An Old Friend

I see this old friend every day – her photo is pinned on my visor in my car to remind me of the important things in life. It's been there for 3 years now. It’s not often that you learn such valuable lessons from a 14 year old. She passed away at the young age of 14 after a 3 year battle that she lost. But not after a valiant fight and a spirit that never waned. She was one incredible girl and she taught more adults lessons in life in that short time than they would ever learn in a life time. Anyone who knew her, even for a minute, was touched by her zest and love of life.

Kati & I first crossed paths back in 2000-2001 when she was diagnosed with Leukemia and I was training for my first (and only) marathon. I started out running in honor of my father in law who had passed away 5 years prior to this and had Leukemia. I finished my marathon in honor of both him & little Kati, and all of the other people who have this terrible disease. I continued on as a mentor only because of Kati. I could write forever about her and everything that she was. Her kindness and life spirit made her a celebrity among many. There were articles printed about her all across the nation. They talked about the connections she made with so many people. Suffice to say, I’ve often found comfort in the fact that my baby Calvin is somewhere in heaven where this other angel resides. I can only hope that the two of them have crossed paths!

I bring this up because I was recently forwarded an email about another child that was diagnosed with Leukemia a few months ago; and her Mom is an incredible woman who is training for the 2008 Olympic Marathon. She's treating her daughter's disease AND training for the olympics. And there is a connection between the two. Here is the link to their site – TWO TRIALS. Please check it out and even consider making a donation (upper right corner, donation button). It’s a great cause and having been involved heavily as a marathon participant and mentor for a few years with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I can attest that they need donations to continue trying to find a cure. We never know where our life’s journey is going to take us – and it’s stories like these that seem to keep us grounded and thankful for all that we have. My heart goes out to the Two Trials family – but as you can see, they’ve made something good out of something bad; and that’s the first step in getting through these trials of life! Keep praying for a miracle for Maddie.