Never Give Up, Always Move Forward

Never Give Up, Always Move Forward

Friday, February 25, 2011

Mattawan Alum Brings Hope For The Families Of Three Missing Women From 1992

A nearly 18-year-old mystery may be put to rest soon with the help of a vision from Mattawan's Ken Young. Stacy McCall and Suzie Streeter graduated from Kickapoo High School June 6, 1992. At the time, Stacy was 18 and Suzie just 19-years of age. Apparently, they planned to celebrate graduation with friends; however, the next morning, the girls (along with their mother, Sherrill Levitt) had vanished. A full investigation ensued and the three were never found, leaving the case classified as an "unsolved mystery."

If you went to Mattawan Schools in the 1980's, you will undoubtedly remember Michelle Bowman. Michelle was killed in an unfortunate accident while waiting for the bus to go to school one foggy morning. A rememberance of Michelle can still be found in the halls of Mattawan High School to this date. Ken Young decided, on April 10, 1986, while on leave from the Army, to visit Michelle's grave. He didn't have access to a car and decided to walk the round trip to Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park in Kalamazoo. Ken told me "It was a perfect day and my walk took me past the area where she used to live." He also told me "When I did this, I honored her grave and this opened some doors. One of them was my vision with Stacy McCall on November 15th, 1998. Without Michelle, my vision with Stacy never takes place."

In Ken's vision with Stacy McCall "everything that she has shown me has either come true or is in the process of coming true. It took time to understand the vision. In April 2002, I figured it out. If I interpreted the vision correctly, the women were buried at Cox Hospital South in Springfield, MO. I wrote the Springfield Police Department in 2002 and again in 2004 telling them that I believed the women were buried there based on my vision with Stacy McCall."

Ken met reporter Kathee Baird in February of 2006 and shared his story with her as well. Kathee is a crime reporter with a blog she maintains and has the story on her website as well. During this time they worked together to sort out Ken's vision and the facts of the case, they received an offer by a man named Tim Gray. He claimed that he had a prototype GPR type of technology that could find human remains. Ken and Kathy took a chance and made arrangments for tim to come to Springfield to do some scans. He was to arrive in Springfield on April 17th. A week earlier, on April 10th, 2006, Ken visited Michelle's grave. He had not been there in 20-years. Kathee and Ken talked on their cell phones for several minutes during his visit to Michelle's grave. A week later, Tim Gray's instruments detected three anomalies at the Cox Hospital South Parking Garage. Unfortunately, this was not documented on video at the time.

A couple of months later, reporter Kathee Baird contacted Rick Norland to come down and do another GPR scan and this time, to have the event videotaped. He confirmed that the results were consistent with three graves. The video link is on You Tube with several other related videos on the disappearance of the three women from Kansas City, MO.

Despite the evidence consistent with anomalies under the parking structure, the police went on air and stated there would be no further investigation (February 2007). This past summer, Springfield, MO got another Police Chief, Paul Williams who has re-opened the case with new interest. Currently, Williams is considering bringing in national cold case investigators to bring peace to a family in Missouri who has had no answers to the whereabouts of these three women in the past 18-years.

The case of the "Three Missing Women" will be featured on an upcoming television program "Disappeared" on March 7th on the Investigation Discovery Channel.

If you, or anyone you know has any information on the disappearance of these three women please contact CRIMESTOPPERS at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

While this story may not be about Ken Young, if his vision of Stacy McCall while paying respects at former classmate, Michelle Bowman's gravesite is correct, I think it certainly lends itself to the fact that everything really does happen for a reason and also opens up a few more questions in life. I guess you have to ask yourself if you believe in destiny or if people just get lucky?

LINKS:
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/02/19/2668202/springfields-new-police-chief.html

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Just When The Caterpillar Thought Her Life Was Over, She Became A Butterfly

This is a recurring problem for me....there are days when it seems no matter what I do or how hard I try or work I always fall just a little short of my own expectations. Coming in "fourth place" in my own life may not sound so bad, but it's hard for me to swallow.

