Stephanie

Not too long ago I had the pleasure of enjoying dinner at Greg and Stephanie Johnson's house to help plan out the 2nd Annual Stephanie Johnson Tri. I couldn't stop looking at Stephanie and their whole family thinking how healthy and normal she looked and how normal their household was. They don't really know how much more time she has, but if anyone were to see her, they would guess 30, 40, 50 years. I am in total awe of their ability to live life to the fullest, while still continuing to be a normal, every day family. I've said it before, but I do not think there is any way I would ever be strong enough to continue on the way that they have. It is just amazing and inspiring.

I pray for them each night, along with several others. I hate that it seems my list is getting longer and longer. I wish I could do more. I really do. I wish I could take just an ounce of hurt out of the hearts of people affected by cancer - both the cancer victims themselves and their families. I wish they could go at least one day with no fear, no pain, no heartache. I wish the people who have been left alone due to a loved one dying of cancer would never have to feel alone again. Uncle Boyd said the silence in his house was deafening after Aunt Linda died. My stomach still turns in knots every time I think of that. Caitlin said she doesn't think she can bring herself to sell her dad's car because it smells like him. Others can't really tell me how their loved one with cancer is doing because they can't bear to know the information themselves. Mom said the other night "I HATE cancer." I wanted to say "no sh**" but I didn't.

Here is "the list" as of today. It is ever-changing and always growing. It sucks.
1. Ellen
2. Stephanie Johnson and her family
3. Mrs. Chandler
4. Alaina's mom
5. Clayton (we met his mom at Tx. Children's)
6. Caitlin and Cary for the loss of their dad in December
7. Elizabeth's grandmother - recently diagnosed with breast cancer
8. Mike and his family, after the loss of his mom in 2003
9. Aunt Linda's family, after losing her in 2003
10. Mishele, after losing her mom in 2005
11. Ruthie's family, after losing her aunt in January

In 11 short days, I will be racing with each of these people in my heart. I will be racing for them and in memory of them. I will be wearing my special #99 proudly, as a sign that I'm part of the Janus Charity Challenge, and racing for "something bigger than myself" as Sissy said.

I'm still working on meeting my goal of raising $5000 for the American Cancer Society, so if you know anyone with some loose change, please point them in this direction.

Submitted by KCWoodhead