Spiritual Sunday - Life, Death and honoring a good friend

You might remember this post where I shared our good friend's situation.

Sadly, Thursday night, his valiant fight ended and he was released from his pain and allowed to move forward to the next step.

In my church we believe that death on this earth is not the end of our existence.  We believe we existed before, and we believe life goes on after we die.  We believe that with the proper ordinances, our families can be sealed together and be as a family unit for the eternities.  Yeah, I know- cool right?

It's been a crappy week.  We attempted to visit Rob last Sunday, but it was now to the point, that only family was spending time.  As it should be in my book.  When the end is near, time for chit chatting with friends is no longer the priority, but your children, grandchildren and most importantly, your spouse takes precedence.

All week, we knew that it could be at any time that Rob would pass.  Many hours were spent thinking about them, praying for them and remembering fun times together.  Dewitt's were the number one thing on our minds.  As they were on many others' as well.

Even when you know the end is coming, and someones pain will be ended, it's still hard.  Surreal.  Not right.  Not fair. Overwhelming sadness for his wife, sons and grandkids left behind.  Bottom line.  Crappy.

And then, I would luckily be included on a daily email that Debbi would send out updating everyone and I truly am amazed at her strength and outlook.  She epitomizes the kind of woman who gains power from her trials rather then allow them to beat her down. Her perspective and even her sense of humor in the past couple of days have inspired me.

Of course, as with anytime that one experiences death close to them, you reflect upon your memories with that loved one, and refine your outlook on your own life.  Death can provide so many growing experiences.  Some of them extremely painful, but growing nonetheless.

I dreamed about Rob and Debbi last night.  I dreamed that I left church after Sacrament meeting (which we had done a lot of so we could sneak a visit in) and I was helping her with writing thank you cards.  So part of me knew that Rob had passed because she was writing thank you cards for everything.  But, then Rob was right there in the room.  Teasing, and telling me to sit down on the couch and get a blanket. (one of the last times we spent with him, he kept offering me his electric blanket because I was cold)  We kept at the cards while he kept teasing Debbi and talking and telling me to sit down on the couch.

Next thing (you know how dreams are), Debbi said she needed a break and was going to The Pie for dinner (we went there as a bonco group last year).  We all started to walk out of the house and I was telling her to just shoot me an email when she got back and I would head over and help her finish. 

There were four of us as we walked out the front door of their house.  Me, Debbi, Rob and their son Brent.  My house is east of theirs so I was starting to turn that direction to walk home and Brent told us all to look at the sky and the mountains on the east. 

The sun was setting (but on the east), and the mountain was lit up with an amazing color of orange on the trees.  We then looked up at the clouds and saw fascinating cloud formations and some moving along in a rapid speed. 

We were all oohing and aahing over the cool sight when out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rob turn and get in the truck to go to dinner.  Debbi, Brent and I marveled at the scene once more and then the dream was over.

I believe dreams are dreamer specific and meant only for the one experiencing them so know that my feelings are for my own learning. 

I woke up with mixed feelings.  I wanted the dream to keep going because the sun setting was so astounding and the feeling of being with Rob, Debbi and Brent was so comfortable.  Once I got past that feeling, I started to think about what it all meant.

I'm no dream interpreter, but the message stood out very clear to me, and hopefully will garner some comfort to anyone else who may be struggling with the death of a family or friend.

Death is not the end.  It will NEVER be the end.  It's simply the next step of an eternal journey that our Spirits have been created to experience.  Our loved ones, though their physical bodies may be buried in the earth, or cremated and ashes interred, are still among us.  Their spirits are.  They are still the same personalities, and beings that they were while we knew them on earth, there is just simply a thin veil that we don't see with our eyes that separate us.  We can still feel them.  They are always near us. 

What lies ahead of us after we pass on, is simply to beautiful for words.  It's majestic wonder is something we can't even comprehend.  The brilliant colors in my dream on the mountains and in the sky are just not really describable.  So too, is the experience I believe is ours when we pass on.

The feelings of comfort is simply having the knowledge and believe of eternal life.  I don't know how one can experience death without this knowledge.  Or at least hope of it.

This I know, death is not the end.

Debbi had attached a couple of links that I have found comforting and inspiring.  If you have the time, click them and enjoy. 

