Meeting my Inspiration: Lucy's Birthday Party

Happiest of birthdays to sweet Lucy!

If you read my last post, you know that I had the chance to meet my running buddy Lucy. Let me just say..... it was awesome! Please bear with me on this post as I am filled with so many emotions from this trip and it's hard to put those feelings into words. So, here we go.... 

Steve and I headed up to Wisconsin mid Saturday morning to make the 3 hour trip for Lucy's birthday party. I had her gift and medals (including my first 100 mile belt buckle) in tow. We chatted and listened to music along the way and time flew by. We even got in town early enough to stop for a sweet treat per Barb's suggestion. (Reminder: Barb is Lucy's incredible mom)

Gillies Raspberry Sundae

I got caught trying to sneak a pic

When we got there, I had butterflies in my tummy. I mean I felt like I already knew Barb and Lucy through our year of letters, packages, posts, etc.... but I was suddenly scared to MEET. I know that sounds crazy but I always try to fully put out there my thoughts/feelings... so I was afraid this sweet and feisty girl that I have thought of daily wouldn't like me. Luckily as soon as we rang the doorbell we were greeted so warmly and with welcome arms! Lucy and Barb even made a running gift for me! It was her birthday and I'm getting gifts?!?!?! 

New display for bibs and medals :)

Everyone we met (friends, grandparents, relatives) said: "You're the runner! Wow"
But I couldn't help but think: Yes I run; I do the easy part. Watching Barb, her husband Noah, and family care for Lucy all the while throwing a fabulous Lady and the Tramp themed 6th birthday party took my breath away. They did it all with smiles and kind words to everyone! If you want to read more about Lucy's story and the day-to-day challenges of living with and caring for someone with SMA please check out Barb's blog:
 http://www.lucyshopeforacure.blogspot.com/

Yes, I was there to meet Lucy face to face for the first time, but I was also just another visitor at her birthday party!It felt so normal and natural to be at the party and I enjoyed watching all the hustle and bustle in the house. Lucy's friends came out in full force and it was awesome to see. 

I was honored to pass over my medals and belt buckle. I have the memories from the runs  and that's enough. If the medals can bring Lucy a smile or giggle when they clink together it means more  for her to have them than me. 

When I first signed up with I Run 4 I never expected the connection would be so special. I thought it would be a fun experience to give more of what the world needs, but I just cannot put into words how incredible it has been for me. 

I think Barb, Lucy, and family are STRONG and courageous, kind and AMAZING. I am honored to run for Lucy and my goal for our upcoming years together is to help increase awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Lucy inspires me because she continues to push through daily struggles and live life to her fullest! 

I think Lucy liked when we all sang happy birthday the best! 

I Run 4 Lucy.... and now I get to meet her

So for a little over a year, I've ran for the organization I Run 4. This group pairs runners and families with exceptional children to connect, share, and support through the adventures of life and running. This sounded perfect for me. I was paired on April 25th, 2014 with an awesome little girl named Lucy. Lucy has spinal muscular atrophy type 1. This is the most sever type of SMA but that doesn't stop her from being a feisty daddy's girl! Over the year I have dedicated all of my runs and races to Lucy because, if she could, she'd be running around too. Her mom, Barb is a fabulous mom with crafting skills to be envious of! She keeps me updated on Lucy's progress and fun activities and I let Lucy in on all my training runs, races, ups, and downs. Even though we haven't physically met, I like to think we have a special connection. Now on our 1 year "matchiversary" I ran my first 100 miler and I thought of Lucy often to keep me moving forward. I run because she can't.... I run 4 Lucy! When I finished, we earned a belt buckle and I knew I just had to make the trip to meet her and deliver this buckle in person. Well..... the time has come! I will get to attend Lucy's 6th birthday party next weekend!!!! I am beyond excited. I feel so blessed to know this family and I will actually get to meet her in PERSON!

Stay tuned for more updates from my trip to Lucy!!!!!

If you're interested in more information about the I Run 4 organization, check out their website:
http://www.whoirun4.com/

Info on SMA:
http://www.smafoundation.org/about-us/

http://www.lucyshopeforacure.blogspot.com/    (All about Lucy!)