My 40 Year Dash

Our family life blossomed with even more kids, as well as a move to a house steeped in local history. Amidst a thriving business and deep community ties, the beautiful chaos of a big family unfolded. Rooted in our hometown, we embraced the messy, wonderful journey of raising our children. Our story became, and continues to be, deeply interwoven with the spirit of our hometown, a testament to the enduring power of family, friendship, and the unique charm of life here in Ames.

The exhilarating launch of my agency screeched to a halt with a stunning lawsuit from my former employer. Suddenly, building my dream became a desperate fight for survival. The weight of the legal battle threatened to crush my fledgling business before it even took flight.

Escaping the confines of my old agency, keeping my clients became a fierce priority, with an unexpected ally stepping in to help. The thrill of setting up my own office was soon eclipsed by a surprising partnership offer – a chance to build something bigger, together. Choosing collaboration over independence felt like a risk, but the potential for growth and shared success was too powerful to ignore. It was a bold move, a decisive step towards a future brimming with possibility.

Family and entrepreneurial urges led me to launch my own insurance agency. A dead-end at my current job, marked by broken promises and a non-compete, forced my hand. Encouraged by industry support, I took the exhilarating leap into entrepreneurship. It was a high-stakes bet on myself and a declaration of independence. The adventure began.

Leaving the demanding call center, I sought a local career in Ames, unexpectedly finding it in insurance. But the familiar pull of ministry tugged at my heart, creating a crossroads. A powerful conversation with a mentor illuminated a surprising truth: my drive to serve could thrive just as brightly in the business world. This revelation sparked a decisive career shift, fueled by a newfound purpose to impact my community in unexpected ways. It was a choice not just of profession, but of a deeply meaningful path.

Trading the call center for a local insurance gig felt like a fresh start, but a sudden loss brought an unexpected sorrow. Amidst the grief, the news of our second child sparked hope. And as a critical career challenge loomed, our newest addition's dramatic entry into the world became a powerful turning point, intertwining professional survival with the intensely personal and transformative journey of a growing family. It was a season of profound loss and the fierce, undeniable pull of new life.

The chaotic joy of new parenthood collided with career shifts and a move, all while a crazy side hustle fueled a dream anniversary trip - a hilarious disaster culminating in the most bizarre and unforgettable discovery in a Chicago alley. It wasn't the anniversary we envisioned, but the shared absurdity forged an unbreakable bond, proving that lasting memories are often the ones you never plan for.

The anticipation of our first child brought a whirlwind of changes: a new, quirky home and a spirited beagle puppy joined our lives. But the true adventure began with the exhausting joy of our daughter's birth. Those early days, a chaotic symphony of love and sleeplessness, were made even funnier by our beagle's utterly perplexed reaction to this tiny, loud human. It was the wonderfully messy opening chapter of our family's story.

The first months of marriage were a rollercoaster of canceled dreams and career hurdles, yet a vibrant community rallied around us. As I unexpectedly climbed the career ladder, life delivered another twist: the joyous news of our impending parenthood. It was a powerful collision of professional ambition and the deeply personal, life-altering journey of starting a family, all interwoven with the strength of unexpected friendships.

A new career launched alongside the exhilarating countdown to "I do." The wedding day itself was a whirlwind of joy, the perfect prelude to the quiet excitement of creating a home together. With dreams of the future dancing in our heads, every moment felt charged with the thrilling energy of a brand new, shared adventure.

Love inspired a leap of faith, trading my fulfilling role with teens for a stable career and a surprise proposal hundreds of miles away. Her "yes" in Denver was the exhilarating turning point, a clear end to one meaningful chapter and the exciting start of another. Witnessing a former athlete's final high school race became a deeply emotional goodbye to that impactful era, as I embraced a future anchored in love and a brand-new professional path. It was a bittersweet but undeniably motivating transition.

A life-changing trip overseas unexpectedly forged a powerful bond with someone waiting back home. The distance amplified a connection into undeniable love, leading to a swift and exciting new chapter upon my return. Finding a place to call our own became the first step on a path neither of us could have predicted, a testament to a connection that transcended miles.

A boring class held an electrifying surprise. An unexpected connection sparked, defying my usual guarded approach to relationships. Deep conversations hinted at a shared future, and meeting my family felt like the start of something significant. Even with distance on the horizon, a powerful bond had formed, promising a story far more riveting than any classroom lecture.

