Kyle & Will - A Conversation from Kyle's Biggest Fan

Will may be Kyle Maynard's biggest fan.  When he was nearly 2, we flew to meet up with friends near Kyle's hometown and Will was able to meet Kyle.  He doesn't really remember the actual meeting but he has watched their meeting and wrestling in Kyle's gym at the end of a documentary about Kyle, A Fighting Chance, numerous times.  We've showed him the book Kyle autographed for him and we've talked about Kyle.

(As a side note, Kyle's mom has been a great support for me - I've emailed and called her with all sorts of questions and her insight and wisdom has been invaluable to me.)

Sunday morning, on our way to church, my mom's cousin, Dandy (who is really more of an aunt to me), texted me that she and her husband, who live far away, were about to have lunch with Kyle!  I texted back to tell Kyle that Will says hi.

And then.

Then I got this:

Will wanted to reply to Kyle and he sent this:

Kyle recently became the first amputee to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro unassisted!

Here's what his website states as their trip purpose:

To send a message to our heroes in the veteran community and to kids with disabilities around the world that regardless of any challenge we face, no obstacle is too great to be conquered.

(Pretty much that is one of our (several) goals for Will and Ellie - they can do whatever they set their hearts to!)

We've had several friends climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in recent years 

(Our dear friend Rick who happens to be our pediatrician - on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro wearing his "Where There's a Way, There's a Will" shirt!)

We have dreams of someday climbing Mt. K with our kids.  It was so exciting to show Will Kyle's pictures of the climb and talk about what a huge accomplishment this was.

In fact, a few days later, when we learned that he needed to dress up as a famous American at school, one of his first ideas was to be "Kyle because he climbed Mt. mengaoijdjaro"  (I love his various pronunciations of Kilimanjaro.)  (When he received his cool NASA space suit, he decided to wear that to school as an astronaut and show the suit off...)

Then a few days ago, I overheard Will telling a friend this:

"You know who is stronger than anyone?  He's the biggest and strongest superhero of all?  God.  But you know who is the strongest human after God?  Kyle.  He climbed Mt zeirusjaro."

(Like a true fan, he manages to slip that into conversation with his friends.  I don't think the other kid had any clue what mountain Will was referring to.)

Will is a huge fan of Kyle.

And so are we.  Because Kyle is a successful business owner, published author, public speaker, professional wrestler, and more.

Because Kyle has good relationships with his mom and dad and his grandparents and his siblings and friends.  And mostly because Kyle loves God and wants to serve Him.  

Kyle is just a guy who does life and happens to do it really, really well.

And also - he's a congenital amputee affected in all of his limbs.  But that is just a part of who he is.

We don't really focus on limb differences.  It's part of our normal.  But whenever Will is around someone or sees someone on tv or skyping with limb differences... it's hard to describe really but his eyes change.  He kind of lights up and it seems like he just feels an instant connection - maybe it lessens a little bit of the loneliness of being different.   I got to see his eyes do that twice this weekend when we skyped with a friend far away who invests his time into Will monthly to answer questions and high five and then with Kyle's video.  Makes this mama's heart so full to see my boy's eyes sparkle extra bright.  I see his confidence just tip the scale even more (and clearly, Batman is pretty confident right now in himself.) 

So yeah.  We like that guys like Kyle are setting such great examples for lots of young men and boys - not just amputees.  But our hearts are especially thankful that our son can have a guy like to Kyle to look up to - to go to when he has the hard questions and faces the unique challenges to come.

Sunday's text video?  Will was pretty thrilled to hear from "cool Mr. Kyle."

And so were we.

2012 Miracle Children Announced!!!

Will & Ellie have been chosen as this year's local 2012 Miracle Children representing the Children's Miracle Network!

Thursday, they will ride in the Christmas Parade & light the giant city Christmas tree.  Will is one excited four year old!!!

But first, we had to survive a press conference with a four year old and a one year old.  We made it.  Barely.  But not without running someone's energy out - literally- in between interviews.

