Closing this chapter

I'm sorry this has taken so long to be written.  I haven't had much time since returning home to even process what a wonderful experience that the Best Buddies Challenge was.  Two days after returning home, a very close family friend passed away.  If that wasn't enough, two days ago my dad was admitted to the hospital with what looks to be gout.  Many many prayers to the family of Lynn as they grieve a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, & person.  - Along with prayers to my parents as they deal with yet another medical issue.

Our trip started well - We flew out on Sun Country at 7am on June 2nd.  We had a smooth flight & everything went well with mom's oxygen.  As soon as we got our car, we headed up to Just In Time Cafe for lunch & Mom to finally meet the rest of the Kalligheri Family!  One bite of her chicken parm sandwhich & she was hooked.  After checking into our hotel, we drove up to Kittery & then through Costal Maine up to Kennebunkport.  We did some shopping there & headed back to the hotel.

The next day we took the T into Boston & walked around Faniuel Hall, the waterfront, & the North End (had to get Canollis) before Jeff - fresh off the red eye from California - picked us up for a personal tour of Boston.  He brought us back to our car & then headed over to Harvard University for the Best Buddies Challenge Football Game.  Mom got her first taste of Boston traffic & she wasn't impressed! (:

Once we finally got to the field, I ran to get my registration & mom & Jeff got seats for the game.  Mom was in heave as Pepsi was one of the title sponsors & it was all the free Pepsi she could drink (& fit into her purse).  The game was really a lot of fun.  Tom Brady was the quarterback for both teams.  Teams consisted of his teammates, celebrities, Best Buddies Participants & top fundraisers.  We enjoyed ice cream & great company.

After the game was over, we went to the Guy Fieri Tailgate event - where local chefs & Guy served food.  It didn't take long for us to completely stuff ourselves & decide it was time to head back to the hotel for an early morning drive to Cape Cod.

My first two mistakes for the challenge were already committed by this point.  Mom & I had walked 14,000 steps or about 7 miles each.  We also didn't get back to the hotel till probably 10am for a 5am wake up call.  As you can imagine, I didn't sleep well at the anticipation of the events.

It was a beautiful two hour drive down to the cape.  The event was right on the beach in Hyannis.  We got there about 7:45am & scoped out the festivities.  We also had time to walk the beach to get seashells before everyone started to arrive.

Jeff & his cousin Mike arrived shortly after.  I had Jeff do the honor of pinning my event number.  It wad a really special moment for me to take time to remember the reason why we were here.  

The race started at 9:30.  I lined up towards the back of the pack knowing I was going to be slow.  My feet were hurting & my body was tired.  It was awesome to see all the different people that were "competing".  

The weather was perfect though.  It was overcast & cool.  It made for a really nice 3 miles.  I finished just over 49 minutes. My goal was 45 minutes - but I will definitely take 49 with the lack of training the last month & the fatigue from the day before.

I've never competed in any event like this before.  It was awesome to see all the people cheering, my mommy taking pictures, & just feeling so much like I had accomplished something

The rest of the day was filled with food, a massage, & hanging out on the beach.  It was awesome to get to watch the bikers come in.  The first 100 mile bikers came in only like 4 hours after they left Boston. The day ended with a bucket list item.

The chance to meet Tom Brady.  Someone pinch me.  I still can't believe this happened.  It was super quick but he was super nice.  

Mom & I drove back to the hotel & I pretty much went right to bed.  I was exhausted.  

Sunday we rode the T back to Boston & took a trolley tour around the city, shopped, & got mom her shrimp she had be craving.  We were both pretty tired, so it was a pretty lazy day.

Monday brought checking out of our hotel which was sad for both of us.  We weren't ready to leave.  Then again - I never want to leave Boston.  We drove up to the cafe & another thing I had been waiting for finally happened.  I finally got the chance to have both my close friends & "brothers" in the same room.  It was a great send off to finally get to introduce Colton to Jeff.  

