Saturday, October 21, 2017 proved to provide another humbling and moving experience with myTeamTriumph at the Africa Hope Run in De Pere, Wisconsin, presented by Spring Lake Church. Given the unseasonable mid-60's weather, we had 12 captains join us for a 5K or 10K run, and well over 40 Angels helping to make that happen.
While I continue to recuperate from a nagging sports hernia, my time was well spent early that morning getting chairs and equipment ready for our Captains. Between assembling chairs, pumping up tires, and preparing the check-in area, the team moved quickly and swiftly in order to greet our Captains and Angels upon arrival. What I quickly learned as Captains arrived was how much I enjoyed seeing the pure joy and excitement on their faces as they checked in. What I wasn't prepared for was how moved I would be by simply having conversations with them. Whether it was talking to BJ about his regional bowling championship, speaking with Graccie and her family about middle school, or helping Teddy become comfortable in his chair - I quickly realized a fire and passion burning inside me to want to learn and hear more from them.
As is customary for most races, myTeamTriumph starts a little earlier than everyone else. The crowd at Africa Hope Run was amazing as the Captains and Angels set out on the course!
While we patiently awaited the return of our teams form the course, the excitement of the days events grew. We had 12 Captains enjoying the moment, embracing the friendships they had created before the race started, and sharing stories upon their return. As the first team came racing back down the street (finishing ahead of ALL competitors I might add) Captain Chad wanted to cross the finish line on his own two feet. The applause and cheering from the crown was moving...chill to the bone, goose bump moving. And as more of our teams came strolling in, the cheers and applause never stopped. To watch the likes of an 8th grade girl walk across the finish line in the arms of her angels, as her mother watched on with emotion. And to witness our smallest Captain Teddy walk hand-in-hand with his team of angels with the biggest smile I've ever seen. And to watch BJ, whom I've watched and raced with before, climb out of his chair and march toward the finish line with a bravado and confidence second to none. It was in these moments that I felt something move inside me...something that I cannot explain to this day.
Only through a few days of reflection can I attempt to explain what I experienced that day and how it continues to motivate and push me toward my destiny of Iron Man. You see, I watched as angels from the age of 12 - 50 serve our Captains with pride, with hope, and with love. I watched as our Captains beamed with the love for life despite the outward appearances of a disability. I am learning that life isn't measured by what we have (money, fame, toys, career) - it's measured by how we live the life we have. It's measured by how much we give of ourselves to others in serving them humbly with love. That's why I choose to give hope and kindness...that's why I focus on helping someone else become an Iron Man. The more we spread kindness, the more we spread love. And that my friends is what life is all about!
#OwnYourDestiny #RunLikeAngels
