I should have known better than to have promised three blog posts in one week. I’m just so busy these days. The more time passed, the more I felt guilty about being behind, and the more I procrastinated on it. But I have missed my blog and I have had such a crazy (…gulp…) six weeks that I’m back at it. So hello! 🙂

I have to mention one poignant moment that melted both DP and me. My friend Stacy has three BEAUTIFUL kids
<———–
R: What happened?
It was just so innocent and sweet. I’ve heard from Stacy that her kids continue to pray for us every night and Rhys wants to become a doctor so he can find a cure for ALS (not involving a shot, of course, lol). Man, empathy…you’re a good mama, Stacy!
Ramblin’ Rose Raleigh — Spectator Report
The next morning, we were up WAY too early to see Julie, Heather, and a few SBM friends in the Ramblin’ Rose Raleigh triathlon. I was a little apprehensive because this was my first race as a spectator rather than a competitor, but it turned out to be just as fun…in a different way.
DP and I missed Julie before the race because we were sneakily putting signs up on the bike course…many of which our friends had made at the potluck the day before:
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Post-race restaging of the signs 🙂 |
But we met up with several Team Drea Challengers, including my parents, Julie’s parents, Linda, Shannon and her daughters (oh the cuteness!):
And Jillaine. DP and I had just met Jillaine in person the week before — her mom died of ALS six years ago and she and her sister Jodi ran a marathon in her honor. This year, they’re running the Navy Half Marathon in September (and staying with us, squeee!!) ————–>
Also, Amy, the race director from Ramblin’ Rose Chapel Hill, and her daughter, Julia, hung out with us — they have both become friends of ours so it was great to see them as well.
Basically, I didn’t even have time to miss not being out there, such a reunion we had in between cheerings as Julie and Heather biked or ran past.
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Group photo of the Team Drea spectating crew! |
After the race, we headed to the Sawmill Tap Room…all 25 of us. It was fun getting to introduce friends and family to one another and talk with SBMs I mainly know from FB.
And I FINALLY got to meet Heather in person who has taken the Team Drea Challenge to heart and become such a close friend. She wrote a much more eloquent race report than I just did. This part, in particular, I LOVE:
“At one point I caught Andrea watching her husband as he left the restaurant for a bit. The only way I can describe her eyes is “love.” I know that love, because I feel that way, too, when I watch my own husband sometimes. She loves him so much – Andrea loves all her family and friends with every bit of her soul. She loves this crazy world so much – she wants to make it a better place. And that is one of the many qualities about her I am thankful for. Her “love,” her honest caring, is what inspires me to want to keep on doing all the things – to never quit.”
You said it, my friend. We may have only just met each other, but you know me so very well.
Final reflection
I cannot believe that one year ago today I shared my half diagnosis of probable ALS (which was really a real diagnosis, but we didn’t understand what the neurologist was telling us at the time). It seems like ages ago, thinking back on all the amazing adventures I have had since then — moving to our new house, getting diagnosed with ALS (again), getting a trike, getting a kitten, Ramblin’ Rose Chapel Hill, the Walk to Defeat ALS, the magazine cover, starting the Team Drea Challenge, going to Turks & Caicos, the Coastal Delaware half marathon, the great driver’s license debacle, a hot air balloon ride, meeting Jon’s mom & dad…
AND we have raised $50,000 for ALS research!!!
It has been an incredible year and I am JUST as excited about the year to come. I just want to say thank you from the very core of my soul to everyone who has been there for us. We are so very blessed.
On the 76th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s famous speech, let me echo his immortal words:
“Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. And I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for.”
Happy 4th of July!!
3 Comments. Leave new
Andrea…Bob and I are blessed to know you and DP…and reading your blog so reminds us of our journey through ALS…
Love,
Mary Ann and Bob,
Jon's mom and dad
I agree with Mary Ann. I know I tell you often, but you have changed my life in so many ways. There is so much in this world to be celebrated, to be appreciated. Much love to you today and always. Love, Heather
Inspirational as always, Andrea! Can't get enough of your posts 🙂
Lots of love & laughter,
Mel