Living For HIM: April 2018

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Walk to Defeat ALS 2018

Pretty good looking team wouldn't you say? We did it! We Walked to Defeat ALS! The weather cooperated and the rain stopped before the walk started. I am so grateful to have these friends that walked with me to support me and the the mission to help find a cure for ALS. Some of my friends donated to the walk but were not able to attend. Thank you to all of you!!!! Thank you really isn't enough because as you know this is personal, very personal. I have to say it is really hard to imagine that the cure of ALS is so elusive. Hearing the stories today about how ALS changes the lives of all that are involved is heartbreaking. There is also joy, hope and perseverance in every story. I know progress is being made and I am thankful for that!

How can you possibly pass the Spokane River and Riverfront Park and not take scenery pictures? The magnificence and power of a raging river all spoken into existence!

Ready to get started! Bonnie, Elaine, John and Sheila! Now those are some fabulous smiles.

Nathan sharing before the walk started.

This man was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. I met him but can't remember his name. Sorry. He told me he met Steve and was able to go on the field at a Saints game. He spoke along with his family before the walk. So many emotions.

Leslie Lowe kicked off the walk!

Here are some more of Team Gleason! Freida, Sheila, Kathy, Bonnie, Sue and Anne!

Vivianne and Sandi too!

Well, who is this? It is Max. We met years ago at a Christian Concert and we run into each other now and then!

You just can't beat Spokane for a place to live! I am thankful God planted me here.

Almost done!

I teach at Michael Anderson Elementary School and this is a statue of Michael Anderson! I didn't know it was Michael Anderson but I do now.

We are done! Anne, Becky, Bonnie and Frieda! I think we won! Pretty sure! :)

What can we do to grow this walk even bigger next year? I would love to see the park full of people Walking to Defeat ALS!

Oh, and there is always food and fellowship after any event! The Onion Bar and Grill downtown. Well, another year in the books! Thank you to my great friends! I can't say thank you enough!

On my walk back to my car I put my camera to good use. I couldn't help myself! God is so good! Just for us he created all of this and more.

Spring! It's here.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

A Favorite, the Spring Dash 2018

So why is the race a favorite? The setting is beautiful, God's creation at it's finest! I get to hang out with my good friends. Then there is the bakery at the end. It's a really good place to get coffee, food and sweet treats and to talk for a long time! We did see a pretty big fire in Spokane on the way. I pray everyone was safe fighting the fire and it was controlled quickly.

We have arrived in Coeur d Alene ready to take on 5 miles!

There was a bigger crowd this year. I am guessing because the weather was so good. We have done the Spring Dash in a bit of snow! Rain too. The weather is unpredictable this time of year.

Here we go! Gorgeous weather. A perfect day for the Spring Dash!

And then there is the picture you weren't expecting. Expect the unexpected when I have a camera which is most of the time!

God is so good! He wants us to be happy and He created this just for us!

I think I take this picture every year. I like this house.

Not sure about this guy!

Here comes the first woman runner!

The man with the cane was the best cheerleader ever. He had encouraging words for everyone that was coming towards him. He was full of joy!

On our way back now.

There are always those that take the road less traveled. I would love to know where he was headed with his backpack and hiking boots. I would have talked to him if we were on the same side of the road.

Sheila and Michelle!

The trees that are just staring to come alive with leaves need some picture love too. Rebirth! Over and over every year, just how God planned it.

Almost done! Dave took this picture. He is as bad as I am with pictures but I just have to say I don't have everyone stop in the middle of a race for a picture!

Again Dave thought it would be a great idea to get our picture with the cheerleaders at the end of the course. We fit right in don't you think?

Backwards to the finish line? That didn't last long. I have to say that jogging to the finish line is way more comfortable on my knee this year than it was last year. No pain at all. It's almost been 18 months since my last surgery. I have officially recovered. Well, it is still a little tight but that's minor.