A New Angel Joins The Angelic Host & Race Dedication

Our Newest Angel- Today I received notice that heaven gained its newest angel, most beautiful Kahlilla Blyss join in sweet song pleasing to our ears. May Kahilla's family take comfort knowing that she is forever singing lovely songs to be heard by all of creation. My condolences to Kahailla's family during these most difficult of times.

Race Dedication: On September 6, 2008 I will be running the Dance with Dirt ultra marathon (50K). I will dedicate race to our newest angel,Kahlilla Blyss


Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. ~C.S. Lewis

Till Later, God Bless

Gj

Belated Update to Angels’ Listing, Son’s Deployment

Belated Update to Angels’ Listing - Surely as time passes, or so it seems, our Angelic Choir continues growing.

The entire Angelic choir was on hand to welcome into heaven our newest Angels: Alyssa Chappell, Addison Whipple, Amber Mastey, Katie Krize, Gustavo-Alexis, Kelvin Harper, Maggie Achuff and Kristin Hope please sing a sweet refrain most pleasing to our ears. May we receive comfort from the fact that all of you are now pain free & sitting by the feet of our Heaven creator for all eternity. Please save a seat for us as we wait our turn to join you. My condolences and prayers for all of the families during these most difficult of times.

Sons’ Deployment - As I ponder the thought that my son, SRA Raschke (soon to be Tech Sgt) will shortly be deploying, a fear grips my soul, and many “what ifs” enter my mind. Yet, I normally do not live in fear, nor entertain such “what if” thoughts. Therefore, I will do my best not to go there now. However, as an expression of my love for him, I offer to you an open letter to my son Senior Airman Raschke.

Dear Son,

It seems like just yesterday I took you to Ted Nugent’s “Camp for Kids”, you were just 12 years old. How proud I was to see you standing by Ted’s side as you had a bow and arrow shoot off with the Motor City Mad man himself. Do you remember? You scored a “Bulls eye, in the deer silhouette, while Ted shot the outer ring (I may be biased, but to this day I really think he missed). Oh, how I cherish such memories. I guess that is one of the blessings of growing older.

Now as you ready for deployment I wish I had words of advice that would help ease any ill feeling you may have. Well, for once I must admit I don’t, I am speechless, except for this: Rely on your Training and Each Other, Never Quit, Never Under Estimate the enemy, and Do Not Hate them. I say this because that is what makes us so much different than they; if possible in war do all you can to rise to a higher moral plain and protect those whom you have sworn a Holy oath to God to do. Anything else I might be able to say would be inadequate.

However, if God were to grant me one wish it would be that I was still in uniform. I’d love to join you and stand by your side and fight the good fight together as father and son (and maybe in some small way we are). Alas though, the circle of life is almost complete; my son this journey is yours and your teams’ to make. Daniel, you have blest me in so many ways. Please know that you are loved as I know I am.

Son, thank you for your sacrifices and for protecting us from those who would do us harm. I ask God’s Blessings and His protection for you and your brethren daily. I love you.

Dad


"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow."
Dorothy Thompson

Meeting Some of My Little Buddies, Angels Honor Roll Update, Setting up Camp and Supper & Sleep, & The Race

Meeting some of my Little Buddies - Right after the race on Saturday, Missus Gj & I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet 3 of my little Buddies actually more when you count family :) This was the most wonderful day ever for Ol' Gj. I just have to tell you that I LOVE ALL OF YOU Here are a few pictures to enjoy. God Bless

Gj's idea of what Heaven will be like

Angels Honor Roll Update: Over the last weekend I became aware that our heavenly Angels Honor Roll choir was on hand to greet its newest members: Katie Krize, Amber Mastey, Kristin Hope and Gustavo-Alexis sing a sweet angelic melody for us to hear. Set free from the bonds of earthly existence rest pain free in His gentle arms for eternity as we wait our turn to reunite with you in love when our day comes

Setting up Camp and Supper & Sleep - Friday afternoon saw Missus Gj and Grandpa John setting up camp at Sleepy Hollow State Park. Bordering a line of tress with a really big walnut tree just off center of our lot and just across from the camp showers and bathrooms our camping site was beautiful, if not to say convenient (which for us old’ guys is really appreciated J First, we unloaded the Trailblazer and then proceeded to set up our sleeping area, the tent; next, up went the screen room which was our cooking and eating area. By this time, it was almost time for me to go and pick up my racing packet for the morning race.

