Let's start at the beginning. Waking up at 4:45 AM. Yes, you read this correctly. I said 4:45 AM. I know, it's so unlike me, but for this I would have done anything.
It reminded me a little of the old days getting ready for a volleyball tournament actually. The night before we prepared as if going into battle. This was serious business and we didn't want to be caught off guard. We needed to be ready for anything! So, we laid out our red shirts and pinned the numbers on, just like we were told. We made sure that we had our clothes, visors, socks and shoes ready for the morning. We even put Quentin to sleep in his "jogging" pants (I used to do that too)! We packed our bags with anything and everything that I could think of because we just couldn't leave anything to chance. Segis was a little stressed since we only had one alarm to rely on and he knows me and the snooze button tend to be best friends, but we did it. And here is the proof!
"Captain" Q with his biggest supporters, Mommy and Daddy
We were all given red shirts to wear to support our teams (I know all of you CAL fans are saying, "What? How could you?" and probably would have given a good "Take off that red shirt" shout, but what's a mom to do?! Plus, Segis is a UNLV grad and he likes red, so I let it slide). There were so many people there and it felt really awesome to pull up in our car and see the other "Captains", "Angels" and volunteers ready to go in their red shirts in support of My Team Triumph-Southern Arizona. Since we actually arrived on time (shocker, I know) we were there before any of the kids were able to get settled into their chairs and I wish that we had a picture of that because it was a really special moment for me to see that. It was special because I know how hard everyone worked to raise the money that was needed to get the chairs from the Michigan chapter to Tucson. It was also very special because it reminded me of how loved our children are; Our family and friends so generously gave their hard earned dollars so that we could be there that morning participating in this incredible event. They gave so that we could give other people the opportunity to participate in events like this for years and years to come. The chairs to me represented a sense of community, of coming together, supporting and understanding without judgement and I am still in awe. Thinking about it today brings great joy to my heart. I am forever grateful to all of my loved ones, not only for your monetary support, but for your emotional support and encouragement.
Quentin had FIVE "Angels" other than Segis and I (incredible support, right?). We would like to take a moment to introduce you to them and send out a special thanks to all of them. So, without further ado, I'd like to first introduce...
We were all given red shirts to wear to support our teams (I know all of you CAL fans are saying, "What? How could you?" and probably would have given a good "Take off that red shirt" shout, but what's a mom to do?! Plus, Segis is a UNLV grad and he likes red, so I let it slide). There were so many people there and it felt really awesome to pull up in our car and see the other "Captains", "Angels" and volunteers ready to go in their red shirts in support of My Team Triumph-Southern Arizona. Since we actually arrived on time (shocker, I know) we were there before any of the kids were able to get settled into their chairs and I wish that we had a picture of that because it was a really special moment for me to see that. It was special because I know how hard everyone worked to raise the money that was needed to get the chairs from the Michigan chapter to Tucson. It was also very special because it reminded me of how loved our children are; Our family and friends so generously gave their hard earned dollars so that we could be there that morning participating in this incredible event. They gave so that we could give other people the opportunity to participate in events like this for years and years to come. The chairs to me represented a sense of community, of coming together, supporting and understanding without judgement and I am still in awe. Thinking about it today brings great joy to my heart. I am forever grateful to all of my loved ones, not only for your monetary support, but for your emotional support and encouragement.
Quentin had FIVE "Angels" other than Segis and I (incredible support, right?). We would like to take a moment to introduce you to them and send out a special thanks to all of them. So, without further ado, I'd like to first introduce...
Sue and Annie Connell, two of our tenants that participated. So happy that they came out to support us and the cause!
Ben and Ashley (last name unknown...ooops!). Ashley is a Speech Therapist and Ben, her husband, is a true competitor. He and Ashley, who by the way, used to run cross country in high school, ended up pushing Quentin A LOT. They were amazing and I can't say enough good things about them!
And last, but certainly not least, Lucy Barraza. We hit it off immediately and Lucy was outstanding in her commitment to our team, as well as the cause...she is looking forward to the next event already!
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
Although we did train some, I was unsure of what I was getting myself into and honestly I entered into this race with great trepidation, but overall the experience made up for the fact that I didn't finish as well as I would have liked. We crossed the finish line at 43:05, not too shabby for our first 5K, but I really didn't push Quentin very much throughout the race because the race alone was pretty exhausting without the challenge of adding the weight of Quentin and the chair. That my friends, was where Ben and Ashley came in and rocked it out. I'd like to say that it was their youth that gave them such energy, but I think it's just their personalities. They were so encouraging and supportive. They never gave it a second thought to helping push Quentin and I think they actually enjoyed it. It was as if they were out taking a morning stroll (my face probably told a very different story). They were checking in with Quentin every few kilometers making sure that he was okay, which I greatly appreciated and which made me realize that he was in very capable and caring hands. They probably were honestly the only reason I didn't walk anymore than I did. They were easygoing and made running very relaxing and fun, which I never thought it could be, and again I am very thankful to them.
