F2TF 5K

In August my Aunt Becky worked really hard  with the Anything for a Friend orgainization to get a 5k  put together. It was a 5k to help honor and support loved ones who have passed on from cancer or are currently battling it. She made a team for my dad. Team Ralph, for those who don't know my dad had been diagnosed with Kidney cancer in the fall of 2011 and has recently passed away from it about a month ago.

A few days before he passed the 5k happened and it was a fun if not emotional experience. It started off with a beautiful morning. ( don't mind the bug guts in the picture it still is pretty).

The race was on the Weber state campus home sweet home for me and most of my siblings. It was so cool to see all the people. Each team had a different color of t-shirt so it was easy to see who was on your team. Before the race we had a balloon launch  and that was really cool. All the colors and love that floated up to heaven. 

All of us kids after the race. Justin and I actually just did the one mile walk. It's still a bit painful to run and be nursing a baby. But Bryan and Cali ran the whole thing and they did great!

So many people there! It wasan awesome support and great energy. Races have a great energy allready and to add all the love and support made it truely an inspirational event. 

A few days later my dad passed away. He had tumors around his throat and they started to bleed filling his lungs with blood and fluid. I was blessed to be with him his last day and help suction him and give him one more big hug. I know he loved me and he knows that I love him.

The theme of the race is Fight To The Finish. My dad certiantly did that. He never complained, even though he was in a lot of pain. He was always concerned about those around him in his last days. I miss him but I know that he is not in pain anymore and that he is still with me. Often times when feeding Grace or putting her down for a nap she just stares at the ceiling and the other day she was laughing and smiling at the ceiling as if someone was making faces at her. I had been thinking of my dad and was pretty sure he was playing with her. 

May we all Fight To The Finish in all our daily trials whether it be health, finances, relationships or work. We have the best cheerleader, support and love in our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ who are just waiting for us to come to them for their help. I know that families can be together forever and that I WILL see my dad again and that will be a happy day.