Josh Stevens Foundation | It's a Vivas Thing!

Apr 04 2018

Sometimes, there are no words…

A little over ten years ago, I met a wonderful boy named Josh. I was teaching youth ministry at the time, and his older sister had brought him to class with her. You could tell she absolutely adored him. And we would soon find out why…

Josh was so easy to love. He smile was so inviting…you couldn’t help but smile along with him! He loved his family and friends, and anyone else who crossed his path. He was funny and charming and had such a servant’s heart. And he loved his father so much. He would talk about his dad with so much pride in his voice; he made sure others knew how wonderful his dad was.

Losing Josh was such a shock. I remember the phone call telling us what had happened and not believing it. I remember the sinking reality as we headed over to his house and sat with his parents; and the days, weeks, and months that passed after. I remember the tears and the sorrow.

Most of all, I remember the people who came forward, sharing stories about how he had touched them; the kindness that he shared with everyone who crossed his path.

Josh was loved, BECAUSE he loved.

I remember when the Josh Stevens Foundation was first started and my dear friend, Drew came to speak to the staff at my school. It was the first time I had heard him share the story of Josh and his kindness publicly. There was not a dry eye in that room; every heart was touched.

It has been nearly ten years since the accident. Tonight, I was honored to attend the dedication of the Josh Stevens Elementary School. And when Drew, Josh’s dad, went up to speak, all I could think of was how much Josh loved his dad.

Josh is missed; but his legacy lives on. His legacy lives on because the dad that he adored has spent countless hours sharing his story. Lives are touched because Drew is so willing to be so real. More importantly, he is willing to show so much love and kindness to those he speaks to; especially the thousands of students he meets. You see, he doesn’t just tell his story; it’s much more than that. He patiently takes the time to listen as student after student waits to tell him their story. To tell him of their loss. To give hug after hug because they feel so connected to him.

Josh was so blessed to have Drew as his father. He so wanted to be just like him. And he was. Josh was so willing to love and serve others because he received so much of it from his parents.

As I walked around and saw the Be Kind shirts, I couldn’t help but remember the earlier days and how much love his mom and sister put into designing the shirts that would honor his legacy. The halls were filled with kindness and encouragement and the inspiration for students everywhere to leave their own.

I had to fight to hold back the tears. Everywhere I looked, the school embraced Josh’s legacy. And I couldn’t help but remember when “Be Kind” was first started; and think, “Wow! Look how far…” Sometimes there just aren’t any other words…

Aug 17 2017

Be Kind Reflections

Today was one of those days where you just need everything to stop so you can hear yourself think. Instead it was the craziness of the first week of school; filled with the needs of students, their families, the staff, and everything else. So tonight while I waited for my daughter’s appointment to finish, I decided to have some dinner and enjoy the solitude.

I was on my way to my favorite salad place, when I passed by a sushi restaurant, and found myself wandering in there instead. How many? Just one please. You sit at bar? No, can I have the booth please?

It was a nice, comfy booth, with little curtains for privacy…just what I needed to sit and ponder with.

As I sat there, I read through news that I wanted to catch up on, which included the opening of Josh Stevens Elementary. As I read about the grand opening and glanced thru the photos of the ceremony, I thought about what a wonderful influence Joshi was for us all. And it wasn’t just that he was so kind…but it was that he took the time to notice what was around him, and REACT to it in a kind way. There was a beautiful photo of his parents just taking it in, and I was reminded of the conversations we’d had about how much he loved them; no adored them! And his sister and brother. Josh wasn’t a kid who kept quiet about his family; in fact, it was just the opposite. He took any opportunity to brag on them, especially his dad.

As I sat there quietly eating, I couldn’t help but hope that I could be like Josh and notice what has been placed around me.

As I paid my check and walked out, I decided to go for a walk while I waited some more. It was a beautiful night, and I do enjoy walking. A few moments later, I passed by a young woman and her adorable little boy. He looked to be about three years old. They were talking and she was doing something on her phone, so I passed by. I came to a stop, then turned around and headed back, only to have that nudge to stop and see what she needed.