My twenties unexpectedly became a proving ground, not just for coaching church sports but for navigating the messy terrain of early adulthood. Community connections deepened, but romantic pursuits often led to comical missteps. Balancing these romantic fumbles with the demands of college and youth work created a uniquely relatable, and often humorous, journey of finding my way.

Pat wasn't just a mentor; he was a constant in my life's narrative. As he embarked on a new chapter, I found myself navigating unexpected turns – from the intensity of coaching to the chaotic world of band management. Though his absence left a void, the unexpected friendships and opportunities that arose painted a picture of growth and change, all anchored by the unwavering support of my dad. It was a reminder that even as one powerful influence departs, new ones can emerge in surprising ways.

My entry into coaching wasn't about the wins; it was about the connections. Alongside a coach with a champion pedigree, I mentored a group of ragtag runners, finding sparks of potential and unexpected friendships. But my post-college life took another surprising turn when I became the unlikely manager for a band of college musicians. It was a chaotic, inspiring mix of youthful energy and the unexpected harmony of different worlds colliding.

College took a backseat when I discovered a powerful calling: leading youth. Suddenly, I was more coach than student, more mentor than classmate. This unexpected path, filled with laughter, challenges, and the raw energy of teenagers, ignited a passion I never knew I had. It wasn't the college experience I imagined, but it was undeniably where I was meant to be.

My new journey began with a simple poster board and a desire to connect. Despite being just seventeen, I found that enthusiasm was contagious. Surprisingly, I also found myself with a part in the youth group band! Balancing this new adventure with moving into a house near campus and starting college created a whirlwind of new experiences. While navigating classes and a part-time job, I discovered the surprising reality that sometimes, the most impactful journeys start with the most unexpected roles.

The end of senior year track was a whirlwind, balancing final races with graduation and future plans. But as the track shoes came off, and the promise of summer began, a surprising conversation sparked a completely new direction. The finish line of one race became the starting line of another.

The state cross country meet wasn't just a race; it was the culmination of years of training and a final chance to leave it all on the line. The pre-dawn breakfast and the long drive buzzed with nervous energy. The race was a blur of effort, the roar of the crowd a physical presence, as I pushed through the pain, driven by the desire to make my last high school race count. The day was a mix of personal accomplishment and team pride, a fitting close to my high school cross country career.

Senior year cross country was intense, marked by a strong rivalry that pushed me. A surprising win boosted my confidence and an unexpected dance invite, from a future track star, added another memorable element to the season. Now, with the team united and the state meet looming, the season felt like it was building towards something truly significant.

Despite a frustrating series of finishes in cross country, my social life was taking an unexpected and fun turn. New and unforeseen experiences at Homecoming were in store. Balancing this with cross country made for an interesting start to the season. ... and this is only "part 1"!

The cross country season roared to life, fueled by a summer of intense training. Each race felt like a battle for the top spot. Would victory remain just out of reach? A surprising invitation to another school's homecoming dance added an unexpected layer to the already intense season. The burning desire to finally break through and claim first place only intensified with each meet.

Track camp at ISU felt surreal, being so close to home yet living in a dorm. The heat was relentless, and the competition was immediate. A surprising rivalry emerged, pushing me in unexpected ways. Beyond the grueling runs, a brief, chance meeting with another athlete made the intense week worthwhile.

The end of the track season brought a mix of farewells and anticipation for the future. Some teammates were moving on, while others, like me, were looking ahead to the next running goals. Our new coach had a different approach to summer training to build endurance. A memorable conversation with that coach that summer really shifted my perspective on my running potential. Between training, working more hours, and other jobs, it was a busy summer.

State track meets were a big deal, a chance to see everyone compete. I enjoyed watching my teammates after my own races. One teammate had a stunning performance in the high jump, and another had a thrilling anchor leg in a relay, with an exciting end to the meet.

Junior year track was defined by a demanding new coach and early morning runs. The season became focused on big competitions like Drake Relays, where my teammate and I both did well. The state meet was a tough but rewarding end to the year. It was a year of pushing limits and achieving some key successes.

Summer after freshman year was busy with work and the excitement of getting my driver's license. Having more freedom and spending time with older friends became a big part of my life. While I continued with cross country, my priorities were starting to shift with all the new experiences.

