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.

Spur of the Moment - St Val's Fun Run, The Big Adventure & Next Race

Spur of the Moment -St Val's Fun Run: Sunday’s St. Valentines church “5K Fun Run and Walk” was a spur of the moment decision Yet, one I gladly made since it gave me another opportunity to spread the word about my “Little Buddies,” which I freely did to all who would listen. In fact many folks asked about the pictures around my neck If I were to guess the total number of runners and walkers, I would have to say that about 190 folks participated in this fun filled event made even more beautiful since Sunday’s weather was made for running, about 70 degrees with a cool breeze blowing out of the west. The starting time was 3pm or there abouts. Nothing was left to chance nor were “things” overly stuffy and laden with rules and regulations. In fact, the starting time was delayed a few minutes to allow for runners running a little late (pardon the pun). At 3:10 the color guard marched up to the starting line and as the St Val’s choir sang our national anthem (Although most were quiet, it still surprised me that so many didn’t know that they should have placed their right hand over the heart during the singing of our nations song – you do know the proper practice don’t you?) A cheer went up as the choir finished singing. The run was about to begin.

Sirens blaring and horns a tooting, we runners took off. Since I waddle more than run I was at the back of the pack. Yet, I found myself overtaking many runners, only to see the reason why- stretching across the street were about 15 or 20 walkers walking abreast and beside them were several youngsters pedaling their bicycles, some still were using training wheels. How wonderful to see so many families and children enjoying each other so much; smiles and giggles wafted through the air. As we turned the first corner we runners were able to side step the walkers and shoot for the gold, which surely would be ours for the taking at the finish line.

Ever so slowly the pace and tempo of the run increased. But what is this I am hearing? Clomp, Clomp, Clomp! I turn my head slightly to look and what do I see a youngster of all about 8 or 9 running totally flat footed and over taking me like I was standing still. How could this be? I do not know. Yet I continued on and making the first mile in a little over 8 minutes I knew this would be a good race…until I turned the corner on 5 mile road there walking was Clomp Clomp…I asked if he was ok..He indicated that he was fine but he had a side stitch…ouch…haven’t had one for years but I remember them well...So, I slowed to a walk and asked his name. It was Andy. Seeing the picture hanging around my neck Andy asked who they were. So I told him all about my little buddies and why I run and I asked “Andy would you like to wear one of these pictures? My Little Buddies always give me help when I am having trouble with my run. Andy replied “sure.” So I pinned a picture on Andy’s shirt and true enough, my our little angels must have gave him strength as he was off like lightening. In fact, Andy started running so fast that I didn’t catch up to him for about a mile or so and that was only about a half a mile from the finish line…

As I turned what was to be the last corner in the race I saw the finish line about 400 meters up ahead…turning up the steam I let no one pass me as I kicked it in gear and pushed my lungs to their limited capacity crossing the finish line in 27:27. Surely not as fast as I could, but it was a fun run. Wasn’t it?

The Big Adventure: Mark your calendars now folks OL’ Gj will be doing the journey run next May - Exact date still TBD.

Here is the link to the blog site (needs to be up dated badly) tracking the details of this adventure which will be called “From the Border to the Bridge – Fighting Neuroblastoma”

http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/


Next Race: Oct 19, 2008 - The Detroit Free Press Half Marathon or Oh, how I love distance

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"I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you."

Roy Croft

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I love each of you

Till Later - God Bless,
Grandpa John

Mini-Race Report or Better Late than Never.

Run Statics:
50K – 31.0685 Miles

Elevation Gain over 50K: 9, 572 ft
Elevation Loss over 50K: 9,570 ft

Avg. pace: 16.03 (You had to be there to believe it )
Avg. Speed: 3.7 mph

Max Speed: 11.7 mph

Age Group Standings: 5th of 7 runners

Overall Standings: 112 out of 133

Total Time: 8:49:59.73 – Now that’s a Butt Kickin slow Whew!!!!

Temperatures were around 50 degrees race day morning. Not wanting to be late, Missus Gj and I headed out from our hotel room around 5am. The drive took twenty minutes. Parking attendants directed us to our parking spot, about 400 meters from the stat/finish line. This was necessary since the Relay teams had to use chase vehicles to meet the respective team runners at the various relay points; their race begin their race at 8am

Although we arrived early there where many runners already readying themselves for the arduous journey ahead (and that is not an understatement). I began to double check, no make that triple check my equipment: My Buddies pictures - check (Please note that I did not carry them around my neck due to the many hazards I would encounter on this run – Missus Gj held them for me at the finish line – she did show them off for all to see), Hydration pack – check, power bars & gels -check, trail shoes – check, drop bag – check, safari hat – check, all is ready

Suddenly, the race director called out “All you Krazy ultra runners to the starting line now, the racer starts in 5 minutes”. All too soon, the starting time (6:15am) was upon us; head lamps were going to be needed to see the trail for the first leg or so of the race. Runners Set...Go, we were off…

The runner’s headlamps made it look like hundreds of fire flies were lighting the trail as we set out. Since the starting line was out in the open at the beach it initially didn’t seem too dark until about a quarter mile later when we entered the foreboding wooded trail, made more for a goat than a human to be sure. At first we runners were bunched up as we snaked our way down the winding trail, looking ahead you could see the flickering of the headlights as the runners weaved in, out and down the darken path. As we proceeded, the pace smoothed out, our rhythms found. For safety reasons none of the runners attempted to pass; besides it was still way too early in the race to do else wise. The sun started to crest over the tress as we neared the end of this part of the race; it was a beautiful sunrise. In fact, I had to stop and marvel at its beauty as we turned down “Monks Rd (running west to east). The orange globe filtered thru a rising fog gave a surreal look to my path forward (it was so beautiful that I thought that maybe this is what heaven is like for my Little Buddies). Appropriately, this section was called the Awakening, 4.75 miles in length and technically would rate a scale of 1 on a 1 to 5 rating with 1 being easiest. That rating would soon be nothing but a pleasant memory living within a horrible reality.

The next several sections of the ultra were technically more challenging and would be worthy of rating of anywhere from a 3 to 5. Most time trails were nonexistent as we blazed our way through poison ivy patches, nettle bushes, around fall tree and 3 knee high streams with muck and mud abounding - It was heaven. As I started to land after jumping a hefty tree blocking the trail, my left calf felt like a hammer hit it. Looking down I didn’t notice any blood so I continued on… this was somewhere around mile 9 ….I should have looked first since on the far bottom side of the truck was a broken limb just waiting to give me my first and only injury of the race. Only now a week later is the bruising evident….

I could go on and on about how beautiful the weather was last Saturday, how challenging the trails were and much I enjoyed the “Dances with Dirt Ultra” race, but there are not enough words to describe it adequately; it has to be lived, experienced - for through the pain of the 31.0685miles I found life and was able to spread the word about my Little Buddies to many runners….

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.-- Brian Tracy.

God Bless Everyone of you...

Till later,

Gj

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