The first one is from a leader in my church.  If you are not a member of my church but your interest is piqued, I can arrange for you to learn more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2AibapAJfE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

This next one is a beautiful, inspiring and comforting song

http://music.yahoo.com/celtic-thunder/videos/view/hallelujah--218643913

This last one is the link to Rob's obituary

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1380877&fh_id=10812

Now, I am the first to admit, that I don't always take the time to click the links, and if you don't, no worries.   But you are missing out on some nice inspiration.

Take the time to hug the ones you love. 

Share your love more frequently and fervently

Make relationships stronger

Forgive where you need to forgive

Come to KNOW that life does not end with death.  We can be with our loved ones forever.

Thank you to my friends the Dewitt's for allowing us to quietly observe their experience and to learn all that we have.  They are a remarkable family that has shown their true colors with this trial.  Strength, courage, unity, loyalty, faith and love.

And finally to my idol Debbi

There are no words that adequately describe my love and admiration for you.

But you already know that.

And there is always a supply of the Snapple Peach goodness!

**comments off, but if you wish to know about my church and our beliefs, email me**

Spiritual Sunday......reminder in kindness

I read a blog post of a dear friend the other day, and I have been thinking it over for the past little while.

A clear reminder to stop judging and to extend more understanding to others.

The often quoted adage "Be a little kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle"

Wouldn't it be nice it we really practiced that?  Instead of assuming we know the story, how about giving the mercy of the benefit of the doubt and if we must assume something - assume another's best intents.

Click here to read her post

**Comments are off....if you have anything kind to say - leave the love and encouragement for Debbi**

Spiritual Sunday and a few other uplifting thoughts

Sissy and I were late for church today and so that meant that we ended up taking the sacrament in the foyer.  I hate having to do that, because it's more difficult to make it meaningful, while I am also asking her to climb off the sofa, please don't run down the hall and put the pass along cards back.  I was starting to feel like maybe I should have just passed on church.

You KNOW what happens when you have those thoughts, usually the best lesson happens or you hear just the right thing to give you that little extra oomph needed.  No disappointment today.

In Sunday School, the discussion was on being a true disciple of Christ.  Not the kind that profess in public but then leads a different life in private, but one that is true, as true as they can be despite their human weaknesses, at all time.

The teacher shared an email that I had read a really long time ago as it made the rounds, but I had totally forgotten it.  It struck a strong chord with me today:

Author Unknown
"I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made.

I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure.

I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded.

I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven.

My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary.

I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus!
I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"


As I mentioned, I had read this before, but today it resonated.  Maybe it's been all the opposition we have faced the past 2 months or so, or maybe I was in just the right frame of mind, or maybe it was a strong reminder to make sure that my motives and intentions are pure.  At any rate, I came away with a renewed sense of commitment to the belief's that I own.  And when I say own, I mean own.  Not the ones I tinker with, dabble in, or think about - but that I OWN.  They are a part of my very self. 
Does that mean I live perfectly and above reproach?  Nope.  I'm human and subject to mistakes just as much as the next cat.  But when it comes to what I KNOW, I know it, I can't deny it, and I will do my best to live by it.

I thought of my many friends of different beliefs and religions.  The above creed is speaking of Christianity, but I don't see how it can't apply to others, regardless of their preferred belief system.  A higher power, science, Allah, God in whatever form he/she takes for them.  It comes down to sticking by what you believe no matter what.  Being a disciple for good.  Serving others and spreading a message of love, peace and acceptance.

I was glad I didn't ditch Sunday School.  I was glad I listened, I was glad that my heart happened to be open to the lessons that I needed to learn.

My other thoughts?
We attended the sealing of a sweet family in our ward Friday night.  Sealing families in the temple is one of the ultimate goals in my church.  We believe that families can be together  forever using proper priesthood authority in the temple of the Lord.  We believe that those family relationships extend after death.   I remembered back to when my own sweet family had the opportunity.  I sobbed as I watched the sweet faces of their children all dressed in white and thought of seeing my own boys (much younger than now) in the same situation.  It's a tender thing.  I was glad for chance to be there and to feel the Spirit of love and happiness for that cute family.  My tears were also for my own children and the strong desire that they would one day find themselves there, in the Temple, as well.

