AM~Erica Just Wants an Independence Celebration

So anyway...


...is that so wrong?


This is a slightly edited version of a Facebook post I had about my thoughts on Independence Day in Independence:


I'm so super disappointed. It was Independence Day; I live in Independence; Independence does not a whole lot of Independence Day. It makes NO sense!! There's fireworks at the Mormon Center with some orchestrated music right before hand. TA-DA! That's it. No extra events. Nothing. I am so disappointed that there couldn't be a parade around the square with a Harry Truman impersonator. We have several local television anchors that hail from here that are used for emcees for other events...so why not a grand marshall? Why can't we have barbershop quartets & bands? The possibilities from this town are nearly endless & this community focuses on Labor Day weekend doing Santa Cali Gon Days...but C'MON!!

It's so sad that there was some trivia that came up on the news about Independence Day & July 4th. One of the facts thrown out there was that there are 14 cities with "Independence" in or as its name. Interesting, right. Well, it seems that Independence, MO is the famous one. I'd like to think it really has to do with the ties to Harry Truman, but I'm afraid that it might be because it was once the Meth Capitol of the World. I swear we have shed that title. But I am frustrated with this great community.


A lesser known community in Kansas, also called Independence, is a small town that takes great pride in it's name. Parades, fireworks, decorations...and they fully welcome visitors. I am in a city that thinks it's a small town, but only most accepting of anyone who is FROM here. Outsiders don't get to find out a whole lot & generally know about it afterward, unless you have REALLY good inside information.


I did find out there was at least a kids' parade SOMEWHERE in this city, but after the fact, of course. And I did find out that somewhere between 15-20 years ago, at least, there was major celebration here! There were gatherings at the Truman Library, the KC Symphony played with the fireworks...*sigh* How wonderful does that sound?


Is it too much to want a parade that's well advertised? In this city, it is believed you should only check the local paper for anything & everything. Yes, in a time when things are becoming multi & social media...it is looked down upon if you don't get & read the actual newspaper. So, I guess that's one reason we miss out on some stuff...but, once again...C'MON! 


Apparently the Independence Chamber of Commerce puts on Santa Cali Gon Days durning Labor Day weekend. That's great. But why doesn't the city step up & celebrate the city?


I love that we are here. I do love people here. I am not fond of the over-rooted culture. Citizens "from here" don't let go of much & won't let "newbies" (anyone who's DNA doesn't start here) in. 


I am all about traditions. I am also all about starting new ones, or even tweaking some. The point is making progress, but still holding on to where you started. It's OK to do so. 


So, my proposal of a day-long event, or chain of events, is to enrich the deep history of this great city, still give it a small town feel, but make it open for the whole KC metro area & beyond. Decorations, parades, good ol' Harry Truman himself, music, fireworks! There is so much that could happen around the square & many other places around town. Where is the pride? Where is the want to turn around the image that it already has?


There was about a week where Independence hit the news about every other story...and none of it was good. Any positive thing we saw happening was not being covered by the media. So guess what, Independence, MO? We don't have the best image around Kansas City OR the entire nation! They don't hang on to Harry's days here...they focus on the old meth lab busts & the awful crime & weirdness that happens. And having your events happen at the Mormon center doesn't really help, either.


So here is my plea: Take pride in this city, know it's a city, know there is rich history, celebrate the rich history in it's name. Why would you let a small town in Kansas with the same name get better & more positive coverage of their celebration on Independence Day than us?


~ Independence is proud of their city
~ Independence is proud of their schools
~ Independence is proud of the history
~ Independence is VERY proud of Harry Truman

(Harry Truman statue outside the Independence Courthouse on the square)

Show it!! Shout it!! Don't make it an insider deal. If it was originally a hub where people came thru to begin with, why would we shun that idea? Bring it back. More than just Santa Cali Gon.


I already have my soapbox for calling July 4th Independence Day, so why wouldn't I want a town I live in, which happens to be called Independence, to step up?


Wake up, Independence & get with the program. I'm happy we get to be here...are you all happy people keep coming in? It's hard to tell. 


Be the hub, be welcoming, be proud. BE THE CITY OF INDEPENDENCE! 


Stay tuned...


God Bless, AM~Erica

Dear Friends of AM~Erica (the hard post)

So anyway...

Many of you know that March was a very difficult month for our family. It still hurts from time-to-time. But, below, I am posting a version of what I posted on my FaceBook & MySpace pages recently about it:

"Hello to all of my friends.

I want to thank everyone who has shown concern for our family situation the last couple of weeks, as well as the prayers.In a tragic string of events that have come to light, Chris' 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, has made the decision to move back to Las Vegas with her mother. It has been a gut-wrenching time & a lot frantic moments have been spent, a lot of tears have been shed.

I want to make a couple of pleas to those reading this:

1. to all of the teenagers who read this, your family loves you no matter what. They want to help you through any hurts & problems you may have or encounter. You are not alone. You are trying to show your independence by making adult decisions, but you must realize you still need guidance in doing so sometimes. We all make mistakes; no one is perfect except for Jesus Christ. Even if you don't want to admit it, your family is there to help you through no matter what it is. Pray through your decisions. If it feels wrong, or you know it's wrong...then...it's wrong. If you stumble, ask your family to help you back up. You are or will be a role model to at least one person or more whether you like it or not. Be the role model that you would like to have. This is my plea to you.

2. to all of the parents & adult mentors - it is a difficult job, but we love our children no matter what. Remind them ALWAYS! Never assume they are doing just fine - check, often. Get to know the friends & parents of your kid's friends. It may prove to be an important asset to posess. If your child gets into trouble, hopefully the other parents will have your back if they know the situation to let you know; and if you believe one of your kid's friends are in trouble, make sure their parents know. It is NOT ok to cover up the situation in ANY circumstance! Be as involved in your kid's life, even if they are teenagers, as possible. It won't prevent heartache, but it should help prevent a heart from breaking. This is my plea to you.

Continued prayers are appriceated for all involved: Chelsea, family & her friends. She will realize one day what she has done, and will have to face up to the hurts & wrongs of her (not-so)"adult" decisions.

Hugs & Blessings to everyone. It is now in God's hands."

We are so grateful for the support our friends have shown our family as we continue to get through this & heal.

Some of you may know that I love doing some of the random quizzes on FaceBook. I came across one about "What God wants you to know"....so, whatever - some random thing to read. I did it, and I would like to share here what was on my screen:

"Erica got a message that on this day, God wants Her to Know...
... that it is time to finally forgive yourself.You've carried the guilt, the shame for long enough. You've kept your wounds open for long enough. The time has to come to let go, to heal. Keep the lessons and let the pain heal. Yes, you know what we are talking about it."

Wow...that one hit hard. I have been talking about this still being a "wound". So, here is part of my attempt of "healing" as I continue to loosen my grip & let God just take it. Why is it so hard to let go??

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica