My sweet little pea was chosen to be recognized as one of 55 past and present patients of Wolfson Children's Hospital! On February 1st, The Wolfson Children's Challenge kicked off at 4am with Ultra Marathoners running 55 miles in support of these kids, the challenges they have overcome and celebrating all they have acheived! Additionally, relay teams could be formed to collectivly run the 55 miles. That is where Team Elle comes in!! Within 24 hours of putting the word out that Elle wanted to form a team, 9 amazing firends said "we're in!!"
They left their familes for the day, switched around work schedules and got up at CRAZY hours ( thanks Rick, for taking the lead at 4:30am!) without question. I'm surrounded by some pretty great people! Team Elle finished in 10 hours and ranked 38 out of 87 relay teams. Top 50, baby!
As I look back over these past 6 years with Elle, it really has taken a team to get her to where she is today and it will continue to take a team to help her continue to do and learn more. It's not only her physical therapist that believes in her and puts her to work doing kids sized laps in a gait trainer down the hallway (thanks Karen!!), but also her occupational therapist, who works with her every single day with faith, patience and understanding and has taught her to eat with a fork!! (you're amazing Jenny!!) It's also the people that are closest to me , that not only support Elle, but support me by being in my life and allowing me to be me, to get a break over a cup of coffee or taking me away to the mountains where I can, if only for a few days, get a total break, feel completely whole, completely me, feel alive and thankful for all that I have.
As we get ready to celebrate little squirts birthday next week, this event was simply perfect timing and so sumbolic of people coming toether to acheive a goal. We could not have finished without everyones participation. I continue to be amazed at how Elle, without the ability of words, has such an impact on the people around her. As someone recently said, "she has taught us grown-up to find joy, appreciate the little things in life, and not take for granted what we have....thank you for teaching us the true meaning of humility and determination."
I love you kid!!
