eSpecially Ben

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

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 The turtle's head, legs and arms were completely withdrawn into its shell so it really looked like a rock in the road.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

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 sa