turned out to be a mistake, or at least that’s what dad would think, as my new dream became to grow up to be like Erika Jayne and wait for my rich old husband to croak (which unfortunately didn’t work out too well for her). Every Thursday I would look forward to coming home from school to watch my favorite ladies with mom, who was already home since she was unemployed. I loved the time that I got her to myself, as housewife time is uninterrupted time, much like how dad hates being talked to when sweaty men are playing with balls for money. I would cuddle up to mom and we’d get to enjoy 60 minutes of the most amazing kind of TV: reality.
Although it started with us just watching Beverly Hills every week, as our love for the petty fights and extravagant living grew, more franchises had to be added. From Dallas to Salt Lake and eventually the summer of binging 6 seasons of Potomac our love for the ladies grew. With the new obsession we added New Jersey, Atlanta, Miami, Dubai, Watch What Happens Live, and the Girls’ Trip seasons.
While that may all sound like a large waste of time, I’ve always looked forward to watching the shows cuddling with my mom and later on Miley too. And although Erika may have passed mom as my #1 role model, she did marry someone who makes enough money to send us to Bravo Con next year for mom’s birthday.
From Pierce:
I remember when I was little we used to go on all kind of dates. I don’t remember a lot of them but the one I remember the most was when we went to Ruby Tuesdays, I think as a kind of early birthday thing before school started. I would guess I was in kindergarten or so and I remember it was freezing. It was in the summer and we we’re not prepared for how cold it would be but we smiled through the whole thing. I’m not sure what I got but I remember that my favorite part was sharing a vanilla ice cream together in a room that already felt like -10. Anyway it was by far my favorite “date” we had and I’m ready to go on more now that the other 2 will be gone. I love you so much, Mom, and Happy Birthday!
Taylor’s Middle School Basketball Miracle
December 8, 2017
This week was Taylor’s last week of 8th grade basketball. After winning two games all year, both against non-league Leavenworth school Patton early in the season, we had the KVL post season tournament. Of the 8 teams, we were last because we didn’t beat any league teams during the year. Taylor was really the only player with any basketball experience, and we were super proud of her ability to get teammates involved – Taylor has a natural ability to see people before they are open, and often times we go from ‘having no chance to score’ to at least having an opportunity to score because of where Taylor passes it. Unfortunately most of the time the recipient has problems even catching the ball, but that doesn’t stop Taylor from her efforts to make the right play. Erin and I spent most of the season pleading for Taylor to shoot more – or at least be ready to drive/shoot those times you get the ball back in the flow of the offense..which most of the time means throw it to the wing, and back to Taylor, ha!
We lost the first two games of the league tournament but actually played well against the #1 seed. There were some good signs of effort that we haven’t seen consistently in some of the games we may have competed more.
Well the last game of the season, against Clark Middle School (Bonner) for 7th place in the league – or ‘not last’ – we started out the game not catching a break. There was only one referee and he was closer to 80 years old, and while he had great spirit, he missed two unforced turnovers on Clark that ended up turning into 4 points in the first quarter. We were down from the start, and Erin and I were frustrated Taylor didn’t try to score more—although she did have several good drives that we thought she was fouled on, but no call, and no finish on those attempts. Taylor did score 2 in the first half and had a super fun assist at the buzzer of the first quarter when she passed to Abby on the block who finished. I believe we were down 4-8 after the first quarter, and then 6-14 at halftime. Giving up 14 points and expecting to win is about our limit over the course of the season, as our offense struggles to score, so it was dire at halftime. The third quarter had several ‘in and out’ shots from us and it was an offensive struggle with LTMS scoring a free throw as the only scoring of the quarter. LTMS 7, Clark 14.
Taylor was far more offensively aggressive in the 4Q. I believe early in the quarter she hit a jumper from near the free throw elbow, and then the next possession she got fouled on a shot and went to the free throw line and swished both free throws to get us within 3 points. I believe with under 2 minutes left she found herself open at the top of the key and banked in a 3 pointer to tie the game!! It was so exciting to ‘have a chance’. Clark ended up getting fouled on the next possession and made both free throws for their only points in the second half. Taylor came down and shot the ball to tie the game, but it rimmed out, and we got the rebound and scored to tie the game. We played strong defense and ended up going to overtime.
After a few back/forth exchanges without scoring, Clark was trying to apply a lot of pressure to Taylor, but she used a screen on the right side of the court and drive past her defender on the baseline and swished the go-ahead basket with about a minute left in overtime! We held them scoreless and got a put back to go up 20-16 and we held on for the improbable victory! The girls went crazy and I believe it was our first league win in about 3 years. What a finish! Taylor had 11 of the 20 points.
A mom from Clear Creek/MTMS (Lauren Payne’s mom) commented how super impressed she was with Taylor’s attitude and effort playing with so many girls that haven’t ever played before. That she’s so encouraging and helpful and positive. I will say Taylor’s attitude was much better than her parents in the stands 😉 – what a way to finish the season.
****Erin’s FB post
Middle school basketball is a wrap. So proud of the way these girls have worked all season to get better. They were down 6-14 at half to a team that already beat them twice and came back with a big 20-16 overtime win. Taylor hit a huge 3 to tie late in the 4th and scored in overtime to take the lead. Way to go LT Panthers!
This Is Us
In my 5th grade Social Studies class, Mrs. Mueller decided to immerse the class into understanding the American political process as a class project. She divided our class into two groups that she labeled ‘Conservatives’ and ‘Liberals’, and I’m convinced none of us knew the meaning behind either label. Upon first glance, I instantly found myself excited for the classmates and friends in my group, including my very best friend, Colton Walle. Each group was instructed to work within the ’party’ to identify a presidential nominee, and I was selected to represent the party. Mrs. Mueller then said that the nominee was to name a running mate for the upcoming mock election that would encompass the entire 5th grade. The conservatives identified Georgie Porter as the nominee and he chose Jes Condray to join him. I remember having very little time to make a decision among the approximately 12 people in my party, and it was a no-brained to choose Colton…however, at the last minute I changed my mind and selected Erin Willoughby, in hopes of securing the female votes in the election.
