Hope

Hope ... such a small word, but carries so much meaning. After yesterday, the word now conveys a meaning that I'm pretty sure I will always connect to a special little boy.

Yesterday, I participated in "Braden's Race for Life and Miracle Mile" 5K walk. Braden has Neuroblastoma. He's such a little boy, yet he is taking on the battle of a lifetime.

There is so much in this world that I do not understand. I will never understand how and/or why children suffer. Yet, in the middle of all of my confusion, there is something I do understand. You can't ever give up. You have to hope. Miracles happen.

The walk was created to help with Braden's medical expenses. On top of Braden fighting cancer, his mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet, if you listen to his mom speak, you hear nothing but complete optimism and hope. It is absolutely unbelievable. No matter what circumstance she is presented with, she continues to remain positive with an "okay, what can we do" action plan. Over 1600 people showed up at the event to show their support and to show cancer that it had a big battle to take on. This is an incredible family and they are going to fight. That in itself, gives me hope

To be a part of an event of such magnitude provided me with this deeper appreciation of what we are all capable of. For Braden, I think we all should all live life with more optimism. More hope. More love. More laughter. More time with family. More time with friends. For Delice, we should all adopt her "okay, what can we do" attitude. If they can do it under these circumstances, then we should too. We should all live with the level of hope and love that the Hofens do.

After the walk, Adam and I ran 4 miles. It was a new path. Completely uncovered territory. It was one of the most gorgeous paths I had seen. In the middle of the run, we were given such a gorgeous surprise when we saw this.


So very unexpected and very much needed. Amazement is all around us. Sometimes, it comes when we least expect it. This is why I've come to appreciate running and why I absolutely love this life. After being a part of "Braden's Race for Life," I am so much more grateful for what I have. There is so much to be grateful for.