We are so thankful for the CMN and all they provide for our family and so many children in our area.  We are especially thankful for Robyn and Dr. Rick & Mrs. Shirley who work hard to make our lives as normal as possible.

Our little miracles are going to have a fun year ahead as the Miracle Children!

From TMF: (click center of video to play & scroll to bottom of blog to turn music playlist to pause)




or if the video isn't working on your screen, click here.

and two more articles:

http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20111130/NEWS08/111139993

http://www.kltv.com/story/16148642/miracle-children-to-light-tylers-christmas-tree

Dolphin Tale- Go See It!

Looking for something to do this weekend?

I highly recommend this movie!  R & I took Will on a special Mommy/Daddy/Will date the weekend it came out & loved it!  I had read about Winter the Dolphin several years ago and the movie was fantastic.  Great cast - Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., & Morgan Freeman among others.
It's slightly long for a four year old (2 hours) but Will loved that the dolphin had a zanco.  And it was fun to see our friend Cody in the credit scenes.
What I really loved about the movie?  Winter was valued.  She was respected.  Whereas others wanted to put her down after her injury, the key players in the movie saw value in her.  And her prosthetic was not made for cosmetic reasons - she was valued and celebrated as she was.
A really, really good story & I think a great way to introduce differences to your kids if you haven't already.

Movies that Inspire

In December of 2008, Will & I flew to Dallas to meet amputee celebrity, Nick Vujicic.  It was an amazing experience.

This week, I received an email from Stacy who is friends with a director of a new, award winning short film, The Butterfly Circus.  It is now being made into a full length feature film.
As I watched, I was moved to tears and laughter.  I loved seeing Nick as a star & was again so encouraged by him.
It's a great movie - I highly recommend watching it!
Go here to watch the teaser.

And click here to watch the full length short film.  (Stacy warned me & I'll pass it on - the first few minutes are difficult - especially if you are a mom of a child with limb differences.  Stick with it - it's a great story and I have such respect for Nick - he does an incredible job in a difficult role.)

And, then of course, there's Kyle Maynard - another celebrity amputee who is a star of a movie about his quest to wrestle.  Will & I met him & his parents in May 2009.  That too was an incredible experience.  I admire Kyle so much & have been thankful for the guidance and wisdom his mother has offered me.   (One of her best pieces of advice?  Have another baby!  It was fun to email her the news of my pregnancy with Ellie the following year.)

While we were meeting Kyle, the guys filming his movie filmed our meeting.  Will is in his first movie!  (Granted, it's during the credits but he's there!  And he's so cute - wrestling with Kyle! :))

For the trailer, go here.

To order the film (& to be able to see Will in a movie!), go here.

And want a good laugh?  Here's my home video of Kyle & Will wrestling at the gym Kyle owns.  Cracks me up how he tries to imitate Kyle (Will was about 20 months old.)  That laugh!  How I love it!
(video at bottom of that post.)

Here's to 2 great, inspirational films that are showing the world how truly abled those with limb differences are!  Enjoy!

EM:HE - MOVING THAT BUS (at last!)

Will cheering, "MOVE THAT BUS!"

(The cameras zoomed in on him while he was up high on shoulders- we'll see if he makes the show!)
The Carrs walking into their new home!
(They had to do the big walk in several times- it was quite funny as they would head in only to be told it had to be redone & head out again!)

Ty & the Carrs - about to head into their new home

The Carrs are such a deserving family for this home - they are generous to their community & active in giving back. They have 4 adopted children - 3 of whom have special needs. The 2 youngest have limb differences - one is a triple amputee due to Amniotic Band Syndrome & the youngest, Will's little friend, Rina, is missing 1 leg due to ABS. Mike (the dad) is a cancer survivor & had childhood diabetes- he has had 2 organ transplants (kidney & pancreas) which means he has to take immuno-suppressant drugs. Their previous home was not good for his health & was not completely accessible for all of their children. It was also a fire hazard. They went from a 3 bedroom/1 bath, 1500 sq foot home to a 4 bedroom/3 bath 4800 sq foot home! It's very functional & has some neat aspects. I know the Carr family will continue using the home to give back!