Jeff & I met by random chance almost 20 years ago & he's pretty much been my best friend ever since.  Jeff has dreams as big as this world.  16 years later, another random chance brought Colton into my life as he reminded me so much of Jeff.  Even though he lived in Alabama at the time, fate put him in Boston a year ago.  Our three worlds finally collided & it was awesome.  Of course, it was way too short & we were then on a plane home.

Thank you so much to all of those who believed in me & this cause.  Thank you for giving me an opportunity to help people & create memories with my mom. Thank you will never be enough- but in the next few weeks - you'll be hearing from me in a language of love directly from Justin.

This chapter has closed - but it's time to start writing another one.

Reflections

It's almost here.  I can't believe how fast the last 4 months have flown by.  There was a lot that has happened- crazy to look back & think of the craziness that has ensued.

I'm so happy that I was able to reach my fundraising goals & change the lives of so many people.  I'm grateful to give opportunities to those who never would have the chance - & I am most blessed by the over 40 people that chose to help me on this journey.  Thank you will never be enough to all of you.  When times were tough - you all keep me going!  Thank you for believing in me & this charity.  Thank you for helping me remember someone who was so dear to me & spread Justin's Love.

I'm also blessed to be able to share these next few days with my mom & take her somewhere she would have never had the opportunity to go otherwise.  It's been hard juggling jobs to pay for it, but it will worth it just to give her this.

Thank you for sharing in my journey so far.  It's definitely not over yet, but I'm writing the last few pages in this chapter. I'm anxious to see all it has to say!

Slowing Life Down

The last couple weeks have literally been crazyyyyyyy.  I literally haven't had a minute to breathe or do anything but eat, sleep, & work..... Repeat.

Glad those days are over & life has slowed down as of last night.  Today I completed my first full shift at my new job.  The last night shift was completed last night & Im looking forward to being normal again!  I'll miss all my coworkers but I'm so glad to be spending tonight with my husband.

The next 3 weeks will be exciting & I'm looking forward to getting back to training.  Working 12's had left me no time to time to head to the gym.  It felt good to get back there & get moving.  I'm not sure what I going be able to do at the challenge but I'm going to give it my best.

Thank you so much to Bill & Mary Basset, Al & Maggie Kuchenbaker, & Kraig & Judy Anthony for your donations.  I promise to give it everything I have in the next 3 weeks to make you proud!

One Month Left

It's officially crunch time!  One month left today.  I'm excited & scared at the same time.  The next 30 days will be full of sheer chaos.  I have no idea what's in store - but I know who is leading my path.  That's all I need!

Fundraising closes May 20th.  I still need a little over $300 in donations to make my goal.  Thank you to Carolyn Geisel, Steve & LaNell LeClair, & Pete & Patty Semler for their donations.  It's such a blessing to me.  If you would like to donate, no matter how small, please visit https://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/hp/rider-donation/#donate/3815&form/08f54bb5-18eb-41ce-8990-e2b70fb8aa5c//

One month!  I better get running!

New Beginnings

Whew.  I'm glad April is almost over.  It's been quite a month.  It's been a season of storms & changes in our lives.   But where there is change - there is always a loving God walking ahead of you clearing your path.

May will bring new jobs for both Jason & me.  It will bring some long hours for me as I'll be juggling 3 jobs for 2 weeks & adjustments to my training plan.  My final preparations for our trip to Boston & 5k.

It will be busy!  But finally - I see sweet light & I am forever thankful.

You know what they say - April Showers bring May Flowers!

Thank you for all your love, prayers, & support!  Special Thanks to Greg & Marge Danger for their donations.  I have a little over $400 left to go.  May 20th is the due date for donations.  

God is good.

I will Praise You in This Storm.

It's not a news flash to anyone I've been struggling lately.  Things have been hard.  10 days ago, I busted out in a raging river of tears on my way home from work.  I felt like I've failed every thing & every one around me.  I was exhausted.  I prayed out to the lord & told him I couldn't possibly fall much further.

His response?  That's cute.  Now I'm going to really turn your life upside down.