Working at Hy-Vee provided a steady routine and a sense of belonging. I enjoyed my coworkers and felt supported by the managers. During track and cross country seasons, the store became a familiar and encouraging place. Then, the return of a talented teammate sparked a new level of motivation and competition in my running.

High school cross country started before classes even began, with tough practices and weekend runs. The season was challenging, but I had some surprising races. That fall also brought my first job, juggling work, sports, and church, which made for a packed schedule and relying on rides from friends. It was a busy introduction to high school life.

My first high school track practices were intense, a real step up from anything I'd done before. The training was demanding, and the weather didn't always cooperate. We pushed through some truly brutal workouts. Despite the initial shock, I found myself improving and competing in meets. That first season was a challenge, but it also showed me a new side of my athletic abilities and where my focus might be heading.

The first year of high school involved the usual routines and first encounters. An unexpected connection led to meeting some older students, including a talented athlete. And a casual invitation opened the door to a new activity, a departure from previous plans. As the seasons changed, I found myself drawn in a new direction, towards a different kind of challenge.

Freshman year brought the excitement of high school football, but an unexpected event off the field led to a sudden change of plans. While my time on the team was cut short, that same period brought a different kind of meaningful experience outside of athletics. 

My youth group trip to Myrtle Beach that summer was a wild ride. We had some hilarious adventures, tried some new things that didn't quite go as planned, and definitely made memories that still make me laugh. It was a time of connecting with people and experiencing things that were totally outside my usual Ames bubble. That trip, with all its ups and downs, definitely left its mark.

Entering public school after years of homeschooling came with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, especially given Mom's warnings. Navigating the social dynamics of middle school, from forming unexpected friendships to surviving awkward first crushes, was an adventure in itself. But amidst the typical teenage chaos, a surprising passion for running emerged, sparked by a record board and an encouraging coach. In this chapter I explore the challenges of fitting in and the unexpected discovery of a hidden talent.

Elementary school was a unique experience, marked by video lessons and a lively cast of imaginary friends. But as the years progressed, the transition to traditional schooling brought new adventures, from awkward encounters in a Baptist school to the surprising thrill of middle school football and the camaraderie of AAU basketball. This marked the beginning of experiencing challenges and triumphs of navigating new social landscapes and discovering unexpected passions.

A childhood trip to see Grandpa, and the discovery of cable TV, unlocked a world of baseball and a pivotal World Series. Back home in Ames, this newfound passion blossomed into adventures and dreams of athletic glory, even if those dreams were accompanied by some hilariously misguided prayers. This is a glimpse into the early innings of my sports-centered life.

Beyond the quirky routines of childhood, a significant part of growing up involved navigating the world of friendships. From a larger-than-life best friend who loved front-yard football to a group that shared first crushes and even a foray into the world of pretend radio, these early connections were formative. But as often happens, paths diverged, sometimes with poignant and lasting impact. This is a peek into the bonds of childhood and the ways they shape who we become.

My first job was delivering newspapers, which came with its own set of adventures – from neighborhood bullies to early morning routes. One particularly strange encounter on my delivery route led to a change of scenery and a challenge on another route tested my problem-solving skills. These early work experiences provided an early education in the unpredictable world of work.

Growing up, life was a unique adventure, from navigating our address-less home using a sticky note code to my early entrepreneurial ventures fueled by a $15 monthly "eating out" budget. Simple pleasures, like watching movies with Grandma Patey, were deeply cherished. My childhood was also shaped by farm work, where a near-fatal accident led to a significant shift in my path. These early experiences, both ordinary and extraordinary, laid the foundation for who I would become.

My early years were a mix of farm life, family adventures, and a growing awareness of the world around me. From helping with sheep to near-misses on the farm, life was never dull. A significant moment marked a turning point in my spiritual journey. Then, a move back to Ames brought new friends and memorable experiences, including a hilariously misspoken introduction that's stuck with me. These formative years shaped my perspective and created lasting memories.

My family's roots in Iowa are deep, built on hard work and a shared faith. My grandpa's relentless effort to transform a rocky farm into fertile land paved the way for his children's futures. My parents met through a campus Christian group, their shared beliefs shaping their lives and ultimately mine. From those early connections and a strong sense of community, my own story began in Ames, a place where faith and family have always been intertwined.