The community pitched in for other things as well - a new Ford car, bikes for all of the kids, $66,000 to be put towards their previous mortgage payment & new elevated property taxes, 3 years worth of meat from a local meat company, & a years' worth of landscaping.

It was so fun to be a part of such an exciting week!

This was right after they Moved the Bus (finally!!!)

Johnny (in the cowboy hat), Ed, & Bill Engvall with Ryanne in the middle

The Carrs after they got out of the limo - & before the bus was moved

The final & actual moving of the bus!

(Excuse the sometimes wobbly camera- I was holding my little video camera while also trying to take still pics with my other camera!)

The show will air as the season finale - May 9 - on ABC!

Extreme Home Makeover - Part 2

"MOVE THAT BUS" DAY!!!

AKA - Hurry Up & Wait

A woman on the design team who works on the show provided us with 3 very cool looking "design production guest" passes to get us past the spectators & into the VIP area on Move That Bus Day (Thursday.) We showed up at 9am and boarded our shuttle to take us to the site. The bus was to be moved officially at 12 noon.

Apparently, when working with Hollywood, the theme is "Hurry Up & Wait." We moved that bus LOTS of times- with filming occurring each time & lots of cheering since we never knew if the limo doors would open to reveal the family or not. Until the final time, the limo doors typically opened up to reveal a camera filming the crowd & celebrities!

We had a great spot for watching all of this - just in front of the bus. However, it was very hot & crowded as spectators jumped the fence into our little corral. Will did great, however, under those conditions, Will was a trooper!

Fortunately, his Lovie came prepared with games, toys, & even a pb & jellyfish picnic lunch.

When I was volunteering at the build site on Tuesday, this giant countdown clock stressed me out. It reminded me of those Christmas countdown clocks- letting you know how many shopping days remain. Stress!

The last 10 seconds were SO EXCITING!!!! We counted down & the crowd erupted in cheers! So fun!

And then the director announced that this was Hollywood & they were adding another hour to the clock!

At that point, we were quite hot & trapped in the sun & crowd & unable to move so we relocated to a shady area next door to the house.

This is the front of the house - during one of the "practice" Move that Bus scenes.

A camera zoomed in on Will on my shoulders at one point - we'll see if he makes it on the show!


The celebrities - again, this was a fake out "move that bus!"
Ty Pennington is to the far left in plaid, Johnny is in the cowboy hat (he high-fived Will!), Paige is the blonde of course, & Ed is bald (& hilarious) & then Bill Engvall is the celebrity guest designer in the long sleeve black shirt on the right.
Will was high-fived by Johnny & got Paige's autograph.

Ty & Ed
(the guy in the hat behind Ty is the director. Will liked him a lot on my volunteer day as he was dressed as a "real cowboy" with hat & boots & even spurs!)

Another fake out & shot of Ed

the celebrities

Ty seemed to kind of hang out on his own - apart from the other "stars."
Johnny & Ed interacted with the crowd more - Ty pretty much seemed to ignore the crowd

Will was such a trooper but after a few hours of being in the sun with nowhere to run & play, he finally was wiped out. He took a rest on his Lovie's shoulder

Ty & Bill Engvall
(Incidentally, Bill was just in our town on the frontier raising money for a children's rehab center where Will will begin receiving therapy services in April!)

Johnny & Paige getting off the bus

While waiting for the excitement to really get started, someone called to me from the friends & family corral located next to our vip corral.

I walked over & was so pleased to finally meet the founder of the PLAY foundation (Positive Living for Active Youth,) Jennifer. I have heard about this cool foundation through Katrina Carr (mother of family receiving the Extreme Home) & how they had provided for Ryanne Carr & the whole family to travel to CA to participate in the Endeavor Games. (Ryanne won lots of gold medals in lots of running events!)

Jennifer lost her hands & feet 3 years ago when she somehow became infected with sepsis & doctors were forced to amputate her hands & feet in order to save her life. I love how she chose JOY & to do something so positive to impact families rather than choosing bitterness. As an adult, she was forced to relearn how to function without hands & feet but it clearly has not held her back. She radiated joy & it was a pleasure to meet her. We would love to be involved with this cool organization in some capacity when Will is older (they serve kids ages 5-18.)

