I applied to be a 2010 Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warrior because I had to prove something to myself.

What I learned was far from what I expected.

I learned that the people who have put themselves out there for all to see – are just like you and me – they have incredible stories and are amazing individuals. I hope that the journeys of my 9 teammates and me have touched you in some way. I know for me – I have laughed – smiled – shaken my head – and on more than one occasion cried.

I accomplished what I set out to do – I finished the race. But do you know what I will cherish more than the finishers medal and the way that these last 6 month have strengthened my body – my mind and my soul. It is clearly the people I have had the opportunity to share this experience with – the ones who have made me want to be a better runner and a better person – the ones who have opened themselves up (just like me) to hopefully reach one person – one person – to make a difference in their lives – that is what motivates each of us on this team – at our core. How cool is that?

I started this adventure with some baggage (in addition to my hardware) and some unfinished business. I am proud to say that the baggage is gone – the unfinished business is now finished and that chapter is closed – well – I still have the hardware. The people that I have had the opportunity to meet through this experience have all had an impact on me – I can think of so many – it is absolutely amazing – many of whom will continue to be friends long after the sore muscles have healed.

I will turn 40 next week – and can honestly say that I am excited to see what He has is store for me during the next decade – what a gift and a blessing – isn’t it?

I will conclude my last blog with this quote from Ernie Harwell’s 2002 farewell address – rather than goodbye – please allow me to say thank you – now God has a new adventure for me – I’m ready to move on, so I leave you with a deep sense of appreciation.

~ Thank you.

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I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.

~ Arthur Blank – Co-Founder of Home Depot

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I say of sorts – because in fact and in so many ways – it is not something that I will look to celebrate each year forward. Birthdays – of course. Wedding date – of course. The day I got hit by a car – not so much. Now I say that – and at the same time will tell you that I consider the accident to be a blessing – confused – sure me too. But seriously – I have been able to see so may positives as a result of this accident – that they can far out weigh the negatives. I think about the closeness I have with my wife and our children – I think about the abilities I still have – not the ones that I lost – I think about where I am going in my life – with my priorities in a new order of faith, family, self and work – I think about the relationships that have been forged over the past year and what they will mean to me in the future.

After the past year of my life and the experiences I have had – I have learned that the most important things in life are not the things we have – the material items in our life, but rather the relation with my Lord and the people around me. I have learned that when I live for others not myself I feel more complete and fulfilled.

Richard DeVos once said “Dwell on the positive; think about your blessings; and then become a life enricher.” How powerful – and exactly how I have been leading my life for the past year – more importantly – how I will continue to live my life into the future. God is already on my side – I am just going to live my life to please Him and give Him the glory.

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“The task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you.” ~ Unknown

I have heard it called the snowball effect – so what is that – and what is all this about snowballs in May? The so called snowball effect to which I speak is a figurative term for a process that starts from an initial state of small significance and builds upon itself, becoming larger and more powerful as grows.

As I look at the number of people who have stepped up and supported my partnership with the American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids – I cannot tell you enough how thankful I am. I am so appreciative of the selfless acts you each have shown.

As I started down this path – I knew that there was a reason I was partnered with the Red Cross. God always has a plan – there is no luck – it is not left up to chance – he controls our destiny. Obviously – Kim and me had a time in our lives almost one year ago when things were in a tough spot – and we learned first hand what it felt like when there was an event in your life that changed everything – can you imagine – everything! Fortunately – we were blessed with an outpouring of care from our families, friends, church and friends of friends which provided us with the support we needed. Think about it – there are so many people and families that are not in the same situation which we were. These individuals and families are supported by an organization like the Red Cross – they are a shoulder to lean on in a critical time of need.

For those of you who have been able to contribute – two words – from the heart – thank you.

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What God is to the world, parents are to their children.

~Philo

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