Far Too Many New Angels....I shall Never Quit!.

As I attempt to catch up with all of the happenings within the world of NB, I am becoming all too well aware that far too many Little Buddies are becoming Angels far too early. My heart aches for all of my Little Buddies, and their families fighting this horrible disease. With so many relapses of late and several new angels, it is it’s hard to figure out the why as there is no reason other than our humanity. My solace resides in my faith knowing they are sitting at the loving Hand of our Blessed Lord for all eternity. My joy is the hope and knowledge that someday I too will join them.

This past Saturday, I learned that a very special person to me (all of my Little Buddies are very special to me) left us to join our ever growing Angelic Choir. Cody Johnson, although I never met you in person, I must know let you know that you are why I started running for my Little Buddies and their families. I had dreams that one day you and your very special dad, Mickey and I would run a marathon or at least a half marathon together; beating all odds, we would conquer the unconquerable.

Well, now that will never be, or will it? I will carry you in my heart, and your name will take its place of honor and in memory on our Angels Rainbow racing shirt. Every mile I run and every race I race will be for you and for your family and for all of my Little Buddies and their families. If I am really lucky maybe one day Grandpa John will not have to run another single mile fighting NB as a cure will have been found. But until that day happens, I again make you and all of my Little Buddies this Promise:

“I will continue to run to raise Funds (I pray so) for research and awareness for the cause until my legs gets too old or tired to run; then I’ll just let my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found. I Shall Never ever quit!”

May the Peace of our Heavenly Father grant peace and bestow a special healing potion of love to the families and friends of our newest Angels: Cody Johnson, Emilio Gravez, Jacob Stovall, Noah Tyler Bell, Shu Qinpet (pet name Xinxin) and Jenna Mussolini.

Their names will be added to our Angels Forever memorial and to my Angles Rainbow Racing shirt.

Please inform me if I have misspelled or misnamed any one of our most precious and beautiful Angels, I will correct immediately- Thanks Gj

Gj’s Whereabouts, Angels Swan Song, Border to the Bridge is still ago, Getting excited

Gj’s Whereabouts: Finally, time is starting to smile giving me an opportunity to update a sadly neglected blog. Actually, since just before Christmas work and family issues have taken over my life allowing very little opportunity to keep our blog current. I won’t’ go into the details since they are really boring; suffice to say “I am Back!” and I will work really hard at keeping you all updated on progress made.

Angels Swan Song: My dear friends please accept my apologies for not keeping our “Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication updated. So many new angels have joined the heavenly choir that my heart is overwhelmed with sadness. I know many of my Little buddies have gained their wings ; so many since my last update that I am not sure if I have all of their names. So, if you see that I have missed someone, please send me their name and I’ll add them to our honor roll. My condolences and prayers go out for all of the families and love ones who have gained a new angle within their family.

A light snow fell during last Saturday’s training run. It was beautiful. As the snowflakes landed gently on my brow I became aware of an inner voice whispering “Hey Grandpa John, please add our names to the Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication list. We do not want to be forgotten.”

Well now, I don’t know about you but when I get a request from my inner voice I listen, besides I made a promise to all of my Little Buddies and their families too that I would not let them be forgotten, I’d do all I can to be a voice for the voiceless. The heavenly choir’s newest angels singing sweet melodic songs are Nicholas Pagano, Trooper Dante Tareboreli, Carter Wax, Zachary Finestone, Cora McClenahan, Little Roy Gutierrez and Chloe Smith

Border to the Bridge is Still a Go: All Systems are Go for May’s run - Stay tuned more to follow. All I can say is that I am glad that I am not in the logistics field.

Getting Excited: I just have to share with my family that Daniel, my son who is currently stationed in Iraq, will be home on R & R in a couple of months and I am getting really excited. I’ll be so happy to see him as it’s been almost 2 years since we’ve had the opportunity to be together. Please pray for all of our men and women who are in harms ways; they deserve no less - Gj

The Never Ending Song, A New Addition to Gj's Family

The Never Ending Angels Song: Monitoring my email over the weekend I received notice of another Angel joining our ever growing Angelic Choir. Such news always saddens my heart. Yet, a calm peace over takes my soul for I know that our newest beautiful Angel Kyah Milne will never again feel pain but only joy as he/she sings melodic melodies to our Creator. Praying for the day when we reunite for eternity, I offer my sincerest and most heart felt condolences to the family of Kyah Milne. My next race will be to honor her memory.