I brought Will over to meet her & to shake her hand... & he said, "She doesn't have hands." We're still not sure he gets that he doesn't exactly have hands so it was a good teaching moment as I said, "Yes, Will, kind of like YOU. She has hands just like you do but they are different... like YOURS." And then he gave her lots of high fives.

It's funny to us sometimes when he doesn't quite get that he is different - we're thankful as we are trying to teach him he can do anything & we have the same expectations of him we would have of anyone else. I was thankful that this particular teaching moment occurred with an adult who is comfortable in her skin & that she was gracious to us as I tried to explain to Will that his hands are different too - but we still shake hands & give high fives.

(Thanks, Jennifer!)

Hurry Up & Wait - Will & I waiting in front of the bus...

the morning had just begun

Later, we were so hot & stuffed in like sardines as people jumped the fence that we relocated next door. The kind man who provided our guest vip passes called me to check on us & told us we could join him on the neighbor's driveway next door. It was wonderful to have space for Will to run & play & shade!

Will enjoyed playing trains with the cowboy sheriff while we waited.

Will practicing "Move that Bus!"

At one point (my camera was off), it was fairly quiet as were in a lull - waiting again- & suddenly, Will yelled loudly, "MOVE THAT BUS!" I guess he was tired of waiting & wanted to get the show on the road!

COMING SOON -

IT REALLY DID MOVE!!!

Extreme Makeover Home Edition: Part 1

On Monday, I got a phone call that a volunteer slot had opened up for me & so I quickly changed our flights for EARLY Tuesday morning in order to get to the build site on time. Will & I had already planned on being there for Move That Bus but I really wanted an opportunity to work on the home for our friends, the Carrs.

(For how we know this deserving family - read down about 3 posts - they are friends from one of the hospitals where Will is a patient - Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.)

So, Tuesday morning, we boarded our plane - super early (especially for Will & I who like to sleep late!) and headed to Dallas. Will was so tired from waking up at 5:40 in the morning that he actually took a morning nap! The sweet boy fell asleep in my arms in the plane at 7:30 am! He hasn't taken a morning nap in a year! Of course, he awoke upon landing & it was still earlier than he wakes up most days!
My mom picked us up in Dallas & we headed for East Texas and the Extreme Makeover Home Edition build site - located in Mineola - about 25 minutes north of my parents' house.

To begin my volunteer shift, I had to check in & sign some paperwork prior to boarding the shuttle to take me to the site. I have lots of pictures on my phone (not sure how to get those off yet but will soon) but signed a confidentiality agreement about taking pictures of the inside of the house. I was too afraid of coming so far only to get kicked off so I did not take any pictures inside - only outside. I'm a rules follower at heart!

I was amazed at how much had been accomplished since Friday - when the Carr's home was demolished. By Tuesday afternoon, they were beginning to do the fun design parts to the interior and laying the concrete outside. Of course, when they have around 200 volunteers per shift & they work around the clock & have immediate access to supplies and skilled tradesmen, I suppose that speeds things up!

My work consisted of serving lunch to the 200+ volunteers for the first two hours of my shift. The dinners were donated by local restaurants but the lunch was provided by the ABC Extreme Home Makeover's catering company out of Hollywood. Kind of fun to see their trailers at the lunch tent.

Just before lunch, I had my first "Ty Pennington" sighting- he walked by on his phone. The stars all ate in their own tent but Conrad - the show's creator - did eat with the volunteers. This home is his final build so that is neat for the Carrs.

I also saw Paige & have a funny story on her - she walked by me to wash off her boots as she got a little dirty during the few minutes she was actually working on the concrete - funny since it was a construction site!

(The celebrity designers seemed to keep more to their "art tents" where they work on their special projects - the builders from the community & volunteers actually work on the house & implement the builder's designs.)

