HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
TO ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE!!!
Grilled up Mom a nice steak for dinner and opened our pool, plus did a little gardening with my son - had to get his bean plants in the ground- anyway this weeks post is probably my last one to one personal thought sharing type until I begin the OldGuy walk, The next couple of weekends I will be doing some camping with the family and then the weekend before OGW starts will be out of town on a business trip. I will try to update everyone on how to track my progress (hopefully with daily photos) during the trip. So for my last writing attempt- read below!!!
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One of the most important things I have gained from my experience while building up this fundraising tribute in memory of my mom was the surprising discovery of those special qualities in very special people. This is not much but I wanted to post this update and give my sincere heart-felt thanks to all those who have helped make the dream of OldGuy Walk come to life. Everyone who has contributed to this cause deserve my many thanks but the folks I am about to mention have gone beyond. Their spirit is what makes OLDGUY WALK be what it has become. Than you all for helping me try to make a difference.
Jen my wife. Without you I never would have had the strength or courage to continue on, You were there after the loss of my mother to hold me up. You were there when the doctors told me I needed a knee replacement, this after spending 9 months training to walk across the state and yet you kept me believing in the dream of OldGuy Walk. You put up with me, being left alone as I train like a fiend and leaving you with all the parenting duties, and still you make me feel like I'm trying to be a good dad. Then you took on the coordinating responsibilities of OGWoff my back even while maintaining a very tough work situation and moving towards your masters degree. If there was ever a testament to our marriage this was it and you keep everything together, I only wish I was a fraction as strong as you, because if I was ,then I would have been able to cross the entire country- heck walk to Mars. I love you very much - Thank you forever!
B - You met me when my head hanging low days after my dream of walking the State was yanked away! Instead of putting up with my whoa is me attitude you put me into refocusing my attentions on the end gains. You are the type of person who opens their heart to those in need and for that I am eternally grateful to have crossed your path and gained a good friend. Also the people that you have helped me to connect to have provided more to the effort of making this thing grow. You are one of those amazing people that makes the world around us a better place to live. Thanks for everything!!
KV- You are the person who really knows how to motivate people. With a no BS approach you lead by example and have that never quit perspective on life. If the world could bottle up the energy and zest you have there wouldn't be a energy problem. Thanks for not letting me not get away with not giving 100% effort when I really need to keep pushing forward. You rock!!!
WT - Beyond me tapping into your expertise and providing the best advise to be healthier and more fit what stands out most is your incredible gift to listen. I will always fondly remember how awesome you were the day we met and how you let me pour out my emotional floodwater's and talk about the loss I felt over my mom's passing. It was the first time I shared those thoughts since her funeral. No judging, just compassion- wow you are one special person- you change people lives!! I will try to remember to be an elevator instead of an escalator.
CD - Having you not only as a friend but also as someone who went out their way to offer your hand to support my crazy event not only surprised me but touched me heart. Thanks for for everything from being a golf buddy to camping colleague but also for being so grounded and helping keep me from taking things to serious.
BR - You gave to my cause without question and offered to go that extra mile without being asked. I wish more people had as deep a soul as you have. It's clear that it means something to you to help people and I am very lucky to have joined your class. You are a leader among us. My sincere gratitude for all you have done.
LS - You took time from a hectic lifestyle to give to my cause and not ask for a thing in return. You hardly know me but you gave, not because you needed a thanks but just because it was the right thing for you to do. I know that no thanks is necessary, is your way - but so what- Thank YOU Thank YOU and Thank YOU!!! Don't ever stop being you.
MW - You went beyond with your generosity to OGW. From putting up with me always talking about and planning OGW to lending your kind words of encouragement. I'm glad to have met you. Thanks!
KP - Thanks for helping me promote and get the message out. You never doubted I would be able to deliver my message to the public and showed great tolerance when last second circumstance's occurred. Thanks for keeping me focused on the message- it really pulled me thru a scary 6 minutes. BIG THANKS REQUIRED!
Last but not least- MY Dad - We both faced a huge loss. I can't picture what I will do if I ever need to face losing such an important part of my life , but as always thanks for the roadmap. I know how hard it must be to face this reminder of such a loss but I want you to know that every inch I cover through out this upcoming adventure is as much for you as it is for the memories of her. Thanks Pops - could not do it without you!
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Again to all those who are supporting my walk, I have to pinch myself for how much everyone has opened their arms to me and this event. BIG THANKS TO ALL!!!
With just little time to go before I embark on the challenge I will be adding planning details to the next few postings. Anyone who wants to ask, please share your thoughts via comments on what you want to know more about or have any questions on how I will track my progress though-out the journey.
Dont' forget to track my daily progress via my Facebook link if you have an account.
Chat soon!
OldGuy