I know, it sounds like my own pity party or self-sabotage in a way. Sometimes I give up too easy or end up being a little too hard on myself, but here's the little mantra going on in my head on those days.. "no matter what I do, the house isn't clean enough, I always forget to pay that one bill, spend a little too much on the grocery shopping, don't cook enough of the right food, never caught up on laundry, bathrooms."

The list goes on because I also worry I'm not reading enough to my kids or don't love them enough and will screw them up beyond repair. I worry that they are in too many activities or not enough, that they don't play outside enough or have enough down time. I worry that I'm too lenient or too hard on them.

Sometimes, I beat myself up because I work too much, spend too much time reading on the computer, don't eat enough or eat too much, don't exercise enough. I try to be a good friend but I worry that I don't say the right thing, remember important dates or that I'm not a good enough listener, talk too much or not enough.

Then, there's the personal "not good enough", you know, the little inventory we do on ourselves thinking my hair is out of style, my boobs are too small, my butt is too big, I have more freckles than I used to and I'm just a little fashion clumsy.

Clearly, if that's not enough, there are even days when I hate myself because even though I'm trying so hard to become someone different, someone healthy and someone authentic and whole, I seem to fall short of even that.

So, then, I read this little quote..."Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she became a butterfly." And I thought to myself, maybe those are the days we are actually growing and changing into the "butterfly" or, rather, our true authentic selves. I think every woman has a day or two where she can't see the true beauty of who she is and, in general, we tend to be very hard on ourselves. After all, we're not supposed to be perfect and learning to accept yourself with all your strengths and weaknesses creates a feeling of peace within.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Everything Happens For A Reason: V-Day Approaches...Valentine's Day

Everything Happens For A Reason: V-Day Approaches...Valentine's Day: "If you're like me, we'll probably bump into one another at Walmart buying a box or two of Valentine's cards for school.  I'm lucky enou..."

V-Day Approaches...Valentine's Day

If you're like me, we'll probably bump into one another at Walmart buying a box or two of Valentine's cards for school.  I'm lucky enough to still have an eight year old in the second grade who truly loves to decorate cards for her teacher, friends, classmates...and me!  I'm also completely sold and participating in the chocolate part of this holiday - after all, chocolate is my personal "Prozac", if a little bit makes me feel better, then a whole lot is going to make me feel fabulous, right?  Forget about the calories, I'm just going to over-indulge in my favorite holiday.

Surrounding Valentine's Day are a few other holidays we can slip in as well which benefit me personally, such as today, Friday, February 11th which is National Hug A Tall Person Day.  Yes, I am tall at 5-feet 10 1/2 inches or so without shoes, I'm all legs and this is the one day I can celebrate that instead of being frustrated in trying on pants that are way too short.  So, if you run into me at school, the grocery store, etc., I'm lovin the hugs today.

I was reading David Mott's "Single Dad blog" which I stumbled upon in "stumble upon".  I like his writing because he cuts right into the meat of real life.  He was sent a website to review for the February 13th Holiday "Love Your Mistress Day".  I laughed so hard when I read his review.  He couldn't support the site, but he did find immense humor in it and I recommend you read it just for the humor.  In short, it's a website that hooks up women with a "sugar daddy" and they have classifieds that detail what or whom, rather, they are looking for.. (i.e., single mom looking for help paying the rent, seeks sugar daddy).
Here's the link below, click on it for a few laughs and a good read:

Single Parent Dating, Raising Children, Parenting Teens - Dad's House Blog

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my friends and loved ones. Hugs to all you tall people today. Don't forget, the most precious and priceless gift of all is love, patience, tolerance and forgiveness = unconditional love.

Peace

Monday, February 7, 2011

Everything Happens For A Reason: A Courageous Spirit

Everything Happens For A Reason: A Courageous Spirit: "Let's face it, life is complicated, but if we take just a moment to examine our lives and consider all of the tough situations we have been ..."

A Courageous Spirit

Let's face it, life is complicated, but if we take just a moment to examine our lives and consider all of the tough situations we have been through...well, you're here today reading this so that makes you a survivor!  Sometimes, I wonder who it is I really am and where I belong.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like this at one time or another and, yes, at times I feel a little envious when I read about people who go on some fantastic spiritual pilgrimage to get in touch with their spiritual self.  I think these feelings are good, they remind me that there is something else I am meant to do, like I am not yet whole.

