“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't.”
–SL Clemens p/k/a Mark Twain
“Whatever we’re doing for the New Year, we’ve got to try something else.”
–The Wilsons
“Look what I did with AI!”
-Steve
Happy Holidays!
The COVID-stricken year of 2020 has generally been accepted as the worst overall 365 days in recent memory. Between illness, lockdowns, masks, ZOOM meetings, and laypeople arguing scientific topics on various social media platforms, 2020 did suck. However, roughly 350 days into the current year, the fifth anniversary of 2020 has a solid claim for the title of worst in recent memory. Perhaps it’s recency bias, but it seems we’ve spent much of this year, in the words of Robert Clark Seger, running against the wind. Let us now open the scrapbook and take a look at yet another year that can’t end soon enough.
Our story invariably starts and ends with volleyball, and it was another hectic year of serves, sets, kills, digs, travel, stay-to-play hotel arrangements, and PTO days spent in large convention centers filled with whistles, squealing girls, helicopter parents, and eighteen-dollar smoothies..
Sloane, the perennial free agent, signed with Oklahoma Charge for club ball this season, which, on balance, was a positive experience. Tournaments took the team to Oklahoma City, Dallas, Kansas City (twice), and St. Louis before earning a bid to nationals on the final day of the final tournament of the season. This took us back to a very warm Dallas for a week. Sloane’s team competed admirably against teams from around the country. The experience was priceless (the only thing that was without price on that trip), and we had a good time. The girls ended up finishing in the top twenty in their division, and Sloane bumped into University of Texas Associate volleyball coach, David Hunt, but neglected to slip him her HUDL link. It was a fun team and a fun parent group, with Sloane making some new friends while continuing to grow on the court.
In April, things took a turn for the scary. Tax Day? No. We owe; the extension was filed. On an otherwise routine Sunday evening, Kristen complained of not feeling right with tingling in her arms like a sleeping foot. She took an aspirin and opted for the emergency room. It was the correct call. After an examination, transfer to St. Francis, tests, and admission, we learned her widow-maker artery was 99% blocked. It wasn’t a Fred Sanford “big one” moment. It was far less dramatic, but she knew her body and did the right thing. She was discharged a few days later with two new stents, a list of lifestyle modifications, and enough drugs to get Keith Richards through the Stones’ 1972 American tour.
The results thus far have been positive. The change in diet has been good for all of us (even though she removed the Thousand Island pump that had been on the kitchen counter), and Kristen has emerged with a new attitude to accompany her enduring positivity. Best of all, her doctor has been pleased. The numbers are trending in the right direction, and she looks great. We’re infinitely thankful; Kristen is the core of this little family, and we love her immensely.
Sloane was a stalwart (and a concussion-free one this season!) for the Jenks Freshman team. The Freshies had the best record in the program this season, winning the conference championship. Along the way, Sloane collected Most Outstanding Player awards in two tournaments. Like her mama, she loves being a Trojan, and we’re already looking forward to next season.
And speaking of mama, Kristen served as the Jenks Volleyball Booster Club Vice President this past season. Among her many contributions, she decided one Saturday while working concessions that the standard canned cheese nachos were boring. A few calls were made, and voila, smoked brisket nachos were introduced. This, along with smoked brisket sandwiches, was a hit and raised a lot of money for the program.
Though the trip to nationals in Dallas truncated her beach schedule, Sloane and her partner managed to earn a bid to nationals. This fall, she has also been assisting with a volleyball instruction clinic for elementary-aged kids. We’re told she’s a natural.
Sloane has a permit to operate a motorized vehicle in the state of Oklahoma. She turned 15(!), took the course, passed the test, and got the certificate. We’ve been impressed so far. She’s a good driver, though she lacks patience with fellow motorists, and she tends to be overly concerned with what’s playing on the car stereo.
The traditional gift for an 11th anniversary is steel. Steve’s company gifted him something even better after reaching that milestone. He was untethered from the hellscape that was referred to as his job. It wasn’t the ideal severance, but when there’s a ride out of misery, a Lime scooter is as effective as a private jet. He is currently in the evaluation process for what could be a very promising new job. In the interim, he has enjoyed being a full-time writer, Mr. Mom, and limited handyman. He feels better than he has in years and now looks forward to what lies ahead.
As promised, we end as we began–with volleyball. Club season has begun, and Sloane is playing for Tulsa Power. This also comes with a new position, as she is transitioning to defensive specialist to go along with some setting and hitting. The team is talented, and expectations are high. The first tournament, the week before Christmas in Dallas, will be our first look.
It was an eventful 2025, and despite the various challenges and tribulations, we wrap it up with reason for optimism. One thing we are certain of is that 2026 will be busy. Thank you for taking a peek into our scrapbook and reliving the past twelve months with us. We wish everyone out there a very Merry Christmas as well as a happy, safe, and prosperous New Year.
With gratitude,
The Wilsons–Steve, Kristen, Sloane, and Ashton.
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