Sorry for the gap in updates, but a lot has been going on with holidays, meetings with the school, state representatives and also MSHSAA. We will have a big emergency appeal coming up thanks to the Liberty School district, Dr. Tucker and the schools statement that they do not agree with MSHSAA's belief that Rue's transfer would not qualify as a full-family move due to the legal guardianship steps that were taken. We are working on the details of that and working to get key individuals from Liberty Public Schools to attend in person with us to show the united front for doing what is best for Rue. Essentially this gives us another chance to talk to the Board of MSHSAA. Many would say they have known this, but all I can explain without going too much into the process is that when certain questions are answered in the transfer, MSHSAA will NOT review anything else but what is in front of them. They have only looked at the hardship aspect and not reviewed anything pertaining to the full-family move or legal guardianship.
During the break in updates, we have also been talking to some amazing state representatives, one in particular Mark Meirath, who has been very helpful in us getting the necessary exposure at the state level and creating some options for long term change to help other kids down the road. The state of Missouri shares the belief we should all support a process that tries to find any way possible for a child to have an enjoyable high school experience playing the activities or sports they love. With open enrollment on the horizon for all anyway, there are some timely changes the can proposed into legislation to ensure there is proper oversight to every organization that affects Missouri children, including MSHSAA.
They have invited Rue to the Governor's Inauguration to attend the black tie event that evening and meet in person with many of these reps and key state officials next week, including Governor Kehoe. He is excited and nervous, but realizes this has given him a platform to maybe help others while trying to continue to play a sport he loves. We will make sure and get some good pictures to share to the group.
Lastly, we need your continued prayers, not only for the upcoming emergency appeal, but Rue's well being. To say this has been taxing on him is truly an understatement. I've even wrestled with stopping because of this, but the thought of him smiling and playing a game he loves keeps us from giving up. We haven't ignored the need for Rue to process this pain, past and present. We have worked with the school district to find someone for Rue to speak to outside of school to work through all things he has dealt with in the past and the trauma caused by this process. We are very early in that process but we feel we found the best person through Rue's counselor at school. One thing if for sure, Rue knows he is loved by MANY in this district and beyond.
We continue to thank you for the support all over the state of Missouri and beyond, please continue to share this keep things moving forward. It gives us a platform to communicate with all of you on the progress and hopefully we will have some good news to report after this emergency appeal. All the best and hope everyone had a blessed holiday!
Steve & Holly