This message to you is long overdue, but I wanted you to know what happened and that you have not been forgotten. I owe you a great big thank you!
Almost a year ago, I was having just the worst time in my world. Botched dental work, leaky pipes, mono (twice) a car accident that left me with no truck and weeks of run around, and I lost my 2 pet ferrets, my babies (both terminally ill). Needless to say, my financial concerns were further impacted.
One of the things that kept me moving forward was running for a young man named, Clayton. He has an under developed chromosome of some sort that has rendered him a forever 5 year old. He just turned 18 years old. He is such a sweet young man and I had made a deal with him in January 2014... I would walk/run/bike/swim the miles between my home and his and when I was done, I would show up on his doorstep to meet him officially in person. You see, we didn't know each other until we were partnered through www.whoIrun4.com. I couldn't wait to meet him and I could tell he was excited too! We'd only exchanged phone calls and Facebook messages for the first year and half, but we were already bonded. Every race I participated in was for him and the medals were sent to him to enjoy. He's my buddy!
Then so many bad things started happening. I was mortified and scared not knowing how I'd be able to keep my promise to him. Then you called me.
My first choice date in June (all scheduled/line up with the miles I needed to make to show up at his home) was not available. I was mortified. But even though that date wasn't available you heard my plea and you kept your promise to confirm within 2 weeks if we could make the 2nd choice of August work, even though that also looked bleak, but you worked it out.
Because of you, I was able to keep my promise to Clay and I had the absolute best weekend with him and his mom (and my mom)! We didn't go anywhere fancy, we mostly just stopped by his High School, played putt-putt golf, and played in his toy box all weekend. But it was perfect!
The flight was on Spirit Airlines, which we had never flown, so we were a little hesitant, but both flights (there and back) were perfect! The hotel location was perfect and had all the amenities that we needed and the staff was very helpful and friendly! The rental car service was most excellent... they even offered us a free upgrade! And having the $50 in cash for additional expenses ... you guys are amazing!
I came back to more crazy occurrences and other new burdens, but it had been my intention to reach out to you and just let you know... let you see just how special this trip was to me; and how much I appreciated all that you did to make it happen. Enclosed are some pictures from our weekend; and to help you truly feel like you were there... here is the video of the moment we met, in the hotel you provided, after the flight you worked out and the rental we drove from the airport:
https://youtu.be/QqynW1iAHOE
Doesn't he have a great smile?! Thanks for helping me put it there and to see it in person. Thanks for making this possible! Thanks for helping me keep my promise to this awesome young man!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Jenna :) read more