My kid runs faster than...Me!

THIS GIRL . . . IS AMAZING!

We had our annual jogathon a couple weeks ago. Sophia was determined to earn a medal like she did last year. She did not disappoint!

And thanks to official chip timers, the results came in quickly! Thirty minutes at an 8:19 pace yielded her 3.6 miles. Sophia finished at the top of all first grade (tying one boy), but she was the 3rd overall girl in the whole school; coming behind two 5th graders. Let's just say, LOWER SCHOOL ROCKS!

And now my admission to not only bragging about Sophia's mad skills but she is officially faster than me. In general, I am not sure I can keep an 8:19 pace; maybe as the distance became greater since I like distance, but let's just say I tried to break her pace a few days ago and I couldn't. In my defense, the hills are what caught me, but excuses are for the weak. hahaha

Our school has a prize room for all the joagathon participants who raise at least $150.00. The students get to enter the room in order of donation amounts. Sophia was lucky #7. She knew there was going to be a couple of American Girl Dolls in the room, but I told her not to get her hopes too high since there were 5 girls ahead of her. Boy was she overjoyed to find Grace Thomas (AG Doll of The Year - 2015) sparkling in front of her. Sophia was tickled even more knowing they share the same name (her middle name).

Welcome to the family Grace!

My Sunshine

Dear Daddy,

Ha! So I found this picture the other day. Remember, the surprise retirement party? I couldn't resist even though I knew you would hate the attention. I can't believe this was 15 years ago. I was 27 and you were only 62. 

How lucky was I to have the opportunity to work with you?! So many things would never have happened if I didn't follow you into the operating room. I probably never would have found my "voice" and learn to speak up for myself. I would not have found that passion in helping others. I would not have found my oldest friends to date, Kathie & Anne - 21 years of their friendship! I would not have learned how to curse up a storm from all those surgeons; well I guess I could have skipped over that lesson, but I've got that under control now. hahaha Most importantly, I would have never found David.

It's two years today. So much has happened since you've been gone. At times I feel guilty to admit, but even though you aren't here to share in my adventures anymore, life has been good. When you died, a big piece of me died too. I thought there was no way I would experience pure joy and happiness without you. I was wrong; but you already knew.

When I look at Sophia & Kalista, I am reminded of the preciousness of  life and time. And although I know it is alright to have those moments of despair and anguish, I also know to purposely live a life without love and joy would be selfish for I have two amazing "little" girls who count on me everyday; the way I always counted on you. 

I can still hear you sing this song. Sophia remembers you singing it to her too. 

Here is my version to you:

You are my sunshine, my beautiful sunshine.

I think of you when my days are gray.

You've always known, Dad, how much I love you.

I know you are around me, in every way.

There are some nights, when I lay sleeping.

And I dream of us, arm-in-arm.

But when I wake up, I see your grandchildren.

And so I hold my head up high.

I'll always love you.

And I know, for you it will be the same.

Someday we will be together.

But until then, know my heart will never change.

You are my sunshine, my beautiful sunshine.

I think of you every day.

You've always known, Dad, how much I love you.

Thank you for being around me, in every way.

All my love,

Your Little Girl