While I worked, Will spent time with his Lovie in the spectator area. He enjoyed watching the digger trucks, bulldozers, excavators, cameras, and masses of people in hard hats. Then, they went for a long afternoon nap at a nearby friend's house (gotta love the flexibility a pack n play offers!) before returning to watch some more & get me after my 6 hour shift.

After serving lunch for a few hours, I helped pick up trash from around the house, shoveled some dirt in the backyard, raked some dirt, carried lots of trim from the garage to the trim pile in back, & picked up stones. Basically, I was critical to this project. I don't know what they would have done without me. (Sarcasm here in case you didn't catch that!) I didn't care that I was doing such tasks as picking up trash - it was fun to be a part of something so huge especially since I know the family! It also gave me an inside look at the house which was very fun!
I just loved being a part of the project in my own tiny little way!


And, that night, I suppose the baby was worn out in the womb as I felt my first kick!!! I was exactly 14 weeks, 1 day but it was a definite strong jab! I love that! I've continued to feel lots of kicks this week which is 5 weeks earlier than I felt with Will. Love that movement! I've also been sick -sick again - this babe does not like me to eat out in restaurants! I get vomit-sick every single time! So weird! Loving the kicking & oh, so thankful for that reassurance (both the kicking & the sick kinds!)

EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER!!! CONGRATS CARRS!!!

Rina & Will...

love the look he is giving her in this picture:
I received a very exciting phone call this morning from my parents. On their local news, it showed the ABC Extreme Home Makeover bus pulling up to the Carrs house- friends of ours from Out on a Limb Camp & Scottish Rite Hospital for Children!!!

CONGRATS, CARRS!!!

Last fall, Katrina Carr shared with me that they were being pursued by ABC having been nominated anonymously for the show. I was so excited for them & even sent a letter of recommendation (it's below.) It felt surreal writing to ABC Producers!

This is such a deserving family - Katrina & Mike have 4 children - all adopted & 3 with special needs. Their 2 youngest kids were both in our cabin at camp last summer- they have amniotic band syndrome which has resulted in the amputations of various limbs. Precious girls - so embracing of Will (as you can see from the pics!) Mike has also had 2 organ transplants & therefore has health issues of his own.

We've continued to develop a friendship as we saw them again at dinner after hearing Nick Vuijic speak in December in Dallas & again at several events during the Dallas White Rock Marathon weekend.

This morning, they got the knock, began furiously packing, & are off to Hawaii this evening!!!

And guess where Will & I are headed?!?!? You bet- I am furiously searching for decently priced airline tickets to get home & volunteer!

One of my favorite things about having a kid with limb differences (& I have lots of favorite things!) is that we have been privileged with developing relationships with people we would have otherwise never met. The Carrs are one such family - Katrina has passed on such wisdom & encouragement to me & I am so thankful for that. I am so excited at the prospect of participating in such an incredible event next week!

Plus, through a friend of my parents who has been highly instrumental & basically in charge from the East Texas side of things in all of this, I just learned of a very exciting surprise in store... I'm not going to say it here. I realize the Carrs will not be reading in blogs from the beach in Hawaii - (pretty sure she has no time for reading them anyway with 4 kids to take care of & homeschooling!) But I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for anyone else! Let's just say... I am in tears just thinking about it! ;)
Get excited for some "MOVE THAT BUS" pictures coming in a week!!!

(Hopefully, if I can figure out how to quickly cross the state of Texas for a decent price!)

That's Will in the blue shirt in the back with Rina Carr beside him in pink & Ryanne Carr standing up on the left.

Rina & Will are quite the little buddies...