A New Addition to Our Family: Late last week Missus Gj informed me that a co-worker of hers had a beautiful puppy that she had to give away because with rheumatoid arthritis she could no longer care for the baby in an appropriate way. Since I was looking for a running companion I was interested. So, on Saturday we went over to the coworker’s house to see this beautiful animal…I was surprised! Brindle in color, stood a strong, but beautiful little 4 month (?) old female American Pit Bull. Prior to going over to the house I knew that we’d be seeing a pit bull, but I had to do my homework first since I've heard so much bad publicity about these dogs. Well, to make a long story short, what I found to be true was that while these dogs can be animal aggressive, most if not all, pit bull attacks are a result of poor training & caused by human neglect. I further found that this breed of dog is very athletic, and when fully matured looks forward to walking (read running :) 5 to 10 miles daily, an ideal running companion for me to be sure. With that said however, I am not naive. To be a responsible owner of such a fine animal, I will be taking “Babee” to Obedience Classes right having her spayed and given all of her shots. A chore to be sure, but one I look forward to as I have already fallen in love with her and look forward to training her as well – I will be the alpha male in our house…well at least as far as she is concerned I will be, to Missus Gj wellllll that is another matter altogether. :) Belwo are a few pictures of our new Babee, I just think she is so sweet)

Hi! It's me Babee.Yes, I am Cute, Aren't I?
Babee getting Warm after our Walk















"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

Till Later, God Bless,

Gj

Race tomorrow - Angel's Rainbow Shirt updated.

Our Angel's Rainbow Racing Shirt has been updaed for tomorrow's race, "The Rugged Man 4.8 Trail Run / Walk " Along with Pictures of some of my Little Buddies this is the shirt I'll be wearing. Since it is almost the end of the running season, I'll be retiring this shirt soon, But I will make up a new one for the 2009 Racing series and it will have all of our angels names on it too.

If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!
D.L. Moody

Till Later,

God Bless - Gj

Again, Today I Hear of Another New Angel

Again, Today I Hear of Another New Angel: It always saddens my heart to hear of and report on another of my Little Buddies earning their Angels Wings. Yet, again today I learned that my Little Buddy, unknown to me until today, Jay Jay LeBoeuf is now singing angelic songs of love to our creator. At times, I think I hear the faint melodic refrain of love as the choir joins in welcoming their newest angel, Jay Jay.

As with all of my Little Buddies I make the promise to Jay Jay's family:

"I shall not quit running until the cure is found. If too old or weak to run, I shall ask our Heavenly Father to carry me to the finish line - the cure."

My most heartfelt condolences to the family of Jay Jay; may God’s grace heal the wound of such great loss. – Gj.


"A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world.”
Leo F. Buscaglia


All of you are a Blessing to me, You enrich my Life - Thank you - Gj


Rest peacefully in His Arms of Love,

Grandpa John

New Angels to Grace our Memories; Our Other BLOG - Recently Updated: New Fund Raiser Link

New Angels to Grace our Memories: Sadly, this morning I again learned of two new Angels. My heart aches for them and their families. Yet, comfort was mine through the knowledge that they no longer suffer in this earthly body, but are rejoicing at the feet of our Heavenly Father for all eternity. Singing most wonderful songs of love, as the angelic choir welcomes Kody Edwards and Brody Hurt into their midst my heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends May we find comfort in His loving mercy now and for ever as we too shall join them on that glorious day when we are called home (Our Angels Rainbow Racing shirt and Race dedication will be updated with Kody and Brody's names. I will post a picture of it when the ink is dry)

Our Other BLOG - Recently Updated: If you haven't had the opportunity to visit our other Blog, "From the Border to the Bridge - Fighting Childhood Cancer - a 330 mile Running Odyssey" please do so by following this link:

http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/

NEW Fund Raiser Link: Ol' Grandpa John is helping to promote this excellent Fund Raiser Soooooooooo, please click on the Press On Store button (above) to give a gift of fragrant, white, super easy care paper whites and support childhood cancer research at the same time! For each gift purchased, 15% of the price will be donated to fight neuroblastoma. Choose super large, top quality paper white bulbs in a stylish ceramic square to brighten the window sills and desks of your friends,family or coworkers and take this opportunity to support important cancer research work. Just type PATRICK into the Discount Code/Special Offers field as you checkout and 15% of your gift order value will be donated to Press On: The Patrick R. Chance Fund for Neuroblastoma Research.

