A Letter of Remembrance

I remember walking into the home in Lynch, filled with laughter and the sweet smell of burning logs.

I remember making soup with Grandma and Maryann. Chili, chicken noodle, and oyster (yuck).

I remember when Gene would get out his tap measure and Kenny would call us Gretchen. All we had to do was run to grandma and that was done. For that time at least.

I remember being out of bread. We’d run to Randy’s Market. You were lucky if you got to come.  Unlock the door, grab what you need, a sucker or candybar, and back home to finish lunch before the men came back from checking cattle.

I remember Lemon Meringue Pie. Dad always tried to claim the whole thing. He doesn’t even let my mom make it cause ‘Grandma’s is the best”

I remember Christmas. There was nothing better than Christmas Eve at Grandma’s. EVERYONE was TOGETHER. Aunts, Uncles, Grandkids, Great-Great Kids, Cousins, Everyone. Together as one family.

I remember getting pink slippers for one of those Christmases. Grandma yelled at me, if you wear those outside, I’m going to take them back.

I remember when Steve got Spot. That pup was not coming in Grandma’s house. And she meant it.

I remember the anniversary. Living on Love, buying on time & If You’re Happy and You Know it (clap clap)

I remember Grandma throwing a newspaper at grandpa when he couldn’t hear her cause he turned his hearing aid off. On purpose.

I remember Grandma starting to forget stuff.

I remember hearing about how Grandma had driven to David City in the night. 3 AM and she had been pulled over in that little grey car.

I remember when Grandma and Grandpa moved to O’Neill. Grandpa was sick and Grandma couldn’t remember much anymore. At least I got to see them more.

I remember Grandpa’s funeral. As Grandma was presented the United States Flag, she questioned, “Where’s Gene?”

I remember visiting Grandma at Diane’s house. Holding those hands that had caressed me when I was younger.  When she looked up at me and gave me the slightest smile, I knew she at least was familiar with me.

I remember just 3 weeks ago, I was on the way to watch an indoor track meet when my mom called me saying Grandma had started to get worse.  I couldn’t not go. We got to North Platte late the next Friday.

I remember how hard it was. Sunken eyes, exhausted face. I once again held her hands. Read her a farm book. Teri said the cow and horse page was her favorite. I wasn’t surprised, she was a rancher’s wife. Every now and again, she would wince in pain. I wasn’t prepared to see someone so strong in so much pain. I don’t know how anyone could be prepared for that. It was hard. It was really hard.

I remember Grandma sleeping most of that weekend. I was just thankful to be there. I loved when her strong hands held my ever so weak ones so tight.

I remember the humbling feeling of feeding Grandma the morning I left. That was the most she was awake the whole time I was there.  Grandma was allowing me to care for her physically. She had cared for me not only physically, but also mentally for so many years. That’s just who Grandma was. She was that way for everyone. I don’t think I ever heard Grandma speak badly about anyone. What was best about Grandma though, she was on her time. She wasn’t going to take anyone’s raft.  She was a God-loving, family oriented, tender, caring, wife, mother, and grandma.  

I am so thankful to have had this amazing woman in my life. I keep this picture in my bible as a reminder of what a God-centered relationship looks like. A few weeks ago, some friends and I were on urban dictionary. I looked up Lechtenberg and this is what came up.

Of German discent meaning fun-loving, elite, charitable, and talented in all aspects of life. Simply flawless. Large family with big hearts.

Is it possible for me to buy tickets to a Lechtenberg family function?

If a nuclear bomb exploded, the only thing that would be left would be rats, cockroaches, and Lechtenbergs.

I am proud to be a Lechtenberg. The legacy Grandma and Grandpa left is a beautiful one that I only hope I will someday be able to live up to. I will miss you, Grandma.

Grandma was the definition of 

LIVE & LOVE

I Run for Mia: Calling ALL Runners!

Good evening everyone!! I don't know about you, but I am worn out from so much holiday bliss! I love it though! With so many life changes coming about, I have been trying to figure out what I am going to do with next semester. I have been working on developing goals and what I will be doing with myself. I've been applying for jobs, planning a schedule, and thinking about my workout regimen. Yes I am, without a doubt, a planner. But that's okay; if it helps me achieve goals, it is worth it to me.

Thanks to a Facebook page called Prayers for Triston, I discovered a foundation called I Run For Michael.

whoirun4.com 

Check it out!

What this foundation does is match up a runner and a person with a disability. This runner then runs for their partner. There is quite the waiting list to be matched, so I joined in running for the "Unsung Heroes," siblings of those with disabilities. I've been a sibling of a brother with a disability for 20 years! It's may sound selfish, but I'll tell you, it's not easy. As I have grown up, I have seen and experienced things that happened to my brothers that definitely did not make sense. I've had to sacrifice and defend. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. That is why I chose to be matched with a sibling. They need encouragement just like their siblings and parents.