And finally, my cute son got some liberty this weekend and his even cuter girlfriend has gone to Cali to be there for his MCT graduation and to spend the 24 hours over the weekend that he had with him.  We skyped last night, but it was all about catching him up to date about the legal crap with Sissy and the other grandparents.  It wasn't a great call.  I could see that I caused him some stress.  And while the law clearly states what is correct, and we are in the right, the other side continues to harass with random motions and filings.  At least now, with the attorney filing the paperwork identifying himself as our counsel, all the certified letters that seem to come twice a week now have to go to him and the stress is off us.  After filling him in and passing along some information we got from a child grief center on clarifying for Sissy, her mothers death, we ended the call a little sadly.
I was determined this morning that instead of unhappiness, our call would be the opposite.

It was good that his sweet KM was there too because much of what I felt like I needed to say involved her.  We love her.  We love that she is "over the moon" about our son.  He has never had anyone in his life love him the way she loves him.  I am so happy for them.  He loves her and loves that she loves his daughter so deeply and completely.  We talked about their future plans, how they would affect not just themselves but Sissy too.  All of us are committed to making sure that her needs are met and that the best for her is priority.
You have no idea how refreshing that is!  It was a skype session full of love, understanding and a few tears of happiness.  I couldn't have asked for more.

So as I end this Sunday, I am expressing gratitude for the peace that has been mine today.  Not sure what tomorrow will bring since it seems our life is a constant roller coaster these days, and I am certainly not getting my hopes up that the ridiculous litigation problem staring us in the face right now will suddenly be over, but for now, I am grateful for a day of peace, love and rest from those concerns.  Even if just for the day.

Whirlwind Weekend - Chater VI - Spiritual Sunday and Tender Mercies

Today was a missionary farewell for one of Tuffy's friends.  He is also been one of Splenda's Young Men and we are good friends with the whole family.

Luka was also asked to speak, so they had Bubba, the leaving missionary talk first, then Luka, a missionary who has been home awhile.  Bubba also sang.  Incredible.  I spent the entire meeting bawling my eyes out.

And Luka's words?  Sometimes I feel so unworthy to be such an amazing person's mother.  Really.  He is a true gem.

After the meetings, it's kind of tradition for the family to host a get together where people can come visit, eat and say their goodbye's to the missionary.

Bubba's older brother who is a Marine was in town and we got to talking.  He is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton which is right there by the MCRD base.

Now remember, I have had on my mind the dilemma of taking Sissy.  On one hand, it's very important for her to be there, on the other hand there is a three hour portion of the actual ceremony that will be miserable for all of us to have to put her through.

I had been praying for a way to make this work.  For some sort of solution that would allow her to be there and a part of the two day festivities, but then allow for Splenda and I to enjoy the most special ceremony that would be difficult for her to understand and sit through.

As I talked with Bubba's older brother JS, I shared my dilemma and asked his opinion.  We talked, we discussed what to expect, and then we got interrupted.

When we rejoined our conversation, unbeknownst to me, he had taken his wife aside and told her of the situation.  As we resumed talking he verified the graduation dates with me and then offered to bring his little family to the base on that Friday and allow Sissy to play with them for the 3 hours of the ceremony!

Instantly my heart swelled with gratitude.  This was an answer to prayer!  It was a small tender mercy that my Heavenly Father granted me, and through the service of someone else.

It might not be a big deal to someone else, but it was weighing on my heavily.  She's a busy girl.  It's hard for her to sit still for very long and even harder to keep occupied regardless of the toys, treats or books you bring for her.  I knew it was a disaster in the making to drag her to the actual ceremony, but didn't know what else to do.

Not everyone can understand that kind of dilemma.  For some the answer is easy.  Leave her home.  She's young.  She won't remember.  Or.....between the two of us (Splenda and myself) we wrangle her and while we miss parts of it, we just do the battle for 3 hours.  On bleachers.  In the hot sun.

Neither of those options felt right or appealed to me

But Heavenly Father knew how heavy it was weighing.  He knew that while it might seem a minor thing, it was in reality a BIG thing to me.  He allowed the right people to be at the right place at the right time, and then they followed the prompting to offer assistance.

Tender mercy, my friends.  Just another reminder that God.  My Heavenly Father knows me.  Knows my needs and desires.  And then prompts others to serve me.

I left their home humbled.  Grateful.  Overwhelmed by their generosity.  Filled with love for them and for my Heavenly Father.   Inspired to find ways to pay it forward to someone else.  God's love shows through the service of others.  I want to reflect that love.  I want to be better.