I apologized for interrupting their evening, but wondered if I could assist them. Did they need a ride, something else? The young mother said she was having issues with her phone and the Uber app, so she couldn’t catch a ride home. I introduced myself, to which she responded with her name, which she remarked meant, “Hope” in Russian. She also mentioned her mom would be very upset to see she was accepting a ride from a stranger! I responded that my children would probably be upset to find out I was giving a ride to a stranger!

Turns out we had a pleasant chat as I drove her to her hotel. I learned she is looking for a fresh start and hopes to move here to start over; much as I did 27 years ago with my own son.

As I drove back to pick up my daughter from her appointment, I had a small glimmer of hope. Perhaps tonight, I was a little like Josh, able to notice what was surrounding me and offer just a little bit of kindness to someone who really needed it.

Oct 23 2010

Unexpected Moments

More and more lately, I try to grasp those unexpected fun moments. It's still doesn't happen near as much as I'd like, but this week gave me, not one, but TWO opportunities!

The first was Thursday evening. Punky called with two extra tickets to the PBR Rodeo. The Good Looking One happened to be having dinner with us, and knowing how much he'd love it, I asked him to come along. Thursday he picked me up and away we went. And I had so much fun! It was great watching the bull rides; hollering at them to hold on and grimacing when one fell off! After the bull riding, Riding High Ministries put on a show for us. It was awesome to watch.

Then, last night we had to run to the mall to pick up a couple of things. The Drama Queen had some birthday money and wanted to go to Build-a-Bear, so Bboo and I took her along with us. On the way in, we discovered a carnival. Of course, the Drama Queen was begging to go, so I told her if we were finished in enough time, I'd take her on the Ferris Wheel. We had fun picking out the newest frog (not bear), a few cami's for Bboo and then called hubby.

…Who happened to be on his way to drop of the Talented One at the Twin's house. And he had the Smart One with him. So, I thought it'd be terribly romantic to have him join us and the two of US could go on the Ferris Wheel together!

With beautiful weather and a beautiful night, we had fun watching the Smart One and Bboo go on the Fire Ball. Then we headed to the Ferris Wheel.

Oh…and did you notice the "Be Kind" shirts? You can read more about them on the Josh Stevens Foundation site!

I'm so glad we took a moment to have some unexpected family time! It was great!

Sep 30 2010

At a Loss

Sometimes, being a parent is difficult. There are many things I don't understand, but many more that remind me of God's grace.

I don't understand why my dear friends lost their son two years ago. But I am amazed at how God has blessed their way of honoring their son's life.

I don't understand why two student's at my children's school lost their lives this week. And I don't know what to do to comfort them other than to let them know I love them; and I understand how they feel.

We have lost many friends/loved ones in the past two years. I've been to more funerals during this time than in my entire life.

My heart breaks for loss after loss after loss.

And honestly, there just isn't anything that one can really say to those who have lost their loved ones that will take away their pain.

But we can be there for them. Share our memories with them. Encourage them; show love and kindness.

And be there for them.

I had the honor of listening to my friend last week as he spoke to a group of high schoolers about his son; and his family's loss. I sat there, facing the audience, as he spoke to the room. You could have heard a pin drop in the silence as they listened, tears streaming down many of their faces.

What touched my heart, was his willingness to share with these teenagers how much they are loved! He wanted more than anything, for them to go away knowing that they are loved.

Tonight, my daughter had to dance during half-time at the football game. I know this was hard for them, because they had lost a friend/sister today. They chose to dance to support their friend. After, there was a time of silence. And I prayed. I prayed for the sister who remains and for the family as they struggle to find some type of….something…that will help them through this.

Tonight, I will tell my children they are loved. I'd encourage any parent out there; don't be at a loss for words when it comes to telling your children you love them.

Tell them.

Tell them they are loved. Make sure they know!

If you'd like to know more about how my friend has honored his son's life, please visit