Renae speaks: Comments

I have known Renae for approximately 3 years. I have worked with her in 2 capacities. the first as a speaker at the Blue Earth Area Middle School and then at Prairie River Camp. Renae is a fabulous speaker. She is amazing at at working with and reaching adolescents. I am not certain of her training, but she has natural knack for her job. She is a great resource and support for schools and students. Through her speaking I have seen some small changes in some students that lacked that personal touch to their habits and consequences.

I am happy to recommend Renae as a speaker to adults and adolescents. Her message is clear. How do you want to live your dash- with habits that can negatively impact your life or in honor of the things that can be done.

Hi Renae,
I am a teacher at Pioneer Freshman Center in Chaska, Minnesota. You spoke to our 9th graders yesterday. I wanted to thank you for sharing your story with us. What an amazing impact you had on our teens. As a mom of twin 2 year olds, my heart was breaking for you as you told your family testimony. I can’t imagine how difficult it had to be for you. I was so excited that you were able to share your faith at the end of the presentation. I am a believer and what a wonderful way to bring God into our school. It is only through God’s grace that you can move on from your tragedies. I am amazed at the integrity that you have shown by being able to forgive your daycare provider and Scott. What a great example you are to all of us. I really don’t know how I would react if I were placed in your shoes and sometimes that is a little scary. Thank you for setting such a great example for me. God’s blessings to you and your family. May you be richly blessed for sharing your story with the world.
Thank you so much!

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Renae,
My name is Chris and I am a 9th grader at Pioneer Ridge Freshman Center in Chaska. You spoke at my school on February 13 and I was seriously touched by your presentation. I felt so sorry for your family’s loss of your daughter especially at such a young age. I just wanted to let you know that your speech was amazing and I’m sure people will still drink and drive but now I know what can happen to someone when they do that, the consequences. Thank You.

I havn't forgotten you and you have made a huge impact on my school. Kids in my school still talk about you from last year! I have made excellent progress and i am one of the happiest kids in my school as of now.
Thanks again! Lots of Love

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We are ones who wish to thank you for your talk. I looked at every student "evaluation". I believe only 3 of nearly 200 said your talk didn't have an impact on them. "This was the best money our school has ever spent on a speaker! You are worth every dime."

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"Thanks again for speaking to our students! You made a Huge Impact."

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"It Gave me the chills when I heard about Shaken Baby Syndrome. Then the crash it made me cry and I thought it was a Great message, Thanks for sharing...." High School Senior Students

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I had the opportunity to hear you speak at the Rosemount High School mock car crash last week and I just wanted you to know that you were simply outstanding. Your message was powerful and your ability to connect with the students (and adults) was tremendous. I know it can't be easy to frequently relive the pain of your family's tragic story, but you have a special gift in storytelling the likes of which I have not seen often and I commend you for sharing it under these difficult circumstances. I know that your story has a big impact on the students who hear it - it had a big impact on me which I have already shared with several people this past week. Thank you for sharing your family's story in hopes of reducing drunk and impaired driving in our state and nation. You made a big difference!

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What are your thoughts about Renae’s message:

*Overall, most students talked about how powerful and touching Renae’s story was. Many were saddened by it, but impressed by Renae’s positive outlook and ability to forgive.
*Some direct quotes from students:
“That was such an amazing story. I don’t think I have ever heard such a touching story. I want to be a plain mom when I’m older.”
“I loved her story. It was heartfelt and moved me so much. She made me realize how much drinking can affect others.”
“I think it was really sad and it made you think about how you live life and how your actions affect others.”
“I was really moved when she was talking about how your “dash” is and that what we do in that dash is the most important thing. I was really impressed that she had gone through all that she had and is still such a strong person.”

What impact will this have on you?

“The impact for me will be forgiveness, and faith. Sometimes we have to forgive the people that hurt us most, and we need to trust God.”
“Tell friends not to drink and help them stay clean.”
“I will think more of the blessings I have and not worry about money. Family and God are the most important things I have. Be grateful.”
“It will make me care more about when people I know are doing these things. I will probably do something about it when I recognize it.”
“That I never want to drink and drive, because now I know what can happen to you.”

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“Few speakers have the ability to touch, reach and teach students like Renae Groskreutz. Her powerful story is packed with emotion, truth and hope. The speech moved students to tears – including my junior boys. Renae is honest and loving. Her message of courage, love for God, family and friends – and forgiveness is an incredible inspiration for everyone. She is the real deal! I heard a lot of great feedback from students and their parents and friends. She truly touched their hearts. I highly recommend her.”

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"I think this was very important for our school. We always start out in elementary school thinking none of this stuff will happen.... High school comes and we realize these things are all around us. Renae's presentation has made me think about how each of us needs to take a more active role in our community. Our "dash" is what's important."

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"To the one and only motivational speaker who has ever touch my heart so deeply this is for you!"

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"Fantastic! Straight forward. The first time in years that I've observed our student body paying absolute attention to a speaker."

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"Renae’s story is a powerful one of forgiveness and the hope that can only be found in Christ. It would be easy to respond to Renae’s story with great sadness, but because of what the Lord has done in Renae and her family, you walk away encouraged and more in love with God. He is faithful even in the darkest times!”

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"It has been said that '10% of life is what happens to you, and 90% of it is how you react to it,' but after hearing that story...it absolutely amazed me that you could be without bitterness and actually be living with joy. It reminds everyone just how precious life is and to cherish time spent with loved ones because you never know when it will be your last time together. Just the fact that you could bare your soul to us, probably re-living the events that you shared...I can't even think of how hard and draining that must be. I am so thankful that God gave you the grace to be able to tell your story to us because I am convinced that there wasn't a person in the room that wasn't affected by it."

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"What an amazing story...both funny and deeply touching. I had tears just spilling down my cheeks during the whole last part of the story and was so choked up that I had everything I could do not to sob openly. I can understand and accept having one major tragedy in the life of a family, but two? We all have many trials throughout our lives, but these were catastrophic, heart shattering events. What an incredible witness that like Job, this family persevered through the strife, and came out the other side still holding on to Jesus."

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"Your story was really moving. It was really sad, but I think it helped a lot of people appreciate what they have, and it made me really grateful. Also, I can see God in you. Even though you have been through really hard times, you have a great love for the Lord, and I think that's really cool."

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"Your story really touched me. It helped me to know that God is with us in all situations, and that he is on our side. I thought your speech/ story was an influence on us of how much you trusted God in these hardships. You have definitely made an impact on my life."

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Comments:
"She was the best speaker we ever had."
"She mixed a serious message with humor."
I began to cry as she talked about her two children that were hurt by other people’s bad choices.
I was holding back tears. It was so sad.
It’s amazing that she was able to forgive the two people that hurt her children.
Her message was very powerful and hopefully made students think about their decisions and how they can negatively affect others.
Thanks again for everything and I wish you the best.

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"I just wanted to send my thanks again for the presentation you gave at our school today. It was extremely moving and so far, what I’ve heard in the halls was that it was the best presentation they have heard in a long time. They really felt like your story, although tragic, was something to inspire them to do and hope for better in their lives. It takes a lot of courage to endure what you have and turn into a positive motivator for our young people. We appreciate that and send our sincerest thanks for taking the time to share your story with our students."

Renae, I just wanted to send you this letter, thanking you for coming out and sharing your family's story with our 10-12 graders at McLeod West and Lester Prairie High School in McLeod County on April 10, 2008. It made a great impact on the kids and faculty who had attended the pre prom lyceum. I think you sharing your story had some effect on the students as Prom did go off with out any issues this year.
Thank You!!