Each of us battles our own feelings at one time or another of low self-esteem, worthlessness or insignificance and it's time to change that.  Remember, those times when you feel "blue" are fleeting and you have to remind yourself of these few words... "this, too, shall pass.."

In the meantime, getting in touch with some basics of our human consciousness might help spark a little fuel for the "soul".    There are three basic parts of our "consciousness" emotions that govern our instincts which, on a daily basis, we are so busy, we probably don't recognize it.  

Take for instance, a young child, if you watch a younger child you see they "live in the moment".  Their priorities are much different than an adult's (of course).  However, remembering to get in touch with your inner child reminds us of the most basic level of consciousness where the "flight or fight" reflex exists or where you store your will to survive.  So, this is your "basic self" or your subconscious instincts/intuition.

Then, there's the conscious self, the center of logic and reason which, of course, we need to survive.   The key is to getting our conscious self and our subconscious self to work together a little more harmoniously.  In this way, we become more open to change while still maintaining our creativity.

The higher self is a radiant aspect of our consciousness.  This is where our "true voice" resides that taps into our ultimate spiritual self.  The "higher self" is always with us, you just have to learn to hear that little voice in your head that most of us have spent a lifetime tuning out from childhood.  The higher self is fully aware, full of selfless courage, wisdom and love.  Not enough people are aware of our higher selves and those who are may not be in touch with the other parts of their conscious and subconscious...getting all three to work together helps us to exist with powerful leverage attaining greater awareness and inspiration in our lives that we are all a part of.

Remember, the knowledge that you have a plan for your life and that you are working toward achieving something meaningful is the easiest way to feel good about yourself and about your life.  Eliminate obstacles in your way or personal insecurities that put you in a "victim" mentality in life which ultimately robs you of the pleasure of achieving your goals. 

If you don't have a plan for your own life, you're going to be a part of someone else's life.  So, your challenge for this week is...what can I do today or this week to make my life better?

Let me know, I'll share in your achievements!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Everything Happens For A Reason: The "Heart" Of A Woman

Everything Happens For A Reason: The "Heart" Of A Woman: "This past Friday was the American Heart Association's 'Go Red For Women' campaign in support of healthy hearts and prevention of heart disea..."

The "Heart" Of A Woman

This past Friday was the American Heart Association's "Go Red For Women" campaign in support of healthy hearts and prevention of heart disease and stroke.   http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx.   This is a great time to take inventory of not only our heart health, but the fact that our "hearts" are a very integral part of what a woman is.   Here is a message that was sent to me some time ago, but I think it really captures a woman's "heart"

Women have strengths that amaze men
They bear hardships and carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous
They fight for what they believe in
They stand up to injustice
They don't take "no" for an answer, when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have
They go to the doctor with a child or a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when friends get an award.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet are strong when they know there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors
They will drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show just how much they care aabout you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

However, if they have one flaw..it is that a woman forgets her own worth.

February is a great month to start thinking about prevention of heart disease and stroke, eating a healthy diet, exercising and watching our vital signs.  As women, we need to take time to take care of our own health which is not an easy thing when we are juggling busy work schedules, our children's soccer and piano practice, snow days, caring for our aging parents, it's hard to squeeze this in, but I don't need to tell you that, you already know it.

A woman's heart is far more than the clinical pathophysiology, her heart is who she is and everyone she touches, every day, knows that.  So, taking care of our "hearts", feeling good about who we are, valuing ourselves is also just as important.  Each day presents a new opportunity for you to create a better life and achieve your heart's desires.  What one thing do you do  daily to feel good about yourself?  What actions do you take to change your life for the better?  Today, you have a fresh chance to take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Be nice to yourself and replace your "self-talk" with positive statements.  Love what you see in the mirror.   Instead of focusing on the "imperfections" focus on your best features.  Support other women because when you support women, you are supporting yourself.   When we stop worrying about being "perfect", following our passions and being true to ourselves we become more in touch with the authenticity of our genuine strengths that make us the nuturing caretakers we are, every day.