And below is Will with his cabin mates from Out on a Limb Camp last summer- Ryanne & Rina are the ones hugging each other

Here's the local news story from East Texas this morning & a video of the knock on their door!

http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=12042879

Here's the letter I sent to ABC last fall:

ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

To Whom It May Concern:

While I wholeheartedly believe the Mike Carr family deserves to be featured on Extreme Makeover Home Edition and will benefit in countless ways, I believe the greater benefit will be to your viewing audience. Featuring the Carrs will offer your viewers a story of hope, grace, and inspiration.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing the Carrs since last summer. I met Katrina, Ryanne, & Rina at Out on a Limb Camp for children with limb differences in July of 2009. My son, Will, a quad congenital amputee, was attending camp for the first time and we were placed in the same cabin as the Carrs. As a young mom and new to the world of congenital amputees, I can’t describe how encouraging it was for me to experience camp with people like the Carrs. Katrina’s smile instantly brought my heart great encouragement. Her stories of parenting children with limb differences were filled with humor and grace. Her precious daughters instantly welcomed us and embraced my son – especially sweet Reena! I have since encountered the family several times and each time, I am drawn to their contagious laughter and celebration of life. We look forward to many years of friendship as our children grow up and continue to participate in similar events as congenital amputees.

I realize that the Carrs have some major needs and that your show would certainly fulfill those needs. They are a generous family and I have no doubt that by being the recipients of a new or remodeled home, they would be freed up to volunteer more of their time and money to causes they are passionate for. What you could do for this family would not stop at a new home; I firmly believe they would continue passing on the blessings they had received.

More importantly, however, I am confident that their story will impact your viewers far more than you could possibly imagine. Featuring the Carrs would not simply impact a single family but would undoubtedly change the lives of many.

Thank you for considering this dear family,

WOW!

About a week ago, I alluded in my post on "firsts" that I had possibly been contacted by another parent of a child with Will's exact same syndrome.
Turns out, it was the parent of that child. And, turns out, that kid is number 12 to have been diagnosed with the syndrome; I believe Will would be #13. This is the only person I have ever found with Will's same diagnosis!!! And, it is a boy & he lives in the USA!
His mom called today & left a message while we were at church. When I got her message, I was beside myself - I felt as though a celebrity had called me! There's several congenital amputees whose names are common around our house so we basically feel like they are celebrities- they are congenital amputees who live with purpose & we believe are setting a great example for our son - people like Nick Vujic (whom Will met last December) & Kyle Maynard (whom we met in May of 2009.)
I mean, I was super excited all day & R & I had to figure out when would be the best time to call her back as we wanted to respect Sunday afternoon nap time & at the same time were thinking about Super Bowl times and the time change difference between our homes.
Finally, this afternoon, I called. She answered right away! And, I think we spoke for 2 hours!!!
There is something absolutely incredible about talking to another mom who is in our world - who knows the terms & the fears & the challenges & the victories! We laughed a lot - because, frankly, when you have a kid missing various parts of limbs & using prosthetics - funny things happen - like losing a leg in the grocery store. I even cried some. She is further along this journey than I am (her son is a teenager) & she was able to share some great insight & advice & wisdom ... not just on raising a son with a syndrome but on raising kids in general. I love talking to moms who have been there - their advice is priceless!
She gave me great ideas on handling stares & pointing & comments. We talked about schools & independence & letting go. We talked about our faith and our pregnancies and how we've grown. She helped me figure out terms I'm comfortable with in describing Will & had some great ideas. She gave me several things to mull on - great insight & thoughts. We laughed... a lot!
I have been on a high all evening - there is just something amazing about the relationships that having Will in my life has enabled me to be a part of. I was so inspired & encouraged & blessed when I saw her son on the Today show in 2008. Wow that I got to talk to his mom today! I can't wait for the day we can all meet!
Just wanted to share this fun story with you - stay posted for the day Will (#13) meets a young man who I believe will inspire & encourage him as he did me two years ago. I can't wait to see their friendship grow- I think it will be so valuable to Will to have a young man he can look up to & ask questions of - someone who just gets it.
Thanks, S's, for encouraging us!

Coming Soon to a TV Near You!!!

Remember back in May of 2009 when we took Will to Georgia to meet celebrity quad amputee & weight lifter/model/wrestler Kyle Maynard???
Remember how I may have mentioned in that post that some guys were there filming Will's meeting with Kyle & how they may have included him in a documentary they were producing?
Well, a few months ago I was sent some release forms & a clip of the documentary - it's awesome (if I do say so myself!) I can't wait to see the entire film.
Today, I received more release forms as it looks like it is going to be aired on national television!!! I'll keep you posted as to the release date/air date!!!

