One year ago exactly, I had the privilege to experience Hood to Coast with my family and afterward..still on the high of the event I wrote our team this letter:
Dear family,
I just couldn't even think about writing yesterday, as I told mike I still have no great way to put our weekend's experience into words.
I took this race on as a real personal challenge. And it wasn't easy. I started training a long time ago and kept you all in my thoughts with every extra push needed for each training run. There were some tears and even bad words muttered because I had to get past some lies I believed about myself. Really wasn't sure up to that first baton hand off if I could DO it.
But you all helped so much. And I found that I could do it- even if people passed me a lot
. The fun in our van outweighed any of the challenges tenfold! I love me some cowbell!!!!
Losing my dad and now slowly losing my mom made this weekend even more powerful because I crave mentorship and leadership. Uncle les- you were that for me this weekend especially!
Love you all - stef
Not of happenstance, three of my elders - men in our family wrote me back powerful letters. I cherished them then and now and wanted to document them here to keep forever!
Stef,
I am most proud of you because I know this was a stretch for you and I know you weren’t sure about being able to do it but I also always knew you had it in you and it was a real joy for me to get to see you conquer this personal challenge. You were awesome and I would be proud to have you on my team anytime. I love this kind of thing because the pain and hardship and the unknown draw us together like nothing else, we have to be real with each other and that is something that is way too rare these days.
As far as being a mentor or helping in a leadership role in your life or if you just want somebody to talk with, whose old and a little crazy but most importantly knows to view this world through Gods word as best I can, I want you know I am available anytime for anything you need, please don’t ever hesitate to call, e-mail, text or whatever... I know we don’t get together enough but you guys are very special to me and I love you all very much! Love, Uncle Les
Stef-- just read your email. Brought tears to my eyes. What you experienced was the joy of athletics coupled with a family connection that most people never know. When I read your words and mike's words I think how neat it is that you can instill those feelings in your kids. Someday Henry will be whacking balls into the outfield and you will swell with pride. And you will know what he feels with his teammates. Same with your girls. Soooo glad you did this, kicked some butt, and realized that those "lies" are just that.
Losing parents is hard. That safety net is gone. But the great thing about our family is that the safety net is horizontal, not vertical, as les proved to you.
We love you guys a ton and will always be here for you. Never forget that. Love Uncle Dave
My mom's cousin Doug wrote me an amazing letter as well!! But without his permission I'll keep it to myself- but it touched me just as much!
How blessed I am!