Now, I guess it's time to make the travel arrangements and look forward to November 19th.  Which will be here before you know it.

And to AS and JS in Cali?

M-Cat and her family will love you forever!

Red Rock Relay 2010 - Legally Dead rules the road!

30 hours + 187 miles + 12 people = Best way to spend a beautiful weekend in southern Utah!

l-r  Isaac, Dallin, Wayne, Rocky, Choco-Lisalicious, K-Bear, Me, Ape(bent over), TO, Anababy, and Brookie

Doing this event last year is etched in my brain simply because of the outcome. This year, I was determined for it to be different. I got my wish on so many levels.

Legally Dead had some people already in St George, for the rest of us, we met up at 6:00am Friday morning and drove south to Brian Head ski resort in southern Utah. Our start time wasn't until 11:20, so we had time to get there, get the cars decorated, meet each other (some for the first time), and get ourselves ready for a fun adventure!

Rumpy working on the Bone's twins

Mr Bones on top of Van 2

Ape getting the Bone's twins situated on top of van 2

K-Bear

Anababy, Me and Ape

The Diva's screwing around

I was in van 1 with 5 other INCREDIBLE ladies! I swear to you, they are honestly some of the best gals around! I already knew Anababy, Choco-Lisalicious and Ape, but meeting Brookie and TO, just made it even better! The BFF circle is growing!

TO,Ape,Brookie,Anababy,Choco-Lisalicious and Me

Brookie started her ride up the tram and we were off. Each of our ladies did fantastic!

Choco-Lisalicisous starting her leg after the hand off from Brookie.

I was runner 4 and my leg was a good one.

I was kind of glad about the downhill since it allowed me to post a fairly good pace. This time I was smart and packed my own small cooler with ice packs. I think that really saved my old lady knees.
I passed off to Ape who and then she passed to Anababy.

Ape on her first run

Water break

And of course, Tiburon was thought of often!

After each runner finishes their leg, they earn their stripe

Ape getting her first stripe.  We also tatted our skulls, and skeletons

Anababy handing off to Isaac

When our van finished up, we headed into Cedar City for the first major exchange. We stocked up on some more supplies at the grocery store, had a carb load feast at The Pizza Factory and then headed to the SUU stadium to meet our guys in van 2.

A little time to rest (goof around with the cameras), and before we knew it, runner 12 was headed in and ready to hand off and our van would take over. It was dark now, and getting chilly. I hadn’t thought it through too well, and figured a hoodie would be warm enough for me. I was glad for the long socks!

My second run was called the Dirty Devil. It SUCKED! All uphill, on dirt road with rocks and cattle guards and when the support vans came through, the dust was choking me! It was another long run, and the uphill punished my quads, but I will have to admit, that there is something beautiful about running at night.

My first leg, I had only garnered one kill, and I was wanting more, but there weren’t many runners around to even try to catch. Since it was dark, I could only tell if someone were coming up on me by their shadow in my headlamp or if their head lamp was bright enough, it would light more area for me to see.

I could see an extra pair of legs in my shadow about half way through. No way. Nope. I was going to make this person WORK for the kill. I quickened my pace and within a minute or two, she backed off. Is it bad that I smiled and then started to sing out loud? Naaaaaahhhhhh.

After singing for awhile and getting into a groove on the hill, I saw someone’s butt lamp up ahead. A kill in sight! I pushed a little harder, watched our pacing for a bit and figured as long as I had at least another mile or so, I could get this one. Yesssss! Add another road kill. Two more on that leg by the time I handed off to Ape! So glad to get my second leg done!

After Ana finished, she came into the chute and our van 2 wasn’t there! The area we were in had spotty cell service at best and we weren’t within walkie talkie range so it was 40 minutes or so of some frustration trying to find our guys. Brookie went ahead and started the next leg but didn’t get very far without her bra so TO took over until the boys were tracked down. We finally got everything situated and headed off to the next major exchange and some desperately needed sleep.

This time, there was no goofing around with the cameras. We had a few hours so Anababy and TO took their sleeping bags to the grass at the church and the rest of us slept in the car. It was not the most comfortable hour or so of rest, but it was better than nothing that’s for sure! All too soon, we were getting word over the walkie that the boys were finishing up and ready to pass off to us.

