WOW!

I've gotten several emails like the one below, but this one really amazed me, and with the sender's permission, I'm posting part of it here as an encouragement for all of us.

To make a long story short, I’m a marathon/ultra marathon runner. People always ask me…how can you run 26 miles? My response….I’ve run 50…that’s nothing. What keep me going is knowing that there are people out there who would love the opportunity to run a marathon but can’t. I’ve run next to people in wheelchairs and people with artificial legs. It’s very inspiring. It makes you think…if they can go the distance, I need to stop complaining and thank God! Whenever I run a race I like to run in honor of someone bcs it reminds me of how blessed I am.

I was set to run the Mardi Gras Marathon on 2/24. Then I heard about Tricia! Your strength, her strength and the strength of that beautiful baby girl has inspired me. With your permission I’d like to run for Tricia and donate the funds raised to your trust fund. You can tell her that I’m taking her on a 26.2 mile journey and I’ll do all the work! She just has to focus on getting better and hang on. I pray for your family every day.

If it’s ok with you, I’d like to move forward and start raising funds at our next service. I’ll be wearing her picture on my back during the run. I’ll make sure to send you photos when we (Tricia & I) cross the finish! When she wakes up you can tell her she has to better so she can run a marathon. Hopefully you’ll get a smile.

God Bless You,
K. Byrd

Thanks to everyone who has felt the need to do something for us. Whether "large" or "small", we appreciate it all. I strongly believe in the "pay it forward" principle...God blesses us, not so that we can become selfish and enjoy life on our own, but so that we can turn around and be a blessing to those around us. Please, know that we have already begun doing what we can in our small ways to bless those I've seen in need around us here at the hospital.

Nate