We are Running the Boston Marathon!!

You read that right, folks!  We are running in the Boston Marathon tomorrow, April 20th!!  Okay, so it's not our entire family who is running, but LUCY IS RUNNING!!!  Truth-be-told, Lu Lu isn't running, because she physically cannot run, walk or even crawl.  However, she has a runner who is running in her name.  That runner is Ms. Brandy White from Vermont; and tomorrow, Brandy will be running in THE Boston Marathon.  We couldn't be more proud! 

Here's Brandy picking up her packet today! 

I Run 4 is an absolutely wonderful organization, where typical people run for those who are not physically able . . . people like Lucy.  I Run 4 was founded in 2013 and now has thousands of runners representing thousands of special-needs individuals around the world.  Can you imagine? 

Here's a description:

"God gave me the gift of mobility. Others aren't as fortunate . . . who do YOU run for?
This is a community forum for inspiration from those who have special needs and for you to inspire others with YOUR story and who YOU run for!"

It's such a special thing to imagine, and I often wonder if Brandy will ever know how important her running is to our family.  Most likely, Lucy won't ever get to run in this lifetime.  Brandy runs in her name.  Lucy's name is out there for the world to see, running in great races such as the Boston Marathon! 

And here's something super cool . . . you can track Brandy as she runs tomorrow for Lucy by texting 234567 with her bib# 13030.  She starts at 10:25am, EST! 

 

Check out her cool shoes!  Aren't they fun?!

 

 

On an entirely different note, Mike and I want to sincerely thank you for the encouraging messages and texts we've received over the last few days.  Our hearts have been so heavy over the news of Henry and his health situations.  Sharing that, along with the recent dreams have given us, make us super vulnerable, and yet some of you have sweetly swept in and are ready to help in any way. 

 

I find it so encouraging to know, that when many of our friends have understandably grown tired and weary of serving and lifting us up, there are others (some even altogether new to our rollercoaster) with renewed energy and passion, ready to love us.  Astonishingly, there are always, ALWAYS those faithful friends who have energetically stayed beside us, consistently able to help, even when they are weary and worn of the McLaughlin Clan. 

 

 

Please keep Brandy in your prayers tonight and tomorrow as she prepares and then runs in Lucy's name tomorrow!  Also pray for her as she recovers from this giant fete.  I cannot even imagine running that long, ya'll.  She is a superhero! 

 

 

As always, thank you for staying with us and for loving us even when we are hard to love -

Ryan