Where There's a WILL, There's a Way!!! White Rock Marathon 2009

On our way to the starting line...

we still had lots of energy at this point... despite the early morning hour!
30,000 people at this year's Rock!
This is the crowd in front of me. It took Rachel & I 11 minutes just to get from our corral to the starting line!

Yes, I run with my camera. I love taking pictures of people in their Will shirts during the race. I'll post them on our facebook site sometime this week. Sometimes I felt like a runner stalker as I would run up behind someone in at Will shirt & take their picture & not even know who they were. Every single time I see a Will shirt, I am extremely humbled. It amazes me to see the support people have shown us and especially Will. There is nothing like seeing close friends, family, & total strangers wearing a shirt for your son. I especially loved it when someone who was not wearing a WTAWTAW shirt noticed our shirts & asked about them. Can I tell you how proud I was to point to the shirt & say, "That's my kid!" And then I had the opportunity to briefly (I was running 13.1 miles, people) thank them for running & thereby supporting Scottish Rite!

We are humbled. I definitely run teary eyed sometimes! Your support means more than I can ever say. Whether you were running, spectating, or at home wearing your shirt... Thank you! Your support of our family & of Scottish Rite is making our dreams come true!

I took this at the starting line.

I can't tell you how grateful we are for the runners who help support Texas Scottish Rite Hospital!

This guy was filming Rachel & I while we were running - maybe around mile 6 or 7? I yelled some things about loving Scottish Rite & Go Team Will! He just kept filming so I decided to take his picture.

At the finish line... pure adrenaline rushed smiles!

I had a BLAST training & running with Rachel this year. We had fun & are pleased with our time. Way to go completing your first half marathon, Rachel!!!

R beat me. I won't disclose how much but let's just say, he has now blown all of my half marathon times way out of the water with his lightning speed! However, I can assure you that I had more fun as I got to run with a friend and actually read the funny signs along the way & make jokes & take people's pictures. (There were some hilarious Tiger Woods signs as well a great grandma one! Rachel & I had fun keeping track of the funny ones to tell people about.) R ran fast yet alone, bless his heart.

Way to go, R! So proud of you & am letting go of my pride about beating you anymore... not going to happen!

I was just excited that out of the 6 half marathons I've run & the 1 full marathon, someone finally gave me a foil blanket! I've always wanted to look cool after running with one of these things on me!

Marathons are not so much spectator sports. Will was a trooper though & got to spend all morning hanging out at Victory Plaza with all 4 of his grandparents - lucky boy!

R just after he finished - his time was 1:44!

Will & his Honey & his Lovie hanging out at the finish line

Cuddling with Lovie

Our fam at the finish line

R drew "Thanks Runners" on my calves. It's in magic marker so it still hasn't rubbed off yet. Will loves my "abc legs" & enjoys locating letters he knows on my legs.

Some of the WTAWTAW team at the finish line. Of course, many were still running - especially those who did the full marathon this year!

We were really excited about Will running across the finish line all by himself this year but it didn't work out like we had hoped. They changed the way they do the finish & made it very difficult for runners to get back to the finish line area after crossing & impossible for spectators to do so. They told us we could let him cross later in the day but we had to travel back to the frontier so we let it go for this year. Now that I know about the new system, I hope to be able to figure out a way to have Will run across next year. The good thing is that though he had been practicing running & waving (little multi-tasker), at age 2 he wasn't disappointed and, in fact, didn't know he was missing out!

Some of our old Frontier friends who now live in DFW have come every year to the finish line. It is so fun to see their kids grow up & Will had a blast playing with Bennett.

Thank you again! Running the Rock in 2009 was a blast & we raised somewhere around $10,000-12,000 - will let you know exact amount soon! Thank you for helping us Run the Rock & Rock the Cause!!!
Want to join our 2010 team? Go to www.wheretheresawillrace.blogspot.com for more info!

