Mia Stokes was an 18-year-old college freshman at South Carolina-Union who was less than 3 weeks away from her 19th birthday. On February 7, 2020, she was killed by a drunk driver the night before her first home softball game. This may seem like a strange way to start a BB or an unconventional source of inspiration for a weinke, but the impact Mia has made needs to be shared. She may have been quiet in voice, but her actions and love of Jesus spoke volumes during her time on Earth and since the night this bright light was taken from the world. My goal with this Q was to tell her story and show that Mia’s light still burns bright, and that she set an example for all of us on the impact we can have.
Having the Q, YHC arrived Downtown earlier than usual and was the only PAX until Slaw walked up around 0527. He noted that at this AO, the PAX were notorious for showing up right at time. YHC agreed and acknowledged that I was usually one of the ones coming in on two wheels.
In the next 2 minutes, a good group had formed, and it was time to get started.
Warm-Up
SSH IC x 22
Imperial Walkers x 22
Merkins – Single Count x 22
The Pledge
Mosey towards the FUSE district. Stops at the stop lights to wait on the 6. Stop for 22 Single Count Merkins to allow the 6 to catch up
The Thang
We stopped at the upper parking lot at CaroMont Health Park. Mia had a love of sports and especially softball which she played on the team at USC-Union. So there was no better place to honor her memory than in the lights of the ballpark with home plate in sight. In college, Mia wore #22 so the next part of the workout would be 22s (Think 11s by 2).
2 Merkins on one side of the parking lot, mosey to the other side, 20 Big Boys
Mosey back for 4 Merkins, mosey to the other side, 18 Big Boys
Rinse and Repeat
There was way too much personal information shared during this time about rashes and ointments, so we’ll just move on.
Given the time and for consideration of everyone’s tailbone, we moved on to the next group of exercises. At this point, Wirenut provided feedback, “But we haven’t finished this yet” which had a hint of “Why are we quitting?”
The next part of Mia’s story that I shared was that she didn’t go through life alone. She had an identical twin sister, and those two were inseparable. It was always, “Mia and Mallory” or “Mallory and Mia.” Whether it was at church, at school, or on the ballfield, you never saw one without the other. Mallory was Mia’s teammate at USC-Union, and also in the car the night Mia was killed. As you can imagine, this has been a horrific journey for Mallory, but as I shared later, she has found a purpose to help carry on. We should all love one another as people the way those two love each other. In that spirit of partnership, we partnered up for Mia 220’s. Think Dora 1-2-3 except with 220 reps.
Partner 1 completes the exercises while Partner 2 runs. When P1 returns, P2 runs and P1 exercises.
LBCs x 220
Flutter Kicks x 220 (count one leg only)
American Hammers x 220 (count one side)
If you’ve noticed, this weinke was heavy on core and upper body and light on legs. YHC has the Dam to Dam Relay tomorrow. So other than the mosey to the ballpark and back, YHC tried to keep it light on the legs.
Once the groups were done, it was time to mosey back. Stop along the way to plank to gather the 6. Stop again for 22 Single Count Merkins to gather the 6.
The PAX probably thought we were done when we passed the pavilion but mosey past the start and into the parking lot. Since we didn’t finish the 22s, there was time left to finish those out. YHC didn’t want to shortchange Wirenut.
A train passed by so 5 Burpees for the train.
Short mosey back to the start.
22 final Single Count Merkins
YHC shared with the PAX that Mia’s sister, Mallory, has found a purpose even through the hurt and pain. It makes me think of the Jocko podcast where he stresses the need for combat veterans to get involved, find a place to serve, and find your purpose in order to cope with the things in your past. I believe I’m relating this story correctly, but early in 2020, Mia said that her “God Goal” for 2020 was to tell more people about Jesus. Mallory has made it her purpose to honor her sister’s name, keep her legacy alive, and ensure that people hear about the power of Jesus Christ through the life her sister lived. She and her family have established the Mia Stokes Foundation which gives back to causes that Mia was passionate about, and this has allowed for Mia’s God Goal to be magnified. In 2021 alone, they were already able to give back over $44k dollars for those in need. They sell shirts and other gear with phrases that Mia had written in her journals using her handwriting. It’s cool stuff that you should check out (miastokesfoundation.org). YHC then encouraged the PAX to find their purpose and that place where they could serve and let their light Shine On.
Announcements
Lots of relays
Dam to Dam tomorrow
Need a P200 runner
Need a couple of SMR runner (This was nicknamed the “Smokin’ Much Reefer if you think you’re getting me out there”)
Prayer Requests
The Stokes family
Wichita’s mom
Wirenut’s mom
Time Frame’s aunt
Gear Wrench’s great uncle, Bill
Prayer to take us out
I’d been a little anxious about this Q because I wanted to honor Mia in the right way without making it hokey. It all came full circle for me when Pallbearer shared that he had served at Mia’s funeral and what a great work the foundation was doing. I’d never posted with Pallbearer before, but it seemed like it was more than just a coincidence that this was the first time. I’ll leave it at that, and close by saying don’t take a single day for granted. Love others with a reckless abandon and find a way to serve others and give glory to God.
Until next time, Shine On…