Grin Kids, Part 1

Last October, I applied for Ben to be accepted to the Grin Kids Disney World trip, sponsored by Grin Kids, a non-profit organization, coordinated through Ace & TJ, a morning radio show in Charlotte. The organization’s name comes from the hosts’ favorite saying, “You Grin, You’re In.”

Since 2000, Grin Kids has raised money each year to fund the children and their families who are accepted to go to Disney World. Their fund raising events include a "2nd Chance Prom", golf tournament, raffles

 and other events throughout the year. Ace is a member of the band, Charity Case, and all their profits go to the Grin Kids organization.

The children who are selected are terminally ill or are chronically handicapped and are between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. If you have the time, take a look at the websites for Grin Kids and the band, Charity Case. Both sites tell stories about amazing human beings who have taken on this mission in life to help children and families take a break from the sometimes difficult realities of life.

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We will find out if Ben has been accepted in August. I will keep you .

Trailblazing on the 7th Race!

Not only did I run my first trail race today, I saved a life. The same type of turtle pictured above was crossing the street on the way into the US National Whitewater Center. Traffic was fairly heavy at 7:30am on a Saturday because of the race. The turtle's head, legs and arms were completely withdrawn into its shell so it really looked like a rock in the road. I passed it at first, then realized what it was. I hesitated, then thought of my boys and how we saved another turtle once while driving to the park and how they still talk about the experience. I did a U-turn, scooped up the turtle and placed him in the grass, far from the road. Hopefully, he was able to get his bearings after that frightening experience.

Back to the race - so different than the road races I have been running. Less people running, but most participants were athletic. On a road race, there may be people who will walk and run the race. This was strictly a running race. Luckily, before the race started, a man passed on some wisdom he learned on his first race - don't go to the front of the line. Since it is narrow and hard to pass, you have to keep a much faster pace with the leaders and you will wear out quickly. I heeded his warning and was one of the last to hit the trail.

Another thing that surprised me, but made sense after I saw the results, was that the race began about 1/2 mile before the Start Line (and Chip Time) so that the runners had a chance to thin out before the narrow trail began. Even with the 1/2 mile lag, a bottleneck formed and we were all forced to walk for several minutes. About 85% of the trail was super narrow and passing another runner was not safe. At times, people did stop to walk and if passing, I learned the common phrase was to say "passing on the left."

Overall, I loved the experience. Running in the shade of trees overlooking a river was amazing. Watching for differences in the terrain made it interesting. As long as I can find the time and a running partner (safety first when running in the woods), I will add running on the trails to my workout schedule.

Use Your Imagination

On our last visit to NY, we stayed at my Dad's house. Ben was able to have his own bedroom on the second floor. We quickly realized that Ben could open the door and crawl out. Not being totally adept at climbing down stairs, this was not a great situation. We set up wood in front of the door so at least the noise of the wood falling would wake someone up, and we would rescue Ben before he would get to the stairs.

One of the nights, I went out with a high school friend. When I came home, all three kids were sleeping. Nona and Grandpa had laid down the law, gently, and everyone went to bed without question. My father was especially proud of himself because he devised a fail safe method to keep Ben in the bedroom. He wedged 4 large and heavy RubberMaid containers (2x2) in the doorway of Ben's room. The door to the room was open but the containers blocked the way out.

Before seeing this system, I told my father I had my doubts - Ben has a way of getting around things. Once I saw the setup and felt how heavy the containers were and how tight they were wedged in, I agreed that Ben was safe inside.

Next morning, Logan came into my room telling me that Ben was awake. Knowing that Ben could not get out, I figured I had a few more moments in bed.

Logan came back. "Ben's getting out."

Jumping out of bed, I found Ben perched on top of the containers sitting "criss-cross apple sauce" with a grin on his face. If I had a camera, it would have been perfect, but I did not want to tempt fate so I got him down from his throne.

I am reminded of the children's book, "We Are Going On A Bear Hunt." For each obstacle they encounter, the family chants, 'we can't go around it, we can't go under it, we can't go over it, then, we must go through it.' It seems Ben has much the same attitude when something is in his way.

Special Exposure Wednesday: Riding the Fire Truck

 Ben is sitting here with his brother and two cousins. The cousins visit this week from New York - exciting times!