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20/01/2009 Friends, Footsteps, Fighting, & "Feenix"Greetings all.....i hope this note finds you finds each of you well. I am reporting this glorious morning on my last day in Phoenix......the temporary home of Mitchell's Angels and site of their most recent triumph! (pics to follow later)
As many of you can see as you have followed this blog......I haven't been writing nearly as much......I have just been "living" with nothing amazing to report. However, as I was awakened this morning by the creaking sound of nasal passages tightening around 530am.......I had time to reflect while enjoying a 2nd morning of lactic acid build up in my legs! LOL (Lactic Acid - it's not just for breakfast anymore?)
I love women. I really do. However, collectively - they present their own unique set of logistical challenges for my linear - ready, shoot, aim - hulk smash - let's get moving......mindset. They have an amazing need to build consensus among the group before making a decision. They can get to indescribable volume in a nano second......truly incredible to behold......and I have seen it ALOT the last 4 days! As I have got to observe this wonderful group of chicks over the last few days it has become readily apparent that they are little bit hypocritcal.........because I can assure you that every dude reading this has gotten the "raised eyebrow" over their "boys will be boys" humor/jokes.......dude, women are just as bad - IF NOT WORSE - than we are! They like to laugh alot at fart noises, glitter applications, & strange cacti. Refreshing to see......I feel like I have discovered a whole different universe. Good times, indeed!
You want to know what I really love about women.....especially these women?
They take care of each other. They love each other. They express themselves......and cry alot....in a good way. They don't quit......they have each others back and aren't afraid to comment on each others backside :) I am so proud of these girls. I love their resolve and their willingness to get involved with a cause that is bigger than Tracy, bigger than Mitchell, bigger than all of us.......and getting "involved" meant a level of commitment, dedication, injury, and sacrifice of time greater than any of them had ever taken on before. Sunday was so wonderful..........because Chicks Win! Sunday was the culmination of alot of hard work and I got to see so many dear friends that I love accomplish things that I never thought possible. Those are the moments in life that make it worth living folks. They have made my life richer just by allowing me to be a part. Tracy is chief among these "little indians"......she has been glowing all weekend......and clucking over her "flock".
Girls - I always believed in you. I just never believed that you would run. You have shown time and time again that you love our family - that you love my Mitchell - and you have gone above and beyond with grace, compassion, & beauty during the last 3 1/2 years......................so I wasn't surprised that you would want to get involved with Team in Training to raise money for a cure. I am shocked, humbled, and so very proud of you. I love you all. You "kept fighting".....regardless of your time.......you finished this race and honored my son.........and did yourselves proud. Mwah.
Great moments on the run.......the "a-ha, thank you God variety"..........
* The entire group was recognized during the pre race event for their efforts....raising $200k leading up the the event. They all looked cute in pink!
* Sharing a little of Christ with race director....about our story, Mitchell, and "how we do it"
* Becky Cox soldiering through her marathon.....at her lowest point.....and seeing a penny....."a little hello from Mitchell".....and kept rolling.
* Jennifer Hodge carrying Mitchells picture in her hand every step of the 26.2 miles
* Amy Sanders patting Mitch's pic.....for "one more step".....
* Hearing all the Go Mitch Go's on the race course......so good to hear his name from others
Some last thoughts............
I'll take the "dry" heat of summer all day in PHX in exchange for a January like this. Amazing. Perfect. The entire trip has been framed by spectacular weather....and it made race day that much more exciting. Obviously, I was a last minute "addition" the Angel Running Club.......one lil' devil to add to the Angels.....but I wanted to be a part of this awesome event.....and I needed to do some cardio while I was out here anyway.
Our hotel is in the heart of downtown....great location for all the race events.....close to fun restaurants, clubs, etc.......a true contrast to the golf course that I played on Saturday. PHX is surrounded by some great mountains/foothills........and you have to drive out of the valley quite a ways to get to the course, Troon North.......and you can see quite a different view from way out there. That change to a higher elevation provides you with some perspective as to how far you have come to arrive at your current destination. The funny thing is.......while the downtown hotel location is very convenient for me/our group......after 4 days, I am ready to see......something other than the buildings that are in my immediate vicinity.......and block my view..........and hinder my perspective.
Metaphor.......so much of our lives (preaching to the choir) is fighting the temptation to "live downtown"'......convenient, easy, everything we think we need is in reach, hidden by our surroundings. Christ has called us to leave our "downtown" locations.........and gain some perspective on the journey. Getting to the hills takes time....it is frought with hard work.....it is very tempting to stay "conveniently hidden"......who wants to be on the hill where everyone can see you? Who wants to climb the hill when all of my potentials slips are available for all to see? What if I fall?
I can tell you friends, that I have lived my life downtown (more than I care to admit) and I have lived my life on the climb (not nearly enough).........and there is no question as to which is easiest.........and which is most rewarding. I am going to start climbing today.......for Christ has already shown me the path......marked with His precious blood.....and taking "one more step" with Him is truly all that matters in this life.
C'mon.........let's race. ~jwhit
12/01/2009 Angels all around us.......It's hard to believe that in 5 days Mitchell's Angels will be heading to Phoenix to finally run our marathon. However, it has been a different kind of marathon getting there........
This past Saturday, with the help of some dear friends, I hosted a pre-race pasta party for 40 of the 49 angels and their spouses. This was a small token of my gratitude.....just wish they all could have been there. As I prepared for this evening this last week and then as I stood in front of them to attempt to verbilize my gratitude for their support and hard work. I was overwhelmed with emotions. However, these emotions were emotions that at one point I thought I might not ever expereince again after Mitchell's death. I felt excitement AND joy all at the same time. I have expereince 'tidbits' of joy here and there, mostly from Meredith. But not excitement and joy together without the feeling of guilt following these feelings.
It has been a BEAUTIFUL journey with these precious friends. I have watched these women plan events, develop a cookbook(FYI we sold all1200 of them!)and do a variety of things to raise money. I have seen new freindships develop and grow, supporting one another along this crazy ride of mine. I have watched them physically challenge themselves each week, sacrificing their Saturday mornings to run in freezing cold and usually windy conditions. I have watched as those with physical issues have pushed themselves passed their pain/injuries to accomplish their goal. Many have shared with me that when they think they cannot run one more step they remember Mitchell and his courage helps them to continue on. I have watched these beautiful women come together as one to stand up for a cause. And in this world where it seems selflessness is no longer a part of anyone's vocabulary, they have given it a new meaning, they have made a difference!
For me it have been a ride I will never forget. Because for me during this time I have watched as God has worked in and through me, I have been blessed beyond measure. My friends have given me a wonderful 40th birthday gift of honoring Mitchell in a way I could not have done alone. Along the way I have been given another gift.......the gift of healing that only God can provide.
To my Angels.......my words will never ever be enough to express my gratitude. Thank you for joining me along this journey. I love each and everyone of you. May God bless you as you have me.
Please keep us in your prayers. The race is Sunday, Jan. 18th. Tune is next week for the post race entry.
Much love,
Tracy |
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