It only took a few minutes for me to get my packet and by the time I got back, Missus Gj had put the finishing touches on our camp site: swept the tent, made the bed, set up our collapsible chairs by the fire ring and even readied the stove for he evening meal (She is really a great help). It was then we noticed that we had forgotten to pack several needed items, especially the bug spray, so it was off to the local Wal-Mart about 10 miles away.

Ready to wear race day

After getting our necessities at Wal-Mart we noticed an Applebee’s just across the street….well, by this time it was getting close to 6pm and we really didn’t want to eat too late. So in we went and ate our fill of glorious carbs and proteins….

Arriving back at camp, Missus Gj and I settled by the fire ring and gazed off into the fire I had just started, all too soon though it was bed time. The slumbering world of dreams had called on us. Sleep although interrupted several times by nature (and the noisy kiddies) was restful and all too soon race day morning had arrived.

The Race: It was really a fun race and a very beautiful day for running. The temp was about 65 degrees at starting time (0800), a slight breeze was blowing off the lake, the humidity not too bad. We started on a little hill overlooking Lake Ovid which is located in Sleepy Hollow State Park, about 15 or 20 miles north of Lansing MI. As we went down the hill we round a little bend and started to head towards the trail we’d all too soon be running. About a quarter mile into the race we entered the forest trail which would be our home for the next 10 miles or so.
Everything was going very well, not too many muddy patches and by mile 4 we had crossed only 1 little stream with little mud or for that matter water (I really wanted a big stream with lots of mud and ooze to play in– must be a guy thing). Then like a sudden thunder storm, things turned dark rather quickly.

First, I happened upon a fellow runner who had just fallen and was limping along. Being a couple of miles from help, I asked if she needed any assistance. Like a true runner, all I heard her say was Nah! I’ll be fine, go on. Turning to run again I immediately saw a runner hobbling along, hardly at a walking pace. Stopping again, I asked if he needed assistance, help of any kind. My inquiry was not well received. After a few choice words he indicated that he was OK and would make it on his own…Then it was my turn.

About mile 4.5 I was running down a hill when all of a sudden my trail shoes dug into some soft soil (soft soil on a heavily traveled trail? Surely sabotage) which because of momentum threw me forward rather awkwardly. To avoid tumbling and to slow down I stated to bound, or weave from side to side. Well, on my second step a broken tree limb jumped out of nowhere and smacked me really hard on my right leg, about 2 inches below my knee cap. Ouch!!! Not seeing any blood nor immediately knowing the extent of my injuries, I trudged on. Every so often though I felt a muscle pull or a stabbing pain just below my right knee, but looking down every s saw nothing.

It was around mile 7 or so that I finally noticed that I had been bleeding quite a bit from my injured leg. Was my race finished for the day, was this the race wherein I’d have to wear the DNF (did not finish) tag the rest of my running career? NO! This would not stop me: I had promised my Little Buddies this race was theirs and I was not going to let them down. Besides it was at my weakest moments like these several times before that my Little Buddies and Angels came through; they never let me down they gave me the courage and strength to carry on.
Angelic voices filled my mind and soothed my body .First it was my “Forever Heroes” carrying me forward: Austin Melgar, Courtney Saunders, Cooper Riley Proscia, Emily Adamson, Victoria Houston, John Eric Bartels, Kathy Ann Wilkinson, Alara Curran, Spencer Dolling, Marissa Monroe, Olivia Weber, Alexa Aigner, Joe Daily, Ryan Willians, Janie Kashino, and Dustin Cobb singing a song I never heard before; it was beautiful. Not really a song or spoken refrain, rather thoughts of love, beauty and pain free acceptance flooded my spirit. Like a lark on high and not remembering much I flew down the trail. Then as I near an exhausted state my Little Buddies with me in spirit all chimed in a melodic chant. Well not so much a chant, but a loud roaring cheer: Justin Gaudineer, Jackson Boyd, Nick Franca, Kerry Leary, Serena Lambert, Sammy Klimas, & Melina Riniolo all with me in spirit were hollering Go GJ! You can do it, you’re almost there, just around the bend and up the hill and you’ll own the 10 miles. Sure enough as I round the bend I saw the small hill; up I went striding all the way. As I crossed the finish line I knew we did it! The 10 miles was ours!!!