I was matched up with sweet Mia from New York just yesterday. I already am getting to know her and her mom, Dawn, and I feel this match up is just perfect. I cannot wait to see this sweet girl grow up and run mileage for her.

So why not?! If you run, I really encourage you to join! This is giving back. It takes hardly any effort and gives you the chance to develop a relationship that could last a lifetime. Literally, it only requires you to run and post a few times a week to your buddy! Feel free to ask me any questions!

With the recent "retirement" from collegiate running, I feel this is an amazing way to encourage me to continue to stay in shape. I've always ran, so why not have something to actually run for and not only myself or my teammates? This partnership will give me that, as well as allow me to build a relationship with Mia and her family! It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are. It's doesn't matter how far you run. It can be anything.

whoirun4.com
Here is the link to sign up to matched with a sibling as well! www.whoirun4.com/ir4-siblings-the-unsung-heroes/

So my next challenge?

Right now, I will continue to cross train for 5 weeks. Why five weeks? Because I plan to sign up for the Lincoln Half Marathon. What?!

I know, crazy. It's fine though. I want to join other alumni from my high school in running the race with my high school coach! You may be questioning my choice. I cannot stay healthy enough to compete in a mile race, how will I run 13.1 miles?! Well, after chatting with a great friend, here's my thought process.

Training for this huge feat will consist of pure mileage. Something I used to enjoy. Yes, I've had some enjoyable runs lately, but those are far and few in between. I've always tried to get faster because I had to in order to stay competitive.  This new lifestyle will help me to stay fit, ENJOY running, and run for Miss Mia. No pressure; something I haven't had in years! My workout plan revolves around easy runs, long runs, and a ton of cross training. I did not realize I could find plans that involve so much cross training, but I did and I think it will be a good option for me to complete this goal of running this 13.1 mile race!

Everyone always says running an incredible distance like this is life changing! So here's to being smart and staying injury free! I don't care how long it takes, but on May 3rd, 2015, I will cross that finish line at the Center of Memorial Field. I will do it for my running buddy Mia.

Live & Love--
-Tash

"If God will you to it, He will bring you through it."

Last night, Tricia and I made a trip to Norfolk. As we were walking through JC Penny's, I remembered that's where I got my encouragement ring. I lost my "courage" one, and I decided to look for a replacement. Turns out Tricia had a certificate that was about to expire which she wasn't going to use. I had found some rings, but many were much too large for me. Tricia picked out the ring above and bought it for me.

"If God will bring you to it..."

Coincidently, today during my whole shift, I was struggling to stand on my foot. I went to the chiropractor to see if it was just out of place. That happened during my freshman year and it put me in a boot. He said nothing was out of place and it happened to be in the most common place for runners to have foot stress fractures.

I don't see the point of really finding out if it is for sure a fracture. Honestly, I don't want to know. I'm going to hang out in my boot for a week or so or until it starts to feel better.

I feel like since I've come to college, my body hates me. *insert slight chuckle* Honestly though. Whether or not this really is an injury, I want to be able to chase my kids around some day (in the FAR future).

I am retiring from collegiate athletics for good.

I still plan to help out with what I can and of course be the loudest cheerer at all the meets, but I just won't be competing.  (Except indoor, I'll be competing with Northwestern to have a louder tunnel during the 4x4 :) )

I put the more pressure on myself than any other person puts on me, and I believe this decision is the best for all aspects of my life.

Who knows what I'm going to do with all this extra time on my hands! If you need an extra intramural player, hit me up. ;)

To my teammates, you're the best. I refuse to move from the track table, so you'll still have to deal with me. Not sorry. I cannot wait to watch you all and be there for you in a different capacity. We'll see what happens!

The other part of my ring,

"He will bring you through it."

God put me on this amazing adventure of running in college and it has been fun, but my time is over. Soooo-- who will be joining me at Zumba with Lisa next semester?

Hope the Christmas Season is treating you all well!

Live & Love,
Tash

Doing What Makes Me Happy

It's been crazy busy lately and I've fallen behind on my blogging. My life literally consists of writing lesson plans, reading pages upon pages of literature, and squeezing in naps when I can. This school year, yet again, proves to be a challenge. I'm starting my ridiculously long papers as well so it's about to get even worse. But it's fine! I've got this!

Cross country was going great and I was staying pretty healthy. Unfortunately, that wasn't the way it was supposed to be. After some intense hip flexer problems (at least not the shins so much), the season came to a close after Mount Marty. But I've learned such a valuable lesson this year, one I was well overdue for.

Over the last few seasons of running, I've drastically changed. It's been far from easy, but I feel a sense of relief. I have no idea how, but I've finally come to terms with it's time to give my body a rest.

I have decided not to compete the indoor season so my body, both physically and mentally, can heal. 

Last year, when I redshirted cross country, it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. This time, I am really happy with my decision. I honestly know it is what is best for me and the team.