I love this weekend every year - it literally sends me to cloud nine for weeks & weeks! I love that Will is celebrated all weekend long! I love introducing him to people & I love that people shake his hand & get to know him & take his picture. I love that the miracles God has done & is doing are celebrated! I love being his mom & having a front row seat to celebrate with Will. I love that he is not stared at and no rude comments are made. The Scottish Rite patients are treated like little celebrities & it is so fun to see them celebrated for their talents, for overcoming challenges, & for how they celebrate & live life!

Will's Hero!

WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY MEETS NO EXCUSES!!!

Last Thursday, Will & I had the honor & privilege of meeting a celebrity - Kyle Maynard!

About a month ago, on that really bad day I blogged about, my mom located Kyle's mom for me & connected us via email. We've emailed frequently since then - sometimes several times a day!

She has so encouraged my heart!

When I was pregnant, someone gave my dad Kyle's book, No Excuses, & my dad loaned it to us. We quickly read it & were amazed at all Kyle had accomplished (world records in weight lifting, college wrestling, authoring & publishing a book, attended & wrestled at a major university, modeled for A & F, etc!) He recently opened his own gym and does personal training. He owns his own home & he drives his own car and can quickly dial someone on his Blackberry. Don't even ask me how he does that - he did it so fast I didn't have time to figure it out. (His mom wishes he wouldn't drive & call people at the same time!) He is a typical 25 year old guy - except that his attitude about life is atypical. He's quite the celebrity & I was more than a little "starstruck!"

Oh, & did I mention that he is a quad congenital amputee... like Will!!!

I loved Kyle's attitude in his book & I knew that much of that came from the values his parents & grandparents taught him. I have often asked myself how Kyle or his mom might have handled a particular issue we have dealt with. Now, I can just email or call them & ask directly! Kyle had some really great advice & I loved getting to ask some of my tougher questions to a male who is old enough to answer them & who has lived them himself!

Kyle has met lots of celebrites & been on several major shows such as Oprah & Larry King Live. He's won athletic awards from ESPN. He is a motivational speaker who travels all over the USA. Of course, he's quite the celebrity in our house- Will even calls him by name (& enjoys looking at his picture with Kyle!) There is a documentary currently being made about Kyle & his accomplishments. The guy filming it came to Kyle's gym to document Kyle & Will meeting. Don't worry - I'll let you know when it is released! I know I'll be buying a copy (or a few!!!)

Kyle's parents also surprised my parents (who were present as well) by inviting his grandmother to our meeting! It was so fun to have all 3 generations of their family along with 3 generations of our family in one room. We were able to ask lots of questions and hear answers from so many perspectives.

Already, Kyle has been so impactful in Will's life & ours. As a Christian man who is also a competive athlete & who has lived a life without limits, I believe he has had & will continue to have a great influence on Will. I hope that he & Will will continue to have some sort of relationship & that Kyle will be able to mentor Will through challenges & victories to come.

Thank you, Maynards, for taking time to meet with us. You have blessed us more than you know!

The Boys & Their Moms
What a great mother's day present for me to meet both Kyle & his mom!!!
As she & I hugged, & I cried, I was able to tell her how great it is to meet a mom who "gets it," who is in my world. I'm so thankful for her advice & encouragment. Thank you, Anita!

Kyle was signing autographs in his book (did I mention - he's a published author?!?!) and, of course, Will wanted to "color" too. (Already, he wants to be like Kyle!)
Kyle wrote a really precious, thoughtful letter to Will in Will's copy of his book. I tear up every time I read it. I so hope Kyle will be able to mentor Will throughout his life.

Kyle & Will wrestled lots! Will enjoyed having a feet fight with Kyle

Will loved being tickled!

Kyle showed Will how to use a weight ball - I guess he starts training people at an early age!
Kyle has set world records in weight lifting & now owns a gym doing cross fit training - a very intense method of working out.

Kyle wrestled for the University of GA & is now a competive MMA fighter.

Will enjoyed some wrestling & tried to mimic some of Kyle's moves below.

(Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom of the blog to put the music playlist on pause first!)

Enjoy!