On Sunday we will gather for the 5th time to run in this man's honor. I truly sit in amazement that it has been 5 years we have run this race. There are days that it seems like 5 days or 5 months and there are days that it seems like 25 years... So much has changed, yet so much remains the same. I look back at pictures from the first races and I have to smile...we all have made such progress, and grown so much in so many ways, he would be so proud. I am constantly wondering what the purpose in losing him so young could be.... I know God has a plan for everyone....but I have struggled with why I would have been left a widow with 3 small children. I sometimes struggle with what my purpose is here on earth, other than to be a mom to my three precious children. But as I sit and think, I have to wonder if God's plan for me it to show people they can and will persevere in some of the most excruciating circumstances. I don't always do it with grace because truly we don't know how to walk through fire we when are dealt are difficult hand. There may not be grace, but I have and I will continue to keep walking and trying to find my way because I refuse to give into defeat. Or maybe my purpose here is to show people that we can't do life alone, that we have to ask for help, that we have to swallow our pride. I would not be where I am today without the help from so many. It was so difficult for me to accept help and to reach out and ask for assistance from others, but truly this has grown me as a person. Truly my purpose is to love and trust God through everything.....even the difficult moments.....so that others can see God working through me. I fail at so many things, and I am a work in progress, but I do hope that I am making Him and him proud.
Say a prayer for us this Sunday as we honor Steve again. Pray for good weather as we have seen it all....rain hail, tornadoes, and sun. Looking forward to making many more memories. Much love to all....
Some of my favorite pics from years past...
Steve's shoes always run with us.... For he will forever be with us
