a morning of heroes

my kids swim team put on a kids triathlon this morning. but i can't share the pictures of my kids doing the triathlon because there were some other heroes there this morning that need to be shared first.

all the proceeds from this kids triathlon have always gone to a charity.

this year the money went to a middle school boy that goes to rebekah's middle school. he has cancer - sarcoma - and, short of a miracle, it is going to take his life.

we knew the money was going to him and his family. but, as the kids were finishing the run, i realized HE was sitting over to the side watching... (in the red cap)

before any of the festivities (prizes, raffles) began, these 3 guys (more on them in a minute!) went over and talked intently to gavin and took him for a lap around the track. their focus and priorities were clear. and it changed the whole mood of the event...

these 3 guys are part of "miles 2 give". an organization that raises money for sarcoma. they are running across the country - started at the pacific ocean in february...and will be ending in ocean city in a few days. they stopped at our little triathlon to support gavin and his family this morning. their attitudes and encouragement to everyone there was inspiring! check them out: miles2give.org

as they started running around the track with gavin, every kid followed beside and behind. i took the new few pictures in a span of about 10 seconds. and i couldn't see what i was shooting through my tears...

coming to the finish line...

one last hug from landon cooper - the founder of miles2give.

i just don't have the right words. i had so much to "do" this afternoon...but all that seemed "so" important before, just doesn't anymore. my heart is heavy and encouraged at the same time. and i'm so very thankful to have witnessed the beauty of this morning.