Last night I spoke to a woman's organization about Mitchell's Journey. I was asked to speak several months ago by a woman whose name was both familiar and unfamiliar to me. I didn't connect the dots until last night when she started talking to me as I was setting up my computer. She said, "My daughter is Sage, Mitchell's friend." Suddenly everything came back to me and I remembered meeting them at Mitchell's funeral. It took a great deal of effort to hold back my tears. While there was already a great deal of love in my heart, it began to burst at the seams.
Their theme for the night was entitled "Some Extraordinary Women" so I focused my address on the amazing women who were part of Mitchell's Journey and the impact their love and service had on our family. From the meatloaf story, to paper hearts and yellow ribbons, there were so many amazing women who stepped up and offered love and comfort.
I also spoke about the special relationship between Natalie and her sister, Sonya, and how they were a special gift to each other ... but most especially Mitch. Each story I shared drew focus to the extraordinary women in my life and the incredible blessings that came as a result of them and their selfless service.
I recorded audio of the event and will try to post it soon. At one point during my time with these extraordinary women I said I was convinced women are the most powerful force in nature. With all that I am, I believe that is true.
I then shared a quote by Neal Maxwell that read: "When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sounds of lullabies?"
In my estimation, women have more influence on the affairs of this world than society at large appreciates.
After my address I was blessed to meet some of these remarkable women with whom I spoke. Natalie also spent time visiting with everyone and I looked upon my wife with continued admiration for the good, tender and loving woman she is. I loved the spirit of love that was felt in that room.
Earlier that night I was made aware that a woman in the audience lost her son almost 18 years ago. She sat kindly at a chair as I knelt down to visit with her. I could see a depth in her eyes that seemed to speak of the long journey of grief and healing she's experienced. After a few moments of visiting she pulled from her purse a framed photo of her lovely son. My heart swelled with compassion and love for her and her son. I hugged her and told her that I cared. I hope she felt it, because I meant it.
There, too, was an extraordinary woman ... a mother who loves her son deeply and will never forget him. The thought occurred to me that as long as love last, grief lasts.
With each passing day, I think I'm beginning to better understand our journey moving forward. While our journey was borne of sorrow it has become a journey of hope, healing and finding happiness.
There is so much we hope to do with Mitchell's Journey - so many ways we want to lift and help others. We hope to see you in person or virtually as we have our third annual Miles for Mitchell on April 25th.
www.raceentry.com/race-reviews/miles-for-mitchell
On Saturday we attended an MDA Muscle walk. I was so moved to see families of all kinds desperately trying to help the fight against muscular dystrophy.
On one level, it was difficult to be there because we wanted our son to be with us and we were reminded he wasn’t. On the other hand it was wonderful to be there because we met some families we have long wanted to meet. In fact, we’re going to spotlight one of those families at our Miles for Mitch Virtual Run on April 25th. If you haven’t yet, please consider joining our run virtually or in person: https://www.raceentry.com/race-reviews/miles-for-mitchell
You can learn about our goals for our virtual run here: http://tinyurl.com/mtj84pb
We didn’t need to be there – but we chose to be there because we care very much about these families who hurt and struggle. Our hearts were full of love and compassion for these kind families who face an uncertain and difficult future.
Natalie's sister, Sonya, also came with us to show her support. She was Mitchell's second mother and loved him as if he were her own.
At the end of the run Wyatt turned to his mom and said, “Going to this really made my day.” I felt a lump in my throat as I thought about how much Wyatt cares about others and only wants to honor his older brother by loving and supporting others.
I remember the morning Mitch passed away when I wrote "Mitchell's Journey is not over: it has only just begun ... in this life and the life after."
Two years later I am here to say that statement is as true today as it was then.
Mitchell's Journey is just getting started. This journey, while borne of grief and sorrow has morphed into a journey of love, faith and a hope for tomorrow. It's not my journey, I've come to see, its the journey of humanity - which is, indeed, a heavenly family.
I read your messages and I weep for your sorrows. Often, I fall to my knees in gratitude when I read your words of renewed faith and healing. All of you are so amazing. I read your messages and I wish I could respond personally to all of them, but cannot. However, you are all in my prayers, that your backs may be strengthened and burdens feel light .... and for those who walk in darkness, that you'll see an end to the night.
Last weekend, during the Miles for Mitchell 5K, I began to think about the kaleidoscope of winning. Real winning has so many unique forms, shapes, and colors and it is all beautiful.
Here are two photos that show 3 ways to win. Wyatt running in honor of his fallen brother … not a day goes by that Wyatt doesn't weep over the loss of Mitch; he would have done anything to save him. Luke, ever the faithful companion to Mitch, encourages Wyatt to press forward when his legs were tired. Lastly, a volunteer scout sitting in the shade of Mitchell’s balloons weeping over the loss of a friend.
Three forms of humanity. Three forms of winning.
To win is to try.
To win is to help others along the way.
To win is to have compassion and love deeply.
These young boys were living life unrehearsed, and living it beautifully. Each of them won.