Race day Pictures

Getting Close top the Finish

Crossing the Finish Line

Want some Water?

Till Later, God Bless

Gj

A Remembrance and Honor; Updated – Photos and Angels Rainbow Memory shirt, & Camping

A Remembrance and Honor: As I ready myself for Saturday’s run I wish to hold high the memory of all my Little Buddies who are now Angels especially: Olivia Weber, Alexa Aigner, Joe Daily, Ryan Williams, and Dustin Cobb. As I run the Legend in their Memory, I am also running to honor Little Buddies “Justin Gaudineer, Jackson Boyd, Nick Franca, Kerry Leary, Serena Lambert, Sammy Klimas, and Melina Riniolo. I’ll be carrying all of them with me on race day.

Updated – Photos and Angels Rainbow Memory shirt: The pictures below are of the photos and shirt I will be wear on Saturday for the 10 mile race.

Camping: Missus Gj and I will be camping at the state park where the race is being held this weekend. We both are looking forward to a couple of days of relaxation. Nah! I don’t think that will happen, but we are excited that we are getting away for a couple of days. It’s been quite a while since we’ve be been camping, but I never remember it being so labor intensive…Oh well J I am sure we’ll have a few stories to share with you when we get back.

“Great Men Cultivate Love…only little men cherish a spirit of hatred”

Booker T Washington

God Bless ,Till Later

Gj

Update to Race Dedication & Poll Question

Race Dedication Updated - Welcome Melina; we'll have fun race day.

Poll Question - Please take a little time to answer our poll question: Should I allow advertising on the blog to earn funds as doantions to the Band of Parents? If the poll affirms the question I'll take the necesary steps to garner advertisers...monies not much but a little at a time over time can really add up.

For some strange reason I like this message ----

God Bless,

Gj

From the Border to the Bridge- Our Other Blog - An Update

To see a map of my proposed route, please follow the link above (clik on the picture of the Mackinaw Bridge) to our other Blog

"From the Border to the Bridge - Fighting Childhood Cancer - a 330 mile Running Odyssey"

Now it's off for a little Crosss training.


Till Later

God Bless,

Gj

Angels Update, Touched Again & Update to our Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication and Race Dedication Listing

Angels Update, Touched Again: A mist filled the air, as I ran along on my 10 mile training run this morning. I know the weather man had forecasted rain, but it was supposed to be later in the morning, not at 8am. Memories flooded my soul; the last time I ran in the rain I communed with our Angels. Would it happen again? Sure as rain is wet, a bunny hopped by, then another, a mother duck waddled along with 6 or 7 ducklings, and off in the distance a ground hog scurried along to hide in his hole. But what’s this, a lone butterfly, in the rain, fluttering by my cheek. Surely I am, again, being touch by our Angels. In their way, they are letting me know that the Angelic choir gained two new members this past week and that all is well in Heaven. Janie Kashino and Dustin Cobb sing a sweet refrain for us, forever pain free in the bosom of our Heavenly Father.

My condolences and prayers go out to the Kashino and Cobb families. May His Grace comfort all of you.

Updated Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication and Race Dedication Listing: Today I added Janie and Dustin to our Angels Honor Roll, and added Serena Lambert to our Race Dedication Listing. I do have a couple of more Buddies to add, but I am waiting for the Ok from the parents.

Below is a picture of the update to our Angels Rainbow Racing shirt.

Fighting Childhood Cancer ---

--- "Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."

Leon J. Suenes

God Bless You. May You Slumber Restfully in His Heart Tonight and Always,

Gj

An Angelic Cleansing, Missus Gj Day and MY Garden

An Angelic Cleansing: Today I was at mile 14 of a 24 mile training run when it just decided to rain, not just a light sprinkle, but a heavy down pour; I was completed soaked in less than a minute. Oh well, I do enjoy running in the rain so I continued on…until Thunder reared its ugly head. Now, I do enjoy listening to thunder and truth be told watching electrical storms. But, I do not run in such! So I headed home, only two miles away.