I don't know his plan for our lives at this moment.  Never in my life could I have ever foreseen the blow coming from pretty much the last place I could ever expected.

But I trust in the plan God has for our lives.  I have to - because that's all I have at this moment.  

I have nothing left to give.  I'm physically & emotionally exhausted.  I don't think I have anymore tears possibly left to cry.  I've never hurt as much in my life as I've hurt in the past few days.

But I got hope.  I have hope in things to come.  Once I get over the hurt & anger, there is something better coming.  I have the hand of my best friend & a vow we made to better & for worse.

So I'm going to keep fighting.  I'm going to keep running.  I'm going to keep praising my God.  & im going to keep giving myself to serve others even when they are the same ones that have hurt me.  Because that's who I am.  & that's why I'm here.

Thank you to Tom & Carol Peterson & Greg & Lisa Fletcher for your donations this week.  You'll never ever know how much it meant to me in this dark week.

"I was sure by now God you would have reached down & wiped our tears away.  Stepped in & saved the day.  But once again, I say Amen & it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls, I barely hear you whisper through the rain, "I'm with you."  As your mercy falls, I raise my hands & praise the God who gives & takes away.

I will praise you in this storm.  I will lift my hands.  For you are who you are no matter where I am.  Every tear I cry, you hold in your hand.  You never left my side, though my heart is torn.  I will praise you in this storm." - Casting Crowns

Happy Birthday Justin & Jeff!

I can't believe we did it.

We made the goal on Justin's Birthday. (& Jeff's too!)

There are no words that can fully describe the emotion of what this has meant to me.  I still can't grasp it.

Best Buddies now raises my goal to $2,500.00.  There are several people that have let me know they wanted to donate but haven't had a chance to.  Donations are accepted until May 20th.  Let's spread more of Justin's Love & help more people.

Thank you to those who made the last few dollars possible:

-Dennis & Kathy Lodin

-Ted Grob & Ted Grob Sales

-Lee & Inna Aldrich

I sincerely appreciate all the donations, love, & support.

Love,

Laura

PS: I logged my best mile & 2 miles today as well :)

Testing My Faith

This week has literally sucked the life out of me.  I've been more time crying then not.  I have a lot of demons that I'm battling, & I have no more to give.  I've depleted every ounce of what I had trying to make everything work.

& everything isn't working.

Changes needed to be made as soon as possible.  I need lots of prayers & prayers for my heart to remain strong.  

Even while my tears have been falling, God & my angels have kept reminding me they are here.  One door closed as another promising one opened - as Justin showed me he was watching over me.  I was crying & reaching out for prayers as I received an email I needed to keep fighting.

I'm so grateful for the very kind & generous donation from my Uncle & Aunt's family this week that came at a perfect time.  Thank you so much to the Schuman Family & yes... Go Patriots!

One more thank you...  Thank you to my husband who has remained my source of strength & held my hand through every up & down I've had in the past almost 10 years.  & he tries so hard to dry my tears with laughter.  Sometimes it works.  Sometimes it's an epic fail.  But his heart always has me in the center & I can't thank him enough for loving me unconditionally.

This week is Justin & Jeff's birthday on April 6th.  My goal is to have the last remaining $175.00 raised by then in honor of Justin.  

I hope I don't let him down.

Not so Good Friday

I just saw this on Twitter...  I really like it & wanted to share it!

L. ive

E. veryday to

A. chieve your

D. reams

I hope that I am inspiring someone on my journey & achieving my dreams.  I live everyday to help another person.  To share the love in my heart & make others better.  If I can do it...  Certainly you can do anything you set your mind to as well.  

Today - it's been a not so good Friday.  I've been struggling with illness again on top of my ankle injury.  I finally had to tap out of the struggle & take the day off of everything.  I'm just pushing myself way too hard between two jobs & training with little sleep.  I need to find a balance somehow cause my immune system is not here.  I seem to be catching every sniffle I encounter.  Please say a prayer for my health.

I also need to ask for a special prayer for my Second Father Lynn as he's had a bunch of complications from a recent heart surgery.  Please pray for his healing & for his family through this stressful time.

