Team Tom - June Update

It's a dark and dreary Friday afternoon here in Green Bay, Wisconsin as I reflect upon the journey Team Tom has traveled since our last update (hard to believe it's been almost two months since that update). And as I look back at all the training, events, and relationship building that has occurred, I continue to be amazed at the impact Tom and his family have had on my life and my family. It's rather ironic how God implants people in our lives knowing full well His plan and purpose for doing so.

One of the greatest moments that has occurred over the past two months has come from the sharing of daily devotionals with Tom, Jana, and Zane. As we all explore God's mission and vision for us, we read and shared a devotional by Nick Vujicic (the man born with no arms and legs.) As we shared in our faith journeys and the opportunities we all had to share God's message, it hit me. We all have the ability to be His hands and feet by how we carry ourselves, by how we treat others, and by how we share our stories.

Ironically, I've probably learned the most from the youngest member of the family, Zane. While he can have an attitude like any teenager, his unselfish willingness to support both mom and dad is admirable. His uncanny ability to support Tom around the house, at events, and in the community set Zane apart from many teenagers his age. And while he learns to drive, his relentless pursuit of putting his family first shows the kind of parents he truly has. Not to mention his speed and endurance on a run course!

How do I know they've have an impact on who I am and how I look at the world? That's easy! As I was out for a run this morning, I noticed my mind seeing things differently around me. A car that was parked in a driveway across the sidewalk struck a nerve. How would Tom have managed to navigate the sidewalk, or even us tackle it together in a chair? Perhaps I've noticed their impact on me even more so in how I interact with and spend time with my own children. Rather than looking at the world around us with rose colored glasses, we take time to appreciate the abilities God has given us and share our talents with those less fortunate. I look forward to the moment I get to push Tom (or another Captain) with my children and make it a family experience, the same way Zane does with his parents.

Enough with the sappy testimonial! What have we been up to in May and June?

May started with the Door County Half-Marathon. A picturesque, beautiful day that saw lots of hills through Peninsula State Park. Tom and Jana both participated in the event as Zane provided support to myTEAM TRIUMPH and on the course. I (Cliff) ran as well and pushed the original Captain Mary. If you ever wonder if Tom and Jana enjoy these events, just look at the picture below for proof:

Next event in May was the Cellcom Marathon - yes a full marathon. The Three Amigos were paired up for the marathon and Cliff and Zane split up the responsibilities of the run course. Zane got off to a blazing start by pushing Tom for the first 6 miles of the run. Needless to say, Cliff wasn't expecting to see Zane that quickly. Nonetheless, Cliff took over for the next 16 miles of the run course. Using the new chair for the first time in an event, Tom managed to get comfortable for the long morning. Zane then met back up with Tom and Cliff at mile 22 and the Three Amigos finished strong. Jana also completed the full marathon with a first-time angel that ran the entire race solo. Yes, for those of you wondering, Jana and her Angel did complete the marathon faster than the Three Amigos.

The next couple of weeks saw lots of bike training, run training, and team bonding. Between Monday night rides to High Cliff State Park and a family bonding at Tom's mother's house, lots of fun was had preparing everyone for myTEAM TRIUMPH'S biggest event of the year - the Bellin Run. Not before Tom, Jana, and Zane participated in a 60-mile bike ride with fellow mTT Angels Chris S., Cory N., Dave B., and Missy W. A windy and overcast day gave Tom some much needed seat time in his chair to prepare for IronMan Wisconsin.

Which leads us back to last weekend and the Bellin Run. The original myTEAM TRIUMPH event saw Tom and Jana participate as 2 of the record breaking 42 captains. An almost perfect morning for running turned into a wonderful opportunity to share the message of mTT and inclusion with thousands of Green Bay citizens. The Three Amigos were back at the helms of Team Tom, pushing through a very quick pace for the 10K Bellin Run. Jana, pushed by her trainer and friend also enjoyed the heat and sun of the morning.

Perhaps the greatest moment came in the moments and days after the race. As the picture below depicts, this is what mTT is all about. This is quite possibly the most genuine and real smile I have ever seen from Tom thus far. The pure joy and excitement of the moment is what keeps me going, keeps me pushing through tough bike workouts knowing I am the hands and feet of God, providing Tom the opportunity experience this joy at every event and training!