Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Time to write again...

This is one of those days, one of those days that is full of emotions. I came home a little after 5 p.m. and was surprised to see Diane's car already in the driveway. I usually get home before her so it kinda caught me off guard. When I walked through the door I asked her why she was home already. She told me she had a bad day. She had been thinking of Cody since last night. She watched a video of Cody and Justin playing video games. The video was recorded a month before Cody passed. She said that a few times he let out one of his deep laughs. The kinda laugh that is contagious and makes others laugh. She longs for his voice, his smile and his smell. Although it's been over six months it is still very hard.

Now you might think that this all had something to do with Owen's passing today. It did not. She didn't know that Owen passed until I told her this evening. Our hearts really to out to Owen's family. Even though you know this day is coming, there is no way to prepare for something like this. As difficult as it is going to be I will be heading to Fredricksburg for Owen's viewing on Sunday. This is just something that needs to be done until a cure is found.

Diane and I are staying very active with the foundation. We have a great group of people who are helping us get things moving. We are hoping for a very successful event. We know with time and hard work this foundation will become a great success. The success of this foundation will only be measured by advances in neuroblastoma research. Diane has written a wonderful letter to Mrs. Obama in hopes that she could possibly come to our event. We know the odds are not good that such a thing will happen but you have to try right? With this being a down day, Diane needed reassurance that we are going to do well. I want her to understand that it takes time for an organization such as this to get rolling. The more times people hear of neuroblastoma and hear of Cody's Crew Foundation the more we will succeed. We will succeed when one day a doctor or scientist discovers that magic treatment that brings neuroblastoma to an end.

The Vermont 100 Mile Relay was a huge success. There is even a few Cody's Crew photos on their site. It was so much fun and great to have a chance to meet many people whom I have known on the Internet for years but hadn't met in person. We are already planning next year. It is wonderful that so many people want to help. Runners can help by running. Speaking of running, I will be running again this weekend at the Annapolis 10 Miler. I will be carrying the Cody's Crew Flag. Then Labor Day weekend I will be carrying the flag at the Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon. In October the flag will fly at the Army 10 Miler and then again in New York City during the New York Marathon November 1st. This is one of the best ways I can get the word out.



If any of you out there know somebody that is in the public spotlight that wants to do something good then please point them in our direction. We need all the help we can get. Children like Cody and Owen need all the help they can get...

4 comments:

Cameron said...

It looks like you are going to get the word out through your running about Cody's Crew. It takes time but I know it is going to be a great success.

I am sorry that the other day was tough on Diane. I can only imagine how terribly bad she just wants to hold him, hear him, smell him. I am sure each day is a struggle of some sort and you both wish to see him.

He is all around you and I believe he is so proud of his parents and what you are doing in his name.

Many prayers and God Bless all of you.

Anonymous said...

My heart and prayers go out to Owen's family.

Susan and Jonathan

Anonymous said...

Was thinking of Cody today so just stopped by to say "hi" and send hugs to you all!

Pat (ACCA-NCC)

Anonymous said...

My heart and prayers go out to Diane, you and the kids. You're coming up on yet another really hard milestone and this will be "big" (for lack of better wording).

Diane's rough day may be a precursor (so to speak); as the feelings of grief are likely to grow again, over time, as Cody's birthday approaches.

Sometimes, you just have to grieve.