I'm so thankful & blessed that three people believed in my journey this week & donated.  Huge thanks to:

* Michele Moody

* The Overby Family

* Melissa & Billy Esnough

I wish you all a blessed Easter week.  Hug all your family & friends - & tell them how much you love them!

Halfway Mark!

Today is a very important day for me.  March 20^th marks the halfway point in my journey.  By now, I hope you received a letter in the mail from me or have had a chance to check out this blog for my progress.

This week has been an exciting week for me.  Last Sunday, I tried my first 5k trial.  While it took me a lot longer to finish it than I would have hoped, I completed my first full ½ mile run.  On Wednesday, the app I’m using made me run my first full 20 minutes – which equaled about 1 ¼ mile.  I have never run a mile in my life.  EVER. That was a pretty big milestone in my journey.

Training seems to be going well.  I’m always frustrated I can’t do MORE, but I remind myself that I still have two months ahead of me.  I spend Monday-Wednesday-Friday and Some weekends in the gym.  I would like to cut down my mile times by a full two minutes over the next two months.  My GOAL is to finish the 5k in 45 minutes.  I hope I don’t let myself down.

I did set myself back again on Friday.  I ran my ankle over with a cart.  It's pretty black & blue with an open cut on my Achilles.  I was going to go to the gym with my mom yesterday & today with Jason - but that wasn't an option.  I'll try tomorrow.

We finally got oxygen approval for my mom this week. It was a huge step when we were able to book our airfare to go.  Now that all our travel arrangements have been made, It seems more real to us both.  I brought her some some brochures from Boston, and she was excitied to see some of the things we are going to experience.  We are for sure going to do the Trolley Tour of the city since she couldn't walk everywhere as well as the Duck Boat Tour.  Being that the race is in Cape Cod on the beach, it will be nice to be able to relax on the beach after the race is over as well.  We are both looking forward to spending this time together.

I wish to thank everyone who has supported me.  I can’t tell you enough how much your faces run through my mind when I’m running on the treadmill.  It’s like I see you all cheering me on.  It means so very much to me for all the support I have received.  My motivation board has some many love notes on it.  It makes me smile so much.

I still have $530 to go in my fundraising.  If you wish to support my journey, please visit https://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/hp/support/#justinslove to donate.  If you do not feel comfortable doing so online, you can also send donations to me at my home address.  I can enter them on my site, and I love adding notes to my motivation board.  I’m working on thank yous for everyone that donates that will be sent out after I complete my run.

Once again, I sincerely appreciate everyone’s support.  It is truly what keeps me going every day.

Lots of Love,

Laura

Trying to Get My Groove Back

I'll be honest.  I'm still struggling since coming home from vacation... & a month later, I'm still sick.  I finally went to the doctor on Tuesday again after feeling like I wasn't going to make it Monday.  Doctor confirmed what I knew - my cold turned into a sinus infection.  I'm on antibiotics but still not feeling great.  I muscled my way through my workouts this week.    It's definitely been a struggle but the faces of all those who have support me go through my head when I feel like I can't push myself anymore.

Thank you so much for the Donations this week:

* Auntie K

* Sipe Gednalske & his humans

* Rick LeClair

I only have a little over $500 to raise to my goal.  I'm so appreciative of all those who've supported me.  I honestly couldn't do this without the love & support I've received.  Thank you so much - know you are what is getting me through!  Love y'all!

Thank YOU!

Just had a chance to take in the fact that I'm #20/209 on my big team!  Way cool!  Thank you all for supporting me!

I've got a long ways to go though - every dollar & donation counts no matter how small!  

Donate at: https://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/hp/rider-donation/#form&donate/3815

Thank you to those who donated in the past couple weeks while I was on vacation:

* John & Christine Anthony

* Grandma

* Aunt Sher 

Have a good weekend y'all!