Well Folks, it's time to call it a night as Missus Gj requested that I join her for a cup of bed time tea. So till later, remember this:

I Love Each and Everyone of You for You just being You.

Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love.
Leo Buscaglia


God Bless, Rest peacefully in His Arms

Till Later,

Gj

The Half marathon Report...long

Since the half marathon report is so long I'll catch you all up on the other events of the day within the next few days...Please enjoy the read.

The Report:

It’s 3am race day and I am fully awake and being ever so quiet so as not to waken up Missus Gj. It’s a wonder that we got any sleep at all considering the noise outside our hotel room window. (And noise it had to be since we were on the 15th floor) Surely it had nothing to do with the fact that a RAVE night club was right across the street and all patrons ere being frisked before entry. Yes we could see that from our window (ahh, security at its finest. Every so slowly time marched on.

After showering and eating my pre-race ritual meal, it was approaching 5:30am; time to put the coffee on for Missus Gj. As the aroma of the coffee filled the room, Missus Gj’s nose twitched once or twice and like a bolt of lightning she was out of bed, had her first cup of coffee, showered, ate a light snack and off we were to the race: Time 6:20am.

Going to elevator we again found it to be out of order (during our stay, 3 out of 4 elevator banks were down for repair, save once when 2 banks were working) geesh, just what we needed, not only was I going to run the half, but I was also going to walk 15 flights of stairs down to the lobby, not to mention the toll this had on Missus Gj, who by the way, is not a runner. Down the stair we walked….

Reaching the lobby we noticed that about 30 or 40 runners were milling around waiting to depart to the race. Since we are slow walkers, Missus and I left immediately for the starting line which was about 4 blocks away (the race director strongly suggested that we be in or corrals by 6:30am). Getting closer to the starting line we noticed that thousands of runners and spectators were already there (yes, thousands) lining the beginning of the course. Some runners had already made it to their respective corals; whereas after a quick kiss, I left Missus Gj at the corner of Michigan and Washington Streets. I still had to walk a couple of blocks to find my coral lettered P. Yes, one of the blessings in being slow is being placed way to the back of the pack.

I am not too sure about the number of people in our coral, but I sure was glad to see that many of us were in about the 10 minute pace range or so…fast enough to have fun but not so fast where we’d be called speedy by any stretch of the imagination. Suddenly the loud speakers blared bringing all runners to a quiet whisper. The MC announced that the Canadian national anthem was to begin followed by the Star Spangled Banner…all was quite till the end…I must say both anthems were sung beautifully, ours (the American) by “The Shades of Blue” (Oh How Happy you Have Made Me). The time had arrived….

First it was the special runners, those in wheeled bicycles, then the marathoner runners and walkers. Finally it was our turn, us half marathoners. Runners.. Ready...Set...Go... Time: 7:15 we were off. Well, not really since there were a few thousand of us, it took several minutes for the group to start moving. About two minutes later we moved a few feet, then a few more; off and running the crowd began its 13.1 mile journey..

Trying to gain momentum and achieve pace was almost impossible. As we moved down Michigan Ave, volunteers were lining the street warning us of cars, yes cars, still parked on the street. And since we had only the south side lanes, thing became quite tight every now and then. In fact I tried to gain momentum by running on the sidewalk, only to trip myself on a curb I did not see as I crossed the road. Ouch, my knees, or should I say pride. But, up I jumped and continued on. Turning left on Rosa Parks we headed south to Fort Street where we’d turn right again and start our journey towards the bridge at about mile 3 or so…that is where the major bottle neck slowed all runners to a crawl. In fact, my pace was reduced to over 16 minutes per mile, less than 4 mph…it was then I realized that my sub 2 hour goal was out the window. So, I did what I intended to do all along; I enjoyed the run and conversed about my Little Buddies to all who would listen.

The sun was just beginning its westward journey as we ran across the Ambassador Bridge. How beautiful Windsor’s skyline is set against a rising sun. It was breath taking, I wanted those few moments to last forever. All too soon however we were in Canada and rounding the bend on the truck exit to to the right. Traveling down this road we were finally on the waterfront edge were we’d be traveling for a few miles prior to entering the Windsor Tunnel to head back to the good Ol’ USA via the marathons world only International underground mile. I can’t thank the folks of Windsor enough. Great aid stations with friendly and smiling volunteers…the Canadians really came out in force to cheer us runners on. Truly this is an International event worth running.