After running over a minute and a half slower than the last time, my freshman year, I ran Mount Marty, you would think I would be disappointed with the race. No, completely opposite. That is the strongest I have felt running for probably close to a year. Mentally, I just kept pushing through. All I could think of was running this for Caitlin. This definitely pulled me through physically as well. Running for someone else, not for myself, or to 'win,' or to be the best, makes me realize how much advantage I have taken of life. Life is precious, why be upset over little things?

As I sit here at Caribou reflecting my life at this moment, I am at peace. I called my mom to get advice for a lesson. We talked about running and my future with it. She gave me some insight about how my sister, Ali, misses it and how she still uses it as stress relief. I told my mom she's right. Her reply, "I know you're not her, just do what makes you happy."

Thanks, Mom. I am. I am really happy right now. Right now it's time for a break from competing and regain a passion that has brought me so much happiness in the past. God has really b l e s s e d me and I cannot wait to see what he does with the extra time in my life.

In the mean time,
Live & Love

Difference Maker

Note from Tash: SUPER thanks to my classmates in my Teaching Writing course for all the positive comments about this blog. Seriously means the world to me!

So remember that one time I talked about my next post being about rainbows? Yes, well, I haven’t got back the feedback I need to post it. So, gonna hold that one off until I get that. If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out my last post! I really really need contributions from others to get this done! I’m really excited about the post and I will not give up on it! So I’ll just skip over it for now.

Baseball started at the beginning of June for my youngest brother Alex (if you didn’t know, I have three older sisters and three younger brothers). I love softball so getting to see him play tee ball is wonderful! Anyway, you can only imagine my happiness when he not only stopped a ball, but also hit a coach's pitch in his first game! But that is not what this post is about. This post is about how simplicity and innocence can teach such a lesson. My 2nd youngest brother, Gary, is SO stinking amazing. He never fails to impress me! Gary’s smile is so contagious; he just loves life. 

While we were at a game, two young girls were trying to talk to Gary. Here’s the catch, Gary is a non-verbal, wonderful 16 year-old who also has autism. They didn’t know- they didn’t care; all they saw was a kid sitting on the ground playing with an alphabet toy. These two girls were not going to give up on talking to him. Gary can be quite aggressive sometimes and he tried to grab the girls’ feet above him. I saw this and went over to them. I’m going to be honest, I really don’t know how to explain to people that Gary has autism without letting it define him, let alone explain it to some 8 year-olds! I just said, “Gary doesn’t talk; Gary likes to play with musical toys; Gary likes to play by himself.” This just made the girls want to talk to him more! When Gary wants you to know something, he will use simple sign language to tell you. Signing to me saying he wanted milk, the girls got even more curious! They asked all the words he knew how to sign.

With that, Gary and I went over words he knew in sign language. The girls thought it was the coolest thing.

Milk

Pig

Please

Thank you

This is why I want to be a teacher. I want to teach students with special needs, students with tough home lives, students who have no idea what they want to do in the future. I want to be the encouragement for these students who have had so many others give up on them. Not only that, but I want to encourage others to be passionate and loving toward all others despite differences they may have. We are all special in our own ways, we should be loved for that. 

I have seen others give up on Gary just because he doesn’t understand things the same way. I will admit, I have given up on him. I am not perfect either. I, however, recognize that. It forces me to want to do better. No student should ever be given up on. I love seeing people get better at things. While, yes, someday I would love to be a coach of cross country or track, I love seeing others get better at life skills. Over the years, I have seen Gary learn more words, learn more life skills, and grow into a young man. 

There is just something about the beauty of growth. Observable change over time. Sometimes we don't even get to observe it. I have heard so many stories from teachers about how years later they found out from a student about the impact they made on their life. It may not always be positive, but at least it means you did something. I know I have had teachers in the past that I have learned what not to do and others have been the biggest influences on what I want to do in my classroom.   

Each and every time I go to a practicum, I am reassured teaching is the right life for me. I don’t only teach the students, they teach me. I am their difference maker and they are mine. 

Difference Maker- NEEDTOBREATHE

No matter where in the world my teaching future takes me, I know I will be put there to 

Live & Love

When life gets ya..

So! This girl is super behind! I have THREE blog posts started but life just keeps getting me! Today is the day I move back to Sioux City so expect within the next, let's say, couple weeks to have some new posts up! Super excited! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and family time as it comes to a close! 

I need your help!

"We watch the clouds for fear of the storm when we should focus on the promise of the rainbow to come"

With that, for my next blog post, I'm asking you to send me pictures of rainbows! Since there have been tons being posting lately, I'm hoping that won't be a problem! Additionally, if you are comfortable, I would like you to send me a story when you have hit a rough spot and in the end, it was all okay! I would love to put this with my next blog post! You can message me them on here or email them to me at tjl005@morningside.edu. I appreciate any and all contributions I can get for my next post. Thanks!

If you would like to check out my blog it is www.tashajo12.blogspot.com