Tomorrow is the Big Day

I am so excited! Months of training and preparation have prepared me for tomorrow’s big race, the "Dances with Dirt Ultra Marathon". I can’t wait to tell all who are present about my Little Buddies and Angels....Start time 6:15am

I want to take these brief few moments before I head out to remind all as to the reason I run. It’s contained here in this blog. I run to thank God for giving me back my health; I run because I am blest; I run….I run…I run…. To raise awareness of Neuroblastoma and to overcome the tears which come with that dreaded disease; I run to honor all of My Little Buddies, I love each of you very, very much; And I run to honor the memory of those Little Buddies of mine, who fought so valiantly but are now Angels: 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, Dustin Cobb, Alyssa Chappell, Addison Whipple, Amber Mastey, Katie Krize, Gustavo-Alexis, Kelvin Harper, Maggie Achuff, Kristin Hope, Kahlilla Blyss, Arden Quinn Bucher, Douglas Swift, & Max Mikulak.

My “Little Angels” please help Ol’ Gj should I weaken at anytime during the race tomorrow. I’ll do my best for you, and all who are still here, earth bound till that wonderful day when we are reunited in heaven for eternity.

God Bless

Gj

Update to Race Day Angels Rainbow Shirt.

Just a short posting to let you all see the shirt I will be wearing this Saturday for the Dances with Dirt Ultra. It contains the names of all the Angels I've been made aware of since I began this blog back in the April time frame.

Well I have much left to do prior to Saturday mornings race starting time of 6:15am so till later I leave you with this:

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”

Karen Ravn

God Bless, Gj

Newest Angels & My Promise to My Buddies & Their Families

Newest Angels: Since I've begun this journey of mine I am amazed at how quickly our Angelic Choir grows. Arden Quinn Bucher, my little buddy, I was going to run the Dances with Dirt 50K in her honor, now I will dedicate this run to her memory. Joining her are Douglas Swift and Max Mikulak. I did not have the privilege of introducing myself to these fine young men , but I will most definitely added them to our “ Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication” list and will, along with Arden, run the Dance With Dirt Race in their memory too. My prayers and condolences to the families of Arden, Douglas, and Max and May God’s Peace be theirs now and forever.

My Promise to My Buddies & Their Families:

In April when first began this quest, my (our) Angelic Choir had one member to sing us sweet songs of love. Now within the last two days, three new members have joined the host of angels singing sweet songs of freedom. This brings the Angelic Choir to a total membership of 28 Angels; far too many in such a short time span.

Therefore, I reiterate my Promise to all of my Little Buddies and their families:

“I will continue to run for the cause until my legs get too old or tired to run, then I’ll just have to let my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found…

Yep! That’s my promise to you, all of you, and I will keep it."

I love each of you with my whole Heart

Grandpa John

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