TAKING CHANCES (part 2)
I remember taking this photo of Mitch on the diving board as he bravely released his iron-clad grip of the hand rail and edged toward the deep end. He was just barely diagnosed with DMD and I was still dizzy with grief over what was to come. I loved my little son with all of my heart ... and, as his father, I was pained that he was in peril and I could not stop the inevitable. I have wept enough tears over my son to fill the oceans to overflowing.
Although Mitch was already weakened by muscle wasting - he never let his limitations stop him from trying something new. I admired that about my little boy and decided to follow his example.
This same photo hangs in my office at work and home and serves as a reminder to take chances. That little boy on the diving board, who mustered the courage to step outside his comfort zone had no idea the impact he had on me from that day, to this day.
So tonight, almost on the eve of our 3rd annual run, I am taking a chance. In so many ways, I feel like I'm that little boy on the edge of the diving board ... my heart is pounding and I'm afraid of the deep.
The deep end for me was not knowing if people would get behind us to try to help others. Like Mitch, I have held my breath and inched toward the water's edge.
With the help of some of the most amazing donors, volunteers, and many of you ... this virtual/global run seems to be on the right track. I've jumped off the diving board, like little Mitch, anxious to experience life. What is life? To me, life (a life worth living) is found in loving and serving others. That is what this page is all about. Love. Love for my son. Love for all of you.
As the sun was about to set this evening, I drove to the cemetery to visit my son. I knew he wasn't there ... but my heart was there. My heart will always be there. I took some photos of one of the run medals that just arrived today - I didn't think they would come in time and was planning on having them for next year's run. That same image of Mitch on the diving board wrapped in gold is a symbol within a symbol. Though Mitch was never one to vie for attention, he would have thought this medal pretty neat.
I am grateful to all of you who have taken a chance on Mitchell's Journey and supported us. I promise to pay your goodness forward. I promise to try and help others who hurt; to be a candle in the wilderness of grief ... for I know those dark and terrible woods. I promise to help other boys who suffer with DMD.
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IF YOU ARE IN UTAH, COME JOIN US IN PERSON
Saturday, April 25, 2015 @ 9:00AM
Herriman Main Street Park - 13000 South 5900 West, Herriman, Utah
IF YOU WANT TO RUN VIRTUALLY
www.raceentry.com/race-reviews/miles-for-mitchell
(Please note that these run medals are reserved for registrants. Yet, if you cannot run or walk, you can still register. You can go to the edge of your diving board ... to your deep end and take a chance doing something that stretches you.)
If you have already registered and received your packets, we will reach out to you about your medals.
IF YOU JUST WANT A SHIRT OR TO DONATE
www.raceentry.com/races/miles-for-mitchell/2015/shopping
OUR GOALS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://tinyurl.com/mtj84pb
Other ways to follow:
Follow the run on Instagram: instagram.com/milesformitchell
Mitchell's Journey on Instagram: instagram.com/mitchells_journey
Twitter: twitter.com/MitchelsJourney