Trip Video

Here's a link to a video with all the pictures from our trip - sure am blessed we got to go & can't believe how much we did.  Hope y'all enjoy!

http://youtu.be/n6etZaYh-gg

As many of you know, Jason got sick at the end of our trip.  I got him to urgent care yesterday & he was taken by ambulance to Maple Grove Hospital with a fever of 105.  His asthma complicated influenza A.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Coming Home

This past 6 days have been incredible.  Words cannot describe what it was like for me to finally come home to Boston & see my family & friends out here.  I start writing this while I'm sitting on the plane home & I never wanted more than to get off a flight in my entire life.

The first thing I have to say I was really fortunate to be able to eat breakfast every day with the Kalligheri family - besides the first day where we had lunch at the cafe.  I felt so loved & like it wasn't my first time here from the moment we walked in -  thank you Mama Debbie, Guy, Ellie, & Aunties.  Your love & hospitality was one of a kind & truly appericated by both of us.

I had a few goals on this trip that I was able to accomplish & that fact is amazing.  My first goal was to see as many friends & family as I possibly could - thank you so much to the Kalligheri's, Our awesome Boston Tour Guide Colton Bradford, Michele - our breakfast date was only 19 years in the making as well - & Mike & Kari Sawyer for letting watch the Bruins lose in TD Garden.  It was also pretty cool to take Kari to her first Concert ever.... & Garth Brooks at that!  She'll never top her first!

My next goal was to be able to see every Boston sports stadium -  Boston sports have meant so much to my life.  Gillette, Fenway, & TD Garden - mean so much more now that we got to see them in person.  The next sporting event will be so much cooler when I have been there!

My next goal was to get my last 6 remaining states in the continental USA - Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, & Vermont.  It took me 33 years to do all 48 - & it'll probably take me 33 years to check off my last two - Alaska & Hawaii! 😁

I have many pictures on my phone (I forgot my camera....). I'll be making a video once I get home & get caught up on life.  My phone is almost full!  I had to delete a bunch of stuff even! :/

My last thing I wanted to do was a secret that only one person knew about as it was the hardest thing I had to do on this trip.  I finally got to bring snickers to my brother.

Sorry I didn't make it home till now Justin...  But I knew you watched over us through our trip & make sure we had an amazing trip.  Thanks for making me do this journey.

I love you Justin.

Until next time Boston.  You have my heart.

Dear Justin -

Thanks for the sign when I needed it the most.  As I struggle physically with illness & mentally with anxiety- you reminded me slow & steady wins the race....

I love you Brother.  Thanks for always watching over me. ❤️

* I found this in the most random place at my part time job.  :)

The Chain of Love

Today has been a day of rushing - but a pretty cool day if I say so myself!  After working my part time job, I rushed down to Edina to visit with my Endocronolgist.  I got to surprise him with the person he seen half asleep in December was now training to run a 5k.  Seeing his face when I told him is something I was always remember in this journey.

After my appointment, I ran home quickly to receive love notes in the mail from my Auntie Suzy & Uncle Wayne.  Words can not thank you both enough for the card, check, & tshirt you guys sent.  Mind over Matter could truly be used to describe my journey so far.  I will work extra hard when wearing it to the gym for you both.  I love you both so much! Thank you sooo much.

I headed off to the Gas Station before my full time job.  I was pumping my gas when a lady gave me a coupon for .20 cents off a gallon instead of my .14 coupon I had. I thanked her profusely & started searching for a person to give my coupon to.

I found a person & she was quite happy to receive it.  As I walked out the door, I had a big smile on my face & joy in my heart.  I was so honored to pay someone's random act of kindness forward.

As I walked to my car - the lyrics to this song came in my head....

"https://www.youtube.com/embed/mVQGQ0wh7eY

Don't let the chain of love end with you.  

I sure won't

Temporary Setback

It's been a long week.  I got sick on Tuesday night &  it's really taken a lot of wind out of my sails.  I couldn't work out, & I feel like I'm failing behind.  I totally hate the feeling.  I'm sitting a minute clinic right now to see if it's more than a cold. Whatever it is, it's only a temporary set back.... & my awesome supporters have kept me motivated this week - so big thanks to them!

