21K for Down Syndrome!

Daddy & Mommy crossing the finish line!!!

To the left is Kandi O'Brien, our neighbor and sweet friend. The three of us along with Jen & Neal Tiller ran the race with our "Team Graham" running shirts. Love, love, love them! Thankful for our friends, Laura Woods (who created/designed the logos for the shirts) and Lindsey Oldelehr (for assisting with the printing/purchasing).

One might ask, is that really Scott running in a 21K and just how far is a 21K? Well, yes it is and if you would have asked him just 2 months prior, he probably would have told you that he had no desire to do something of this sort. Well, that was until we heard about the 21K run (which is 13.05 miles to be exact). Although, they stretched the race to be 13.1 for a half-marathon.

I said 2 months, but I could have said 6 weeks. That is, because we just found out about the run 6 weeks prior to the event. Scott and I both wanted to do it once we heard about it - we wanted to support not only the event, but our local Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis & PFF (Pujols Family Foundation) - and most importantly, our Graham. I, was currently training for another run next month, but Scott had not been running. He trained in 5 short weeks. He ran the entire time - NO WALKING! I am SO very proud of him and I know one day, when he is old enough to know what running a half marathon entails, Graham will be extremely proud of his daddy!

This was the 1st annual Run for 21K. They were a little late getting the word out, but it is our hope that the run will continue to grow year after year. Bringing awareness to such a great cause - great organizations. It was a beautiful day - sun shining, temp about 60 degrees. We started in downtown Clayton and ran to Westport Plaza. They had buses to shuttle us back. Upon getting close to the finish line, we noticed a family walking in the parking lot...dad, mom, son. The son, Alex (whom we later met) has Down syndrome. They were there just in time to give Scott (& me) that last little push through the finish line. Seeing him would make anyone's heart melt.

Life has changed in many ways for our family since June 23, 2011. I am proud of the changes our family has embraced with love, with open arms. And, I am excited about the future.

Scott said he wouldn't do it for anyone else, just Graham. It's beautiful to see the ways Graham's life is already infuencing us in such a positive and loving way. Boy, oh boy, do we love that boy...