As I headed home, the rain continued its rhythmic beat, drenching my soul with bliss rarely felt. It was then I remembered the last time I felt so; it was our Angels again cleansing my spirit with their tears. These were not tears of sorrow, rather tears of joy experiencing a pain free existence unknown to us earth bound creatures. The thunder I heard was merely the angelic band keep rhythm for the choir welcoming the newest member to heaven. Sing and play on Joe Daily, and Ryan Williams, as we wait our turn to join you.

Missus Gj Day: For all of her support and love, which without I would never be able to accomplish anything, I proclaim tomorrow, Sunday July 13, 2008 Missus Gj Day. To honor Missus Gj, I further proclaim that she will do no work around the house. I will do her daily chores. I will also take her to a movie of her choice and to dinner at a restaurant of her choosing. Thank you for loving me so much honey, I do love you so. The flowers are for you Sweetie

My Garden: Oh, how I love the beauty of flowers. Their aroma intoxicating and each provide a floral display so pleasing to the eye. My garden, it is where I commune with my Creator daily.

Please join and enjoy with me what I see very day.

Hold Dearly those you Love for they are precious beyond measure.

God Bless,

Gj

How Time Flies, Picture Mailings, Building our Honor Team, T shirt Layout

How Time Flies - Wow, it is truly amazing how quickly time flies. Its’ been almost 10 days since I last updated our blog. I apologize for such delay. Yet, not one to offer excuse I must say that the tempo at work increased, and my home chore list really needed tackling; so here I sit offering excuses galore J In the future, I’ll really try to be more punctual in updating our blog.

Pictures Mailings - About 2 week ago I promised to send out the pictures I wore at the last race to my honor buddies. Well, I didn’t forget. I was waiting for some race pictures I ordered to come in from the photographer and they still haven’t arrived. So, over the weekend, I’ll be mailing your pictures out to you. When the other pictures do arrive, I’ll be putting them in the post or will email you an electronic copy – Stay tuned.

Building our Honor Team – I am in the process of building our honor team for my next race, “The Legend” There are so many Little Buddies I want to run this race in honor of that I may over-look a few. So if you’d like Ol’ Grandpa John to run this race (and wear your picture during the race) in your honor, please contact me and let me know. I really wish I didn’t have so many Little Buddies, but hey, isn’t that why I am running? We’ll Kick Neuroblastoma’s butt for sure; it’s not if, but when!

T-Shirt Layout –My Band of Parents friend, Carolyn, is working with our t shirt customizer (Unspoken Love- please visit Terry’s site, it’s most wonderful. Use link to the right- thanks) on our design and should have some more information for us with the next few weeks. These shirts really rock and tell the story. They will be cotton, but I am also working on getting tech shirts made for us runners too – so this is another “Stay Tuned!”

“Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow” Dorothy Thompson

God Bless and Slumber Restfully in His Arms

Gj

Angel’s Honor Roll – A permanent Dedication; Where have I been & Training update

Angel’s Honor Roll – A permanent Dedication: It is so important to me that the memory of our angels not be forgotten that I have decided to begin the “Angel’s Honor Roll – A permanent Dedication” list. This list will contain the names all of our Angels (that I have been made aware of) that either have had a race run in their memory or will have one run for them. They will never be forgotten!

Where have I been? From Tuesday through Friday of Last week Ol’ Gj was ether fighting some bug, or so run down from over training (Missus Gj’s contention anyway) that his system decided to let him know that he had to slow down just a tad. You see, early Tuesday evening last, I did some very aggressive speed work after which I felt Ok, but later that night and Wednesday morning, Ol Gj felt very ill, nauseous and very weak. If fact, I made all of 30 minutes at work before I decided to go home. .. Fast forward several days… Saturday saw me fit enough to run (waddle) my long run (20 miles) for the week. I feel fine now, I just don’t know about last week though…really strange. Regardless of Missus Gj’s contention, I swear it had to be the chicken salad I ate for lunch last Tuesday. but I’ve been married long enough to know that Missus Gj is always right :) It’s really great to have someone love you so much.

Training Update: I resumed training after a brief illness of last week. Last week I was to train 48 miles but only got 34 in. This week is a down week so my system will get more rest; total mileage scheduled for this week – 36 miles.

Total Mileage To Date: 264 miles

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.- Stephen Covey

God Bless, Rest in His Arms Safely tonight, always and in all ways.

Gj