That decision paid off, as I remember the victory as 59-3 in our favor. The very next recess, I remember riding the political high from the secured victory and I approached my vice presidential running mate with a wave of nerves near the basketball court, and I ultimately asked her ‘Will you go with me?” This was a significant moment in my life. THE FIRST TIME I built up courage to ask a girl in person! Until this moment, the practice I was most comfortable with was passing notes/circling yes-no….But I had done it. Asked the question. Only to realize that I didn’t get an answer as quickly as I was expecting. The delay seemed to be an eternity, but realizing the weight of what I had just done, I saved myself AND Erin by saying ‘Don’t worry about it’, retracting my offer before the inevitable rejection that would have followed.
Just 4 years later, as my family was moving from Brentwood, Tennessee to Brenton, Alabama, my parents — presumably due to a level of guilt for moving our family once more — allowed Ty and I to attend the last 6 weeks of school in Minneapolis, Kansas, and live with my grandparents Ken and Darda. It did not take me long to reconnect with Colton, and I remember specifically asking him what the girl landscape was at the high school. He told me he knew one girl liked me, but I was more interested in Erin.
We spent some time together in groups of friends, including several ping-pong matches with Jes Condray and Angie Rupert. But I do remember one occasion where several of us played some version of hide and seek on the golf course at dark. My crush continued. It took 5 years later for the story to continue.
In November of 1996 my roommate, Corey, told me someone left a message. He said ‘Aaron called’. That’s how I heard it anyway. When I saw he had listed a 913 area code, I knew…Erin! I called her back and we spent some time catching up, and I learned that Erin asked my grandma, Darda, how I was doing and grandma told her to call me and find out, giving her my number. Erin and I exchanged e-mail addresses and continued to stay in touch over the next few months. In March, I decided it was time to “visit my grandma” back in Kansas over spring break instead of all my other options afforded me.
Erin turned down an opportunity to go to Colorado that week
**drove/stopped in Manhattan, went out to eat….assume I stayed with Colton??
**Only saw each other essentially 2-3 days of the week. Also suffered worst loss in KU history (to Arizona) https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/boxscores/1997-03-21-arizona.html
The night before I left back to Bama / first kiss —
Neither of us address whether or not we were dating, but definitely continued to deepen our friendship as I was grateful to establish an opportunity to work for my uncle Mike in Salina later that summer.
**after the summer, went back to work again in Salina during the 6 week break I had between Thanksgiving and New Years. That’s probably the time we both knew.
For Spring Break in 1998, I flew Erin down and picked her up in Atlanta, and we ??drove to Troy briefly? and then to Brewton. The next day (Saturday, March 21, 1998) we drove to Ft. Walton/Destin Florida. I lead Erin towards a walk on the beach as sunset approached, on Ft. Walton Public Beach Access #5…the scenery was beautiful. We walked along the beach holding hands through the refreshing gulf breeze, watching seagulls pass by.
I cannot remember the words I began to ramble, but the spirit of what I told Erin is that she had injected supreme joy in my life over the previous year, and that I had never been happier. My best friend, and someone I was ready to spend the rest of my life with. At that point I got down with one knee in the sand, opened a jewelry case exposing a diamond ring, and said “Erin Willoughby, will you marry me?”
It was a complete surprise to Erin, and she froze in shock. I had spent the past 3 months thinking about and preparing for this moment, and she was absorbing it all in about 10 seconds of being speechless. Surely, as I was waiting, many of those same feelings as a 5th grader afraid of rejection came flowing back to consciousness. But there was no retraction this time, the wait felt like an eternity. Erin collected herself and said ‘Yes’ and we hugged and kissed in joy. Erin was awestruck processing the situation as two 20 year olds committed the rest of their lives to one another. For the next several hours I remember Erin staring at her ring in shock. We went out to eat at a steakhouse nearby to celebrate, but couldn’t even purchase a drink!
Earlier that week, I called Randy and Linda to let them know my intentions of asking Erin to marry me. I know I worked myself up over this in anticipation of speaking to them because it felt like it was on the very early side of possibilities, and mostly impossibility, at that point in our relationship. I remember I started with everyday chit chat, which was certainly odd over the phone while I was at school, and then worked myself into several compliments about Erin. When I finally spit it out that I had planned to ask Erin to marry me, Randy’s first comment was “Well, we’ve been expecting this for a while now.” That totally shocked me!
I was certainly excited about what was in store for us next. This was March, 1998, and I remember making a push to get married in August. In my mind I was already prepared to transfer to whatever city Erin would be attending Occupational Therapy School (Wichita or Kansas City). After I was awakened to all of the planning to be done, June 12, 1999, sure sounded like a strong date.
Of course I had already registered for Troy State Spring Quarter classes with an intent on transferring, so I had the scholarship minimum 12 hours of classes — one of them a repeat of a C I planned to bring up to an A, and an easy Art class. I met with my counselor before the add/drop class date and realized that instead of transferring at the end of my sophomore year, I could load up and tackle the remaining classes I needed to graduate just 8 months later. He approved my taking 20 hours in the spring, 20 hours in the summer, and 22 hours in the fall of 1998. I graduated before Thanksgiving, and had a job lined up at the US District Court in Kansas City, Kansas, as a Systems Engineer ($32,000).
**never charged my phone bill until 2 weeks left/etc