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
Although we did train some, I was unsure of what I was getting myself into and honestly I entered into this race with great trepidation, but overall the experience made up for the fact that I didn't finish as well as I would have liked. We crossed the finish line at 43:05, not too shabby for our first 5K, but I really didn't push Quentin very much throughout the race because the race alone was pretty exhausting without the challenge of adding the weight of Quentin and the chair. That my friends, was where Ben and Ashley came in and rocked it out. I'd like to say that it was their youth that gave them such energy, but I think it's just their personalities. They were so encouraging and supportive. They never gave it a second thought to helping push Quentin and I think they actually enjoyed it. It was as if they were out taking a morning stroll (my face probably told a very different story). They were checking in with Quentin every few kilometers making sure that he was okay, which I greatly appreciated and which made me realize that he was in very capable and caring hands. They probably were honestly the only reason I didn't walk anymore than I did. They were easygoing and made running very relaxing and fun, which I never thought it could be, and again I am very thankful to them.
When we got close to the end Ben relinquished the reigns back over to me to finish out the race. That's us coming to the finish! I was ready to quit at that moment and start walking, but the cheering was infectious and gave me the boost that I needed to complete the race. Crossing the finish line was a sweet moment...very surreal.
Quentin handled the race like a true professional racer would. He didn't cry at all during the race, he was starving and pretty mad after the race, but I'm glad that he made it through the whole thing without an episode. I don't know if he was in shock the entire time or if he really enjoyed it, I'd like to believe it was the latter!
I know that I've been talking about meeting new people and making new friends lately, so I thought that I would share a picture of our little group so that you all can finally put faces with names. It was a really hectic day, so not everyone is included, but most of us are here and a few extras even!
Quentin handled the race like a true professional racer would. He didn't cry at all during the race, he was starving and pretty mad after the race, but I'm glad that he made it through the whole thing without an episode. I don't know if he was in shock the entire time or if he really enjoyed it, I'd like to believe it was the latter!
I know that I've been talking about meeting new people and making new friends lately, so I thought that I would share a picture of our little group so that you all can finally put faces with names. It was a really hectic day, so not everyone is included, but most of us are here and a few extras even!
From Left to Right: Segis, Alicia, Quentin; Kevin, Zach (my adorable red headed buddy) & Patricia Jordan; Christian (the coolest kiddo in our bunch...typically sporting shades), Lola & Shauna Quintero; at the end is Lucas (Quentin's blond haired, blue eyed brother...same curls, I love it!) and Steve King.
Here are some closer shots:
Here are some closer shots:
Denise & Lucas King
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
Shauna & Christian (with shades) Quintero
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
Couldn't you just eat these kids up?! Well, I could. I have grown to adore them all (and their parents too) in a really short period of time!
I could go on and on about the experience and what it meant, but I'll try and wrap it up. Thank you so much to Steve & Denise King for providing us with the opportunity to have this experience with our kiddos and for bringing this event to Tucson. They are pretty amazing people and it's a blessing to know them. Also, again I want to thank everyone that contributed (we raised over $1,000.00...amazing!), the list is long, so I will send you your thanks individually! A big thanks to my hubby too, for being so supportive!
"Captain" Q! The reason why we do what we do!
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
P.S. On a not so side note, I have to say, with much regret, that I unknowingly overlooked my husband's desire to run in the event but I do appreciate that he was a total champion and was our cheerleader and picture taker throughout the event. I think that for the next event I will take a step back and allow him to have his own experience with Quentin. Undoubtedly he will enjoy being able to have that time to bond with Quentin in a way that only he will understand and I look forward to that for him. Segis is already looking forward to beating my time, so we are looking for a jogging stroller in order for him to train for the next event!!!
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
Couldn't you just eat these kids up?! Well, I could. I have grown to adore them all (and their parents too) in a really short period of time!
I could go on and on about the experience and what it meant, but I'll try and wrap it up. Thank you so much to Steve & Denise King for providing us with the opportunity to have this experience with our kiddos and for bringing this event to Tucson. They are pretty amazing people and it's a blessing to know them. Also, again I want to thank everyone that contributed (we raised over $1,000.00...amazing!), the list is long, so I will send you your thanks individually! A big thanks to my hubby too, for being so supportive!
photo courtesy of Lucy Barraza
P.S. On a not so side note, I have to say, with much regret, that I unknowingly overlooked my husband's desire to run in the event but I do appreciate that he was a total champion and was our cheerleader and picture taker throughout the event. I think that for the next event I will take a step back and allow him to have his own experience with Quentin. Undoubtedly he will enjoy being able to have that time to bond with Quentin in a way that only he will understand and I look forward to that for him. Segis is already looking forward to beating my time, so we are looking for a jogging stroller in order for him to train for the next event!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)