Race for the Cure

I don't know anyone who hasn't had their life tainted with cancer in one way or another.

A dear family friend Kim, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year at the age of 36. She has 2 boys, Jackson and Josh, ages 5 and 7. My family met the Smith family a few years ago when I was at Bridgewater. Settling for second best (haha i kid i kid) the two little ones quickly fell into a deep admiration/infatuation/obsession of my brother Josh. Every Sunday when Josh H. would stand up for communion you would hear "LOOK IT'S JOSH HENDERSON" from somewhere in the sanctuary. Josh and Jackson are still #1 fans of my brother and since they weren't able to go to any of his basketball games this season they instead constantly looked for him on tv, talked about him, drew pictures, acted like him etc. Even though Josh H. was unable to run today he was brought up many times by the boys as we did different activities.

I have been amazed at the strength of this family during this trying time and their unwaivering faith. Kim and Calvin have been able to keep a strong stable foundation for their children throughout the past year. One that is only possible through a Christ centered life. I am glad to have Kim as a friend and role model of how I should live my life even when her life is on the line.

I had the privilege of participating in the Susan B. Komen 5K Race for the Cure yesterday at Green Hill Park on the Kim's Dawgs Team. I brought my flip camera around thinking it had the potential to keep the boys entertained for awhile when the race wasn't going on. Little did I know how awesome the results would be.

The ability to see through the eyes of a 5 and 7 year old of what cancer means to them. The serious undertones Josh focused on with the camera: pink ribbons/buttons, survivor banners, posters. And then of course the fun details that a kindergartener and 2nd grader playfully point out: a pink porta-potty, my socks, a punchbuggy, dancing with the chic-fli-a cow, a pink flag lining our route as Josh kicked my butt running the whole 5k (Jackson even ran the whole first mile with us!), and keeping the secret of the video from Kim. They were all into it--the first thing Josh said after crossing the finish line was "Let's video"! Here's a SHORT version of the video as they took 81 clips.
To all the mothers who keep fighting daily:

Kim we love you!