As we started gearing up, wiping the sleep from our eyes and stretching, the sun was just dawning and the light was barely at the mountaintops. It was gorgeous. We were lower down so it was a bit warmer and the air was easier to breathe. I had a feeling it was going to be a great day for a run!

I love me some Anababy

TO's run right before mine, ran past the Biggest Loser ranch - of course we weren't gonna pass up this opportunity for a photo shoot.  I was hoping to run into Jillian....

About 9:30, we were heading to the exchange point for me to take over and do my last leg. I glanced at the race bible, got it in my head that it was 5 miles – kinda easy, and fairly flat until the last mile or so that was uphill. I was not sure I had 5 miles left in me, and I made no promises on my time, but was anxious to just get running and get it over with.

I took off and soon found myself in the best groove ever. Not a super fast pace, but a strong pace. Even though my legs were crying, I was finding the strength to push through and enjoy the scenery and people around. By now, we were in St George and there were several people running, walking or biking. The temps were starting to get a little warm, but I’m okay with the heat. I was loving it.

Picked up 7 kills and started to feel REALLY good! Still running strong, knew I was about a mile out and was soon going to be done when I approached an intersection. There was a cop directing and holding traffic and since I saw runners on the east side of the highway I assumed he was there for them. I saw a sign with an arrow that I glanced at and thought it was pointing left. I turned left and saw the hill so I figured I was on the right track since I knew I should be almost done and that my leg ended with a slight hill.

The hill wasn’t slight. It was soon so steep that I was barely running. I couldn’t see anyone else around. I started doubting. Was I on the right course? I watched ahead and saw a parking lot at the top of another hill, so I assumed the exchange was there. I kept going and the hill just got steeper and steeper. I was seriously hurting physically, but kept telling myself it was almost over. I got to the parking lot and it was obviously NOT an exchange. There was NO ONE AROUND. What the heck? I stopped and turned back looking. Then it was one of those 360 degree turn around’s with my hands on my hips wondering what the crap was going on? I began thinking I had taken the wrong turn. I debated. Do I keep going and maybe they are over the next rise or go back? If I go back, I will lose some serious time. If I keep going and it’s wrong, I will lose even more.

I decided to go back. As I was now running down the steep hills and seriously freaking out about what I had done, I passed a gal who was power walking it. I stopped her and asked if she was part of the race, she wasn’t and couldn’t tell me if I was on the right trail or where I was supposed to go. I kept going back the other way and back to the intersection. As I neared it, I realized that the cop was there to direct traffic for me to cross to the EAST side of the street. I watched him, he motioned me through and I as ran past, I laughed that I had certainly taken a wrong turn! He said, “Yeah, and I tried to get your attention, but you didn’t hear me.” I thanked him and kept going. I had looked around, didn’t see any markers or other runners so I knew I was waaaaaayyyyyy far behind all those kills I had gotten earlier. I assumed he put me on the east side of the road because we were going to go south now. I sprinted across the street and put on the juice to try and make up time.

It was now downhill, I knew I was needing to hurry so I let gravity take over and started flying. I was wondering where the next exchange was and why I wasn’t seeing any runners but chalked it up to the fact that I had lost so much ground with my earlier mistake. I was also thinking I would see my support team come find me since I was now past the expected time.

At any rate, I kept running. About 10 minutes into it, I was approaching a cross street when a lady in an SUV rolled her window down and called to me. I pulled out one of my ear buds and she told me that the cop had sent her to tell me that I had gone the wrong way. I told her I knew and that now I was trying to catch my team, I turned to keep going and she called out, “But you’re going the WRONG way!” I stopped and turned around and pulled out both ear buds. “What?” She tells me that I was supposed to go straight through the intersection and continue heading east instead of turning south.

I can’t even tell you what happened in my head. It took about 2.2 seconds for the reality of her words to hit me and then I started bawling. I was way off course, my body was hurting badly, and I was so far behind on time. Disheartened. Discouraged. Frustrated. Poor lady just watched me drop my head into my hands and start sobbing. I think she was afraid. She offered to drive me back, and I quickly jumped in her front seat. I couldn’t even talk I was bawling so bad. Things like. “I can’t believe this…….idiot……..I’m so done………my team is gonna kill me…….sorry I am so sweaty on your seat……….” All mixed in with sobs and snot bubbles.

We got to the intersection and she asked if I wanted her to drive me further. No, no thanks, I need to run it. I thanked her, jumped out, ran across the street and started up the last brutal hill.