* Marty & Carolyn Lundeen

* Dennis & Peg Hoff

* Wayne & Suzy Schuman

* Jeff & Mary Lundeen

* Jane LeClair

* Cindy Chapman

* Diane Vaughn

* Roger & Jane Anthony

This weekend will be spent getting ready to go to Boston for our Anniversary- a trial run maybe!  Looking so forward to finally meeting the Kalligheri family after 19 years... Spending time with awesome sauce Colton Bradford - & of course our friends Mike & Kari Sawyer.  

Jason & I will celebrate our 7 years together by seeing Garth Brooks for the 7th time - & 6 years to the day we seen him for our 1st anniversary in Vegas.  How Cool!!

I could not ask for more.

It's all worth it

Some days - it's hard.  Last night, I was really struggling with achy legs & just being plain tired.  I'm only getting about 6 hours of sleep in a usual night & anyone that knows me knows that I need at least 8.  Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining at all!  I chose this journey & im glad I'm on it.  Especially when I get home & receive this note in the mail from Jason's aunt Bonnie:

Jason's Cousin Jenny is one of my

"Whys" in choosing to do this race.  It brought tears to my eyes to read that Jenny was so excited!  I can't wait to make her & her family proud of me.  I taped her note on my wall to look at if I ever feel like giving up.  Thank you so much Bonnie & Jenny for sending me this on a day I really needed it!

Thank you to those who donated this week.  

* Lyndsay & Wayne Deitner

* Ashley & Jessi Oliver

* Bonnie & Craig Gilland

I sincerely appericate it with all my heart & I'm hard at work on special Thank You gifts for June!

Just got done with my workout & my Valentine is bringing me to the Wild-Bruins Game!  I can't lose this one!  Happy Valentine's Weekend!  Love y'all!

To Eat or Not Eat...

To eat those excerise calories, some of them or not eat them at all.... That is the question.

Personally - I've had success with eating some of them back but never all.

When talking to my awesome personal trainor & friend Nichole the other day -  she recommended not eating a single one back.

Any recommendations out there?  (Hey Nick- that means you!  & I loved rowing!)

My Road Warrior

I won't be making this journey alone!  Of course - I have the support of my family & friends...and my donors.  I got some good Angels watching over me...  (Hi Grandma & Justin - plus a chorus of angels who have left my life)...  I have the unconditional support of my husband, who thought I was crazy at first.  There's my best buddy Jeff & his family that are some of my biggest fans....  

But I need my road warrior, who has fought battles far greater than this one.  Let me introduce you to her pretty face

My Mama!

As many of you know, my mama & I have always been best friends.  We are pretty much inseparable & spend so much of pur free time together.

As you all know as well, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer in September of 2012.  Her road has been nothing short of an uphill battle since...  A failed operation & painful recovery...  Chemoradiation...  Chemo.  Blood transfusion.  Oxygen dependence.  A big scare.

But she's a fighter & one of my biggest inspirations.  She was giving 30% chance of making it 5 years when she was diagnosed.  This September will bring 4 years with continuous good reports from the oncologist.  

When I decided to make this trip - I knew I needed her to be there to Cheer me on.  Life's too short to waste another minute & she's always wanted to see the East Coast.  Plus she'll get to meet her other son's family finally as well.

I took a second job in Janurary to cover all our expenses for the trip out there.  Logistics have been a little hard since we'll need oxygen for her.  But no challenge is too big for me to handle.

(Side note: I've been asked if the funds raised for this will be going to cover the cost of my travel expenses.  Absolutely not.  All funds go to Best Buddies - I will not see a dime.  I'm also 100% liabile for all unraised funds on May 20th.  If I don't meet my fundraising goal, it will be out of my pocket.  My second job will pay for all our travel expenses.)

I look forward to being able to share this experience with my mom. She is the one that gave me my heart & taught me how to fight for all I wanted...

In a way - I'm doing this for her too.  If she can beat the odds, I can too.