Let’s give our attention to those who are worthy of it

Ok. Yes, I have a ton of opinions about the two stars who appeared on the VMA Awards this week. I have  thoughts about our culture that not only put them there, but kept them in the top headlines each and every day following. I have read several blogs that make good points about all of it, so I feel just about everything that could have been said about it has probably been said.

What I feel is time better spent is highlighting just a few people who you may never see splashed all over a website, the subject of blog posts or the topic of a Twitter chat. Unlike the two individuals who received millions of dollars of publicity this week, they absolutely should be. Even if you don’t know them – even if they aren’t famous – they are worthy of our attention.

Johanna Olson

I met Johanna when she was a senior at my alma mater, Luther College, when I was assigned to do a feature story on her for the local newspaper. It was clear to me from the moment I met her that Johanna’s story was one that needed to be told.

Johanna was a talented cross country runner whose spirit and smile infected everyone who met her. During her freshman year, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was treated with surgery, but came back. Facing chronic cancer that she knew would return, Johanna won the 2000 NCAA Division III Cross Country title on the third anniversary of her first brain surgery.

Johanna went on to earn a master’s degree, coach other runners, qualify for the Olympic Trials, and run the Twin Cities Marathon. She lost her 15-year battle with cancer last year.

For Johanna, every step counted and every breath mattered. Her Luther coach, Betsy Emerson, said that she brought out the very best in everyone, making them better athletes and better people. Could any of us hope for a more meaningful influence on the world?

I remember Johanna saying during that interview, “I’m just grateful to be here.” I remember her smile and how she shrugged as she said it. 

There’s a word for people like Johanna: Grace. It’s why she made such an impact on me that day, and why she continues to still influence me.

Paula Olejniczak

Paula will tell you her claim to fame is that she’s Denny Olejniczak’s wife. Denny has been the head baseball coach at Decorah High School for 50 years, and is the second winningest (I’m pretty sure that’s a word) high school baseball coach in the country.

Paula has been Denny’s right hand and has helped raise countless Decorah students throughout the years. She’s one of the most competitive people I know and is one of those rare friends who loves me, but won’t let me get away with less than trying my best.

Paula and I were driving to an away football game about 15 years ago when she shared with me that she had seen her doctor that day and was worried about the results of some tests that she wouldn’t learn about until the following week. She had noticed a tremor in her hand and feared her condition was serious. The following Tuesday she learned that, in spite of years of taking care of herself and striving for optimal health, she had Parkinson’s Disease.

Paula’s journey with managing the disease hasn’t been easy, and she’s honest about the struggle. Losing her independence has been frustrating for her. But she continues to meet each day with fresh hope. She frequently tells me, “I want to beat this thing.”

If anyone can, it’s her.

Brett Van Sloten

Brett is a graduate of Decorah High School and is right tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

At Iowa’s recent media day, Hawks Coach Kirk Ferentz had this to say about Brett: “I threw a lot of adjectives out there. I think they all describe him very well. But the best compliment I think I could pay Brett has nothing to do with being a football player. He’s a guy that we feel very comfortable about young guys looking at and modeling their behavior after in this program.”

Amen to that. Brett is intelligent, articulate and talented, while being one of the most humble people I know. He’s never too busy or too important to sign a kid’s t-shirt, stop and chat with a fan or take a call from a former coach.

Brett may be famous someday – we will most likely see him in an NFL draft in the coming years. But he’s one of those guys you will be proud to point out to your kids and say, “That’s what living with purpose looks like.”

Kevin Frank

I grew up with Kevin. I remember being in school with him as far back as elementary school. Kevin was never a star athlete, a standout student or one of the “popular” kids. He was pretty quiet. We didn't talk much in high school. I actually lost touch with him for many years until Facebook came onto the scene. Reconnecting with people like Kevin has made me want to send Mark Zuckerberg a thank-you note. 

Getting to know him again, I have learned that Kevin is kind. Kevin is talented. He’s a great husband. He loves dogs. He’s a great cook. He's altruistic. He’s smart as hell and a great writer. He also has a fabulous blog called “Well Met Man” where he tells stories like this – stories about ordinary men who do extraordinary things. 

Stories we should be telling. Sharing. Celebrating.