Flying Pig Marathon/3 words Sunday

My friend Michelle ran the Flying Pig Marathon here in Cincinnati today. She ran in honor of Jazzie and raised money for her school by doing so. Michelle  asked Jazzie yesterday to run the last .2 miles of the marathon with her, and she did...

I have to tell you that it was very touching to see all the runners come in near the finish line. You could see the pride, the relief, the exhaustion and the joy on their faces.  When I saw Michelle coming and I knew Jazzie was going to finish with her, I got a little emotional. Seeing Jazzie and Michelle run to the finish line together was absolutely amazing and brought me to tears. It was somehow very fitting. Jazzie has been working so hard to get to where she is now. It has been a long road, but she finally made it; she is ready to mainstream into our own school system here. The end of Jazzie's years at her current school is almost here; she is getting close to the finish line. We would not be here without the support of our amazing family and our wonderful friends like Michelle.

Cheering on the other runners and waiting for Michelle:

Okay, Jazzie - get ready to run!

Michelle, thank you SO much for doing this again this year for Jazzie. Congratulations on finishing the marathon. I can't even imagine walking anywhere for 5 1/2 hours, let alone running. You are awesome! Ever since I have known you, you have wanted Jazzie to succeed as much as we have, and you have cheered her on along the way. I was honored to be the one cheering you on today.

My 3 words for this Sunday are for you (actually, I have 3):

I just love this picture of the two of them looking at each other.

Comments

[Catherine]

Beautiful!! Way to go Michelle...and Jazzie!!

[Gretchen]

Marathoners are amazing! Jazzie looks thrilled to cross the finish line!!! What a great experience for your family.

[April]

I just found your blog and now I'm all teary eyed too. I came over to ask you a question about your D80 and I will be back often. I think I will e-mail you about it.

What an inspirational post.

[Marla]

How awesome! Jazzie looks so thrilled in those pictures. And way to go Michelle!! :)

[Ellen]

What an amazing post!! I had to reread the post as I had a hard time the first time trying to read through the tears. What an awesome friend Michelle is and all the support she has for Jazzie. How touching she asked Jazzie to join her, just such a heart warming story!!

[Janice]

What a special friend you have in Michelle. Jazzie sure looks happy to be running with her. Way to go girls!!

[wendy]

Those pictures made my day...Way to Go Miss Jazzie!!!

[Robin]

Now that was something to smile about today! What an awesome friend you have! Jazzie looks so excited to be running with her.

[Michelle]

So inspiring ... both Jasmine and Michelle!

[Sharie]

Tears here too...Way to go Michelle! Jazzie keep on running, you can go wherever you want to:)

[Linette]

I too am in tears reading this post and seeing the pictures! What an amazing experience for Jazzie and Michelle!

[Tammie]

Just beautiful!!!! Congrats to both Michelle & Jazzie for their Flying Pig run!!!

I've been checking both of your blogs all day long to see pics & read about it. Michelle really is an awesome person going 5 1/2 hours on Jazzie's behalf. Her request to have Jazzie run the last part of the race was so touching.

Jazzie looks so proud - of both Michelle & herself. As well she should be proud. The little girl who came home from China has definitely come far. Jazzie will soar to new heights.

[michelle]

Oh my, I just don't even know what to say. I just got home and am sore as ever but boy those pictures brought tears to my eyes. Jazzie is awesome and I know she will achieve anythng and everything her heart desires!

Sandra - thank you SO much for allowing me to do this for Jazzie. You are awesome!

[Melissa Sirek]

5 1/2 hours! Wow that is pretty amazing. Congrats and It is so cool that she let Jazzie run to the finish line with her........now that is a memory she will always have.

[Pug Mama]

what incredible pictures!!

[Susan]

Way to go Jazzie and Michelle!

[Debby]

Oh..that brought tears to my eyes..how wonderful to have a friend like Michelle who wants Jazzie to succeed & actually puts her words into actions. You are blessed.

I wonder if Jazzie's change of mood has anything to do with the fact that she is getting ready to leave her deaf school? Will she attend anywhere this summer? If not, I'm sure the teachers are really trying to get that last amount of preparation into her. It can be overwhelming. I know she's ready & will do great though.

You have to make sure that you believe it too & get that across to her. I know you are leaving your safety net & comfort zone as well.

Regards,
Debby
mom to Lindsi & Jami

[Steffie B.]

oh Sandra......I have tears in my eyes....all those pictures of Michelle and Jazzie running....they are priceless....Jazzie is just glowing. I can see why you, her Mother ;) would be brought to tears! ;)

[Lisa]

Oh my gosh - I got so emotional looking at those pictures! Amazing!

[Val]

that is so awesome!

[Jennifer]

OK...that did it...I very rarely cry over blogs, but that picture of Jazzie looking up at her and smiling got the waterworks going. Your daughter is beautiful...and I'm so proud of her. And I'm proud of Michelle, too, and thankful for her sweet heart!

[Lori]

Those pictures were great... Jazzie looks so proud! I think the memory of running across the finish line will be a defining moment in her life.

[Diana]

That picture brought BIG OLD TEARS..Love Jazzie looking up at her.

[Lea Harper]

should say ...NEW schools!

LOL! ...........Lea

[Lea Harper]

Oh my, I am teary too! Great post!

It is always so bitter/sweet when kids move on to knew schools! I hear ya my friend!

Lea