As we entered the tunnel, my body began to give me little signs that I was going to be in for a battle, a small one, but a battle nonetheless. Shortness of breath, thanks to over 40 years of smoking, caused my body to scream for more oxygen. I did slow down just a tad in response, but I continued on running. I would not quit. As much as I loved the idea of an underwater mile, my body was demanding fresh air and a cool breeze How much further? It was the longest mile of my life. Finally however we exited the other side (Ahh! Blessed Fresh Air) where a few dozen border guards kept informing us runners to make sure our bib numbers were visible. Up and out of the tunnel we ran and turned left on Jefferson Ave heading straight toward Cobo and the Joe Lewis Arena, where we then turned left and headed toward the river front again by taking a sweeping ramp around and down to the right. I saw a sign were it said that we were at kilometer 15 of the race, or just a little over 9 miles. Only 4 miles to go.

Making a few more turns we ran a short distance through historical Cork town. Crowd support was wonderful here too and I think I saw Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (Heat Wave) performing somewhere along here too. Oh how their music brings back memories of a youth so long ago. Turning left on Michigan Ave we were getting close to the final stretch; only about two miles to go. Here the course started to open up. Far too late for a slow poke such as myself, but I was having the run of my life, or should I say time of my life (So many asked about my Little Buddies and my 330 mile run next year). Suddenly we were where it all began.

Turning left we headed north on Washington Blvd toward Grand Circus Park where we’d make a right turn go one block and turn right again and head south on Woodward to the Finish line just past State St. Weird, I thought I heard someone call my name. Who would know me here? Hey Grandpa John, is that you? Looking around I noticed that another runner was calling my name. She told me her name was Alex (forgive me if I misspelled your name. I am ashamed to say that you were speaking in my left ear which is about 80% deaf). She too was running to the memory of our Special Friend Angel Mitchell Butler and that if Mitch had run the half he would have finished a half hour ago. She also told me that she had heard that I was running from the Border to the Bridge next and that she would monitor my progress. With that she was off like speeding lightning.

As we turned south towards the finish, I knew the race was almost over…..picking up speed I so wanted to have a good finishing kick, but that wasn’t to be. A runner by my side was bent over and appeared to be getting ready to lose her stomach. I slowed to a crawl and asked if she was ok? T o that she struggled to say yes, but just a little sick to her stomach. I walked a few feet with her as she regained her composure. Once I was sure she was o.k., I was off and only had a half block to go. Before I knew it, I sped across the finish line hands raised high into the air. Victory will be ours. Childhood Cancer will be beat! My time: 2:06:35…..not bad, not too bad at all.

Post Script: Missus Gj was supposed to meet me at the finish line. I looked and could not find her anywhere. Ultimately, it took us over 5 hours to find each other….where? At our hotel of course.. I even had the front desk called the police to make certain my sweetie wasn’t in the hospital somewhere or worse…talk about crossed lines of communication..LoL

Pictures:

Sun set from our hotel window:

Gj in Running gear:

The Runners at the Start

Michigan's Governor Granholm - She's quite the Runner from what I hear..and fast too.

Angels Rainbow shirt updated; Promotion of Next Year’s 330 Mile Run

Angels Rainbow shirt updated: Finally had a chance to add Eliza’s and Brandon’s name to our Angels Rainbow shirt. As can be seen, our 2008 Angel’s Rainbow shirt is showing some wear, but not too bad considering that it’s been through 8 maybe 9 or so races this season ranging from 5K’s up to and through our extreme 50K Ultra marathon, which was more akin to a Ranger’s qualification course (well that might be just a little exaggeration, but not by much). Now it stands ready to be worn again for the onslaught of the 13.1 miles this Sunday.

Promotion of next Year’s 330 mile Run: Below is a picture of the back of our Angel’s Rainbow shirt with a sign promoting our next year’s run. What is really exciting is that a running bud of mine made several similar signs made up and has been asking coworkers and friends to wear one as they run either the half or full marathon. At last count I think Lisa handed out 12 or so signs, and I made up and additional 40 signs and will be handing them out to any runner willing to wear one. I also will be handing out the promotional cards I had made up.
As soon as I find out the names of all the runners promoting our cause, I add them to a new listing which I will call “Our Little Buddies Friends” or something like that.

