The Event

It finally happened! I've been meaning to give the recap on everything that happened during my Anything For A Friend Event. It was surely a life-changing event for me. One can try to imagine or envision everything will take place in an event like this, but that was just not possible for me. I could never have imagined the amount of love, support, and outreach that I received. For the first time in a few years my whole family was together, including Braun and Bethany (older brother and sister-in-law) who flew in from D.C..

When we first drove up to the venue where this event was held, I was amazed by the set up, but also felt a bit sheepish at seeing my face at every turn. The colors I had chosen, blue and white, were all around the pavilion, and were seen in the balloons, T-shirts, and other decorations. The event started out with the Star-Spangled Banner, sung by the men in my family, which was then followed by the beginning of the 5K race. I was lucky to have some wheelchairs donated to me so that I was not the only one doing the race in a chair. In fact, most members of my family and even some friends were able to do some of the race with their own wheels rolling along my side. With those in the wheelchairs at the front of the crowd, we all started down the road for the route of the 5K, which led us on a path all around Layton park.

The run was such a blast for me, and I was able to do a lot of it by myself. We had tons of runners come, and have some amazing footage thanks to Jackie and Cathy. As you can see in the photo below, they had a pretty sweet setup to get some great pics. One drives, while the other shoots. :)

The 5K finished with Dallas, my younger brother who just returned from his LDS mission, running me through the finish line. Through the 5K I thought, "Alright, this is all good… I think I might leave this place tear free." Boy was I wrong. 

Some very tender feelings and moments were shared, including a reminder of how this organization originated. Many thanks were given to those who had spent so much time and effort organizing. One of my favorite parts was a presentation of a large trifold poster-board covered with dozens of little glittering stars. Each one of the stars represented the kind donations from some individual. The amazing thing about all of this, was that the idea was all thought of and carried out by children, and one young boy in particular. I was amazed and humbled. Now unfortunately, there are many unsung heroes that participated in a monumental way. I wish to express my thanks to all of those that helped in some way, but may not have received the proper thanks. In all sincerity, thank you.

Following the auctions, we had one of my favorite parts of the whole event. The balloon launch. It's a time when what seems like hundreds of balloons are released into the sky, representing hope and rising above our challenges. I had the opportunity to play a little bit of Be Still, My Soul, on the flute. It was the one thing I thought like I could give to say thank you to all those who have helped me and changed my life for the better.

Even in reviewing everything that I've written so far, it feels inadequate and like a foolish attempt at some of my feelings. I was talking with a friend that told be something that demonstrated her understanding of my situation. She said, "This has all been amazing, and I'm sure it has changed the lives of those who have come to it... but at the end of the day we all get up and continue on our way, and you stay here, with your situation remaining the same." She did not by any means imply or mean to say that I am on my own from here on out, but that my battle will continue.

And continue it does... and painfully. I thought I knew what suffering was like before this injury. I thought I knew what it meant to be tested. But I continue to be astounded at the relentless opposition that I face on a daily level. Some of you may have noticed that my writing has slowed down a bit… I realize that I have been hesitant to write because I have been frequently down and feel like I have nothing positive to say. But I guess it doesn't do much if I only talk about the good of my life. I want to be real, and share my journey in the most genuine way. I commit to doing so! Thanks again to all who read this, or send small messages, or say even the most simple prayers on my behalf. I continue to thrive off of the love and friendship of those around me. God bless each of you for your kindness towards me and my family.