All I could do was sob. How could I miss the signs? How did this happen? I could imagine my teammates consoling me by telling me how poorly the course was marked and how it could have happened to anyone, it wasn’t my fault. I knew how kind the ladies were and what they would say to make me feel better.

As I ran up that hill though, and tried to keep the snot from smearing on my face I realized, that I am the only one to blame. I am responsible for my own course directions and checking my race bible and making sure I took the right turns. It was no one’s fault but my own. Talk about a life lesson there!

As I crested the hill, I caught sight of a dude walking ahead of me. Most people, the last leg is the hardest. Your body is tired, your mind exhausted and no matter what the leg is like, it’s hard simply because your body has had enough. Seeing that guy walk was sweet. I stopped crying, focused on him and told myself I was going for the kill. I started sprinting and closing the gap between us. I almost got him before my body screamed ENOUGH. I backed off, and let him go. I’d already disappointed myself, what was one more losing moment?

As I approached the chute, I didn’t see Ape so I figured they had sent her off. Choco-Lisalicisous was there and the minute I saw her, the bawling started again. My teammates were so kind to me. When they realized something had happened, they called van 2 – who offered to come find me. They alerted the cop they had lost a runner, and actually backtracked looking for me. We swapped stories of what had happened. I let myself cry for a sec and then took a deep breath. It was done. I was finished with my legs, and while I lost about 30 minutes for our team, at least I wasn’t hurt. No injuries.

Ape and Anababy finished strong and we met up with van 2 at the next exchange.

Ape

Ape getting to pass off to Anababy

Once we let van 2 take over we calculated that we had about 4 hours. Ape’s hubby picked her up, took her home to shower and the rest of us headed into the rec center. After a hot shower, a good teeth scrubbing and clean clothes, we all felt so much better.

And while you are there in St George - go here:

Ask to see the manager - He's a tall, handsome blonde.  Tell him I sent you - he'll treat ya right.  And don't buy your golfing needs anywhere else!

We grabbed some food at the Mongolian BBQ (see pics above) and then headed to the finish line to try and sleep while we waited for van 2 to finish the final 6 legs. As we drove the route, I felt sick to my stomach. It was wicked hot, and the legs were along highway where it was hard to offer support. The hills were BRUTAL. I thought of having to run those and then began thanking our team captain for assigning them to van 2 and not us!

Heading towards Zion's NP - the scenery was beautiful!

We had quite awhile at the finish line. Ape and Ere showed up and we chatted, drank some diet coke, laughed and rested.

All our stripes

Some great scenery - great shot Ere

My only injury this year!!

We finally got word that they were close and it was time to meet them and cross the finish line together!

By now, it was around 5pm and most of us were headed back to the Salt Lake valley and needed to get on the road. Quick good-byes, gathering gear, hugs and then we headed home. A food stop in Cedar, a gas stop in Meadow and pulling in around 11:00pm.

Splenda met me at K-Bear and Choco-Lisalicious’s place, grabbed my gear, and helped me into the car. My bed never felt so good! Splenda was the best. He packed me in ice and listened to all my stories.

I have to say, doing these relays is not for the faint of heart. Or wussies. It’s hard. It takes strength, determination, endurance and above all else, a great sense of humor. Trust me, after 30 hours in a car together, there are no secrets. You bond in a way that doesn’t happen anywhere else. I love my Legally Dead girls. They seriously are the best. They knew what to say and when to say it when I was having my melt-down. We laughed so hard at times that all I could do was snort to keep oxygen coming in. And the Legally Dead boys? I have so much respect for the legs they had to run! The course was changed this year and it was BRUTAL! There is just no other word to call it. There were spots it was dangerous. It was hard. And those boys killed it!

And, as with every event I do, I seem to come away with a life lesson or two. It took me getting lost not once but TWICE, to learn it, but wiser I am for it. I am responsible for my own course in life. I cannot blame anyone else for choices I make. My choices affect others. BUT – even when I do get lost and off course, there is always someone there to help me and set back on the right track.

A big shout out to the St George Police Officer who watched me make the wrong turn AGAIN and asked someone to stop me.

A big shout out to the complete stranger woman who willingly took the time out of her day and whatever errands she was running to find me, and drive me back to the right road.



To my Legally Dead teammates……….. love your freaking GUTS!

And if you ever wondered what it looks like to be Legally Dead.....