Well, I am getting ready for Sunday's run, so I will close for now with these words:

Undertake something that is difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

Ronald E. Osbornun

God Bless,

Gj

Another Angel –Brandon Loose, A Special Friend Angel – Mitchell Butler, Another Step Closer to the 330 Mile Run

Another Angel - At times, when I run I swear I hear the NB Angels calling my name and cheering me on to run just a little faster and just a little further. Today was no different except the Angelic c choir sang a sweet melodic refrain of love as a welcome to Brandon Loose as he joined the heavenly hosts…forever pain free and sitting by our creators feet..Brandon, we patiently wait our turn to join you in heaven where together will sing songs of praise for eternity….My condolences to the family and friends of Brandon…I shall continue to run until the cure is found or my feet too tired to carry me, then I’ll ask my heavenly father to carry to the finish line: “The Cure.” That is my promise, I shall keep it!

A Special Friend Angel – Mitchell Butler: As I ran my 5 mile training run tonight I came across a memorial built on the side of the road where several young men and a young lady with heads hung low were paying tribute, to what I was to find out, a very special friend killed in a most tragic accident. I won’t’ go into detail but suffice to say they were wounded to the quick. I can’t, as with our NB Angels, even fathom the pain felt by the family. As I stood there also paying tribute to Mitchell, I told them who I was and why I run. I promised them that I would also run the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon in Mitchell’s memory…So I shall!

I know the depth of love of my NB family and how they all too knowingly understand the pain of loss, and hopefully in some small way the love I have for them by running in honor and memory of their children, my "Little Buddies." My condolences to the family, friends and all at Redford Union High School whose lives were touched by this fine young man, Mitchell Butler.

Another Step Closer to the 330 Mile Run –Today I received the “business cards” (if you want to call them that-see Picture below) that advertise the “From the Border to the Bridge Journey Run” I’ll be running next May. Along with wearing my Angel’s Rainbow shirt and my Little Buddies pictures, I will be handing them out at the upcoming Detroit Free Press Marathon/ Half Marathon October 19, 2008).

Hopefully, this will help raise awareness to a new level (If you have visited the blog site for the run: www. fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com - please forgive me as I am way behind in updating it. I will update it in a few days- ).

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

God Bless & Rest Peacefully in His Arms

Grandpa John

An Angel Reminded Me

At 5am, the air was refreshingly cool and the skies very clear as I began my morning’s training run. Stating out from home, I wound my way down the road to Lola Park, which I find very enjoyable to run since it borders the Rouge river flood basin. Here and there every so often my headlamp would catch the glimmer of some small (or not so small) animal scurrying about in attempt to hide from the light my lamp provided. I could never completely make out who the visitor was. I do know that on previous runs I had seen squirrels (way too early), skunks (hmm hope not), possums, raccoons, and every so often a ground hog. I felt overwhelmed with thanksgiving knowing God has given me so much. I thanked him as I ran on with prayer stirring in my heart; all too soon I had reached the half way point, time to turn around.

As I turned to begin the journey home, I noticed that a fog started to settle in the low lying area giving a very eerie glow and twinkle to the few lights bathing the area. The fog continued to thicken, yet the twinkling lights were become brighter, not dimmer. What’s happening? I wondered. Another strange event is that I thought I heard someone speaking to me. Looking around I saw no one. Yet the voice continued, but I couldn’t make out what was being said…Until I heard, “Hey Grandpa John did you forget about me? Before I could ask, forget about whom, my question was answered:

“It’s me, Eliza S. I’m an angel now, but I didn’t see my name listed on our “Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication” list. You didn’t forget me, did you?”

Oh my, I must quit procrastinating I thought …

“No Eliza, I didn’t forget about you, I never could. Forgive me, I have no excuse. I’ll add your name as soon as I get home. I’ll tell all about our meeting and just how special you are and how you are singing gloriously sweet melodies to our creator and that you’re patiently waiting for us to join you as you are loving held in God’s hand.”

“I knew you didn’t forget me GJ, I just had to remind you,” was Eliza’s reply.

Oh, the twinkling lights...that easy. The twinkling lights were all of the other Angels trying to get my attention.

My condolences to Eliza’s family, may God comfort & bless them as they too wait patiently for that glorious day when we are all reunited in love.

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all"
.....Dale Carnegie


God